(ryuji would never give ren anything but his full and absolute best. if ryuji says he's planning a date, then he does everything in his power to make it a date ren would love, even if it is just a fake date. and if he just doesn't think about it, it'll all just seem like a normal bro hang out.
just with kissing and hand holding and all the stuff that makes ryuji the happiest he's ever been.
while ren is defiant and refusing to let ryuji have his way, ryuji himself is only getting more playful by the second. ren's hand in his pockets means he can't quickly stop ryuji from doing anything.
in one swift movement, ryuji plants the glitter monstrosity on ren's head. and leaves it there. seeing ren amamiya, the cool, stoic-faced leader of the phantom thieves, with bright pink, sparkly cat ears on his head makes ryuji absolutely lose his shit.
right there, in the middle of the shop, ryuji is clutching his sides in laughter while he stares at the love of his life looking the dumbest he ever has.) Dude. You look great. You've gotta get those!
[ He realizes his mistake a moment too late. Ren is quick, but Ryuji is faster in this state. Before he can even pull his hands from his pockets, he's been adorned with a glittery pair of cat ears.
Well. Nothing else to do now other than own it. Especially if that's the reaction it gets from Ryuji: guffaws so loud and enthusiastic that it's a wonder he's not laid out on the floor with them. It's pure joy, and Ren is happy to have played a part in putting it there, even if it was just posing as an unwilling model for some garish headgear. ]
You think? [ There are a few mirrors set up around the racks of headbands, so he sidesteps to look into one, framing his chin in the vee of his thumb and pointer finger.
It's... ridiculous, honestly. Ann might be the only person he knows capable of truly pulling these off, but... hey, they are kind of cute, looking at them independently of his curly black hair that they don't go with at all. ]
Okay then. [ It was his suggestion to do it this way, after all. And that means... ] Now to pick one for you.
[ And Ren intends to fit him with something equally gaudy. It takes browsing the selection a bit, but soon his eyes land on something that make them light up. That's it. He emerges with a pure white pair of mouse ears in hand, with a sequined bow in between and a short but flowing white veil attached. ]
(pure black and red ears would have suit ren far much better, but ryuji isn't going for what suits ren. this is a date, and that means making it as fun and silly and unforgettable as possible. even more so with this being their first actual date.
the entire store is staring with how hard ryuji is laughing, but he can't even care at this point. staring at his boyfriend in cat ears that are completely unsuited for him is nothing sort of delightful. he'll take the judgmental stares and rude eyerolls and whatever else people may give him, so long as he can share this moment with his boyfriend.
that is, until ren returns with something even gaudier than what ryuji picked up. his laughter slowly dies off the longer he looks at it, and within moments, he's even blushing just from the thought of having to wear that. probably the only person in the world it would look good on would be ann. and she'd murder anyone who tries to even get it near her.
shit. time to see if he can worm his way out of this.) C'mon, dude, you gotta at least buy me dinner first. Marriage already?
(it's a weak attempt to get out of it and he knows it, but he can try.)
[ Oh, so Ryuji can dish it out, but he can't take it in return? Not if Ren has anything to say about it. He lowers the ears slightly so that attention will be drawn solely to his really? expression, eyebrows quirked behind his curly hair. ]
How many dinners have I bought you over the years? If that's what we're going by, we should've been married before we finished high school.
[ Enjoy that hole you're digging yourself into, Ryuji. Ren sure is.
He approaches with slow, casual steps, as if trying to avoid spooking a flighty animal. The headband remains in his hands, held loosely in front. ]
Look, you've even got the blushing part of "blushing bride" down...
(ryuji absolutely cannot take what he dishes out, in this case even more so.
and he sees that look ren is giving him, and if anything, it only makes ryuji more defiant. he crosses his arms, an affronted pout clear on his face.) That doesn't count, that was like... Phantom Thieves stuff! Bonding 'n shit, y'know? Totally different than a date.
(does ryuji occasionally think back to those late afternoon ramen dinners and think if he'd done just one little thing differently, they would be dates? yes, yes he does. and he wishes this could be a real date and not just playing pretend.
except it's rather hard to think about all that when ren is inching closer and closer, bridal veil in hand like some sort of demon he's about to unleash on ryuji. so, in a moment of panic, ryuji does the only sensible thing he can.
he whacks the headband right out of ren's hand, slamming it on the ground, and kicking it out of the way.
[ Well, that's an overreaction if he's ever seen one, even for Ryuji. Ren's eyes tick wider as they flicker from his now empty hands to the headband where it's skittered to a stop nearby. ]
Wow, Ryuji. You could've told me that you're deathly afraid of marriage.
[ Ren manages to keep it light, though, snorting as he steps over to pick up the headband. The clerk at the register is now eyeing them with a certain amount of disdain, so he gives a quick and polite bow of his head from halfway across the store. ]
Um— We're going to get this one.
[ And if Ryuji won't wear it, then he will. Ren swaps out the pink one for the dreaded veiled headband, plopping it onto his head instead. It probably looks even more ridiculous despite not being as loud as the glittery pink monstrosity. Now to pick out something that Ryuji won't see fit to yeet into the distance. He looks around quickly before coming up with something a little less offensive but still far from Ryuji's style: a band sporting some white bunny ears with a miniature powder blue top hat set jauntily between them. ]
(well, the date managed to go well for about 5 minutes. which tracks with ryuji's usual record of how long things go well for him. the second he overreacted, ryuji started mentally kicking himself for making such a scene on what's supposed to be their first date.
he's clearly scrambling for anything, for some way to salvage this and prove he's not just being a brat. at least, not now. ryuji glances around the shop quickly, before his eyes set on something that could potentially improve the mood.) Um. Wait here.
(he ducks over to another aisle momentarily, returning with a much more striking headband. it's still cat ears, but a dark red, similar to the shade of his joker gloves, and without any glitter, sparkles, or anything else potentially embarrassing.
it's ryuji's idea of a peace offering, holding out the headband looking rather shy and hoping he can seem cooler than he actually is. a boy be desperate.) Here. These ones definitely suit you better.
[ Confusion flashes through him when Ryuji rushes off. Does he not like this suggestion either? Well, at least he didn't fling it across the store again. Ren watches that head of golden hair move into another aisle, clearly browsing the selection for something else.
It's not a real date, but there's a little sting to how quickly it went off the rails. Maybe Ryuji isn't as comfortable with this as he said he is. Ren's eyebrows furrow slightly as he sets the headband in his hands back in its place. The idea that Ryuji could be forcing himself to go along with it just for his sake… He's an incredible friend, but Ren doesn't want that.
He's trying to find the right way to broach the subject when Ryuji returns. Luckily, the offer comes before his words do. ]
Oh. [ Ren stares down at the hairband, recognizing it for what it is: an apology. A tiny smile unfurls as he reaches up to remove his current pair of ears. ] I like those. Thanks.
[ He swaps them out, plopping the ears onto his head and turning to check them in the mirror. They really do suit him better. ]
(seeing ren smile brings ryuji instant relief, knowing the date wasn't completely beyond saving. and what's even better, ren seems genuinely pleased with the ears ryuji earnestly picked out for him. it's an improved situation entirely, one that leaves ryuji with a smile of his own.
he wastes no time putting back the gag ears, trying to get them as far out of sight and mind as quickly as possible.
and now with ren doing the same for him, he just hopes he isn't blushing too obviously.
it may not be a real date, but it's real enough to ryuji to make it want to be good. to make it memorable. so that when ren eventually does find someone he truly wants to date, he can at least look back on this with fond memories, and not just wasted time.
he nudges ren's shoulder with his own, a playful grin and teasing tone to help lighten the mood.) All right, I'm trusting you this time, dude.
[ It's a given that it would be a little weird, right? They're on a fake date. Even if they fall into their usual rapport, that fact has to come up every now and then—along with the thought that Ren would really like for this to be the real thing. ]
I'll pick the perfect ones.
[ And the perfect ones catch his eye after a couple of minutes of browsing the displays: a pair of floppy little dog ears, a similar shade of yellow to Ryuji's hair. Ren plucks them up and returns to Ryuji's side. ]
Here. We can kind of match.
[ They don't have to perform for anyone right now, but he can't resist reaching up to set the headband on Ryuji's head and nudge him towards the nearby mirror to get a glimpse of them side-by-side. ]
(he's hoping ren is calm enough to chalk ryuji's nerves up to this being a date, even if it's a fake one. it means enough to ryuji that it certainly feels real. he can pretend, just for a little while.
seeing ren take it a little more seriously too, and picking out ears that actually suit him, gets his heart racing a little. it all just feels perfect.
he hunches over a little to let ren reach up and place then on his head, admiring them in the mirror. ryuji gets a dopey smile on his face from the joy of it all.) It's perfect, dude. Take a picture of this and shove it in your mom's face.
(despite ren's mother being most of the reason behind all of this, ryuji still doesn't want it all to be credited to her. he wants to be more important in this fake relationship.
so, mustering up all the courage he possibly can, ryuji leans over to give ren a quick peck on the cheek. it's something a couple would do, right? a cute, intimate gesture as a sign of thanks. it's normal, right, it's totally normal, even the part where he blushes a deep red, covering his face. it's normal!) I love it.
[ When Ryuji smiles like that, it completes the look: a dumb, affectionate, adorable puppy. He's definitely loyal enough to be one. Hell, look at what they're doing right now. Ren is starting to think Ryuji would walk through fire for him. ]
Ah, right...
[ Pictures. They're supposed to be documenting this. Right.
Ren reaches into the pocket of his jeans to retrieve his phone. He's lining up the shot when the warm peck of Ryuji's lips lands on his cheek, effectively short-circuiting whatever thoughts were circulating there and making his finger twitch down on the shutter button. Eyes widened, he glances over to find Ryuji shielding his face, redness peeking out from behind his fingers—a condition that seems to be contagious. The catch of his teeth into his bottom lip doesn't do much to hide a smile.
He snaps another one of the aftermath for good measure. ]
Come on, we can take a normal one, too.
[ A memento of their friendship, something Ryuji will probably be able to appreciate more later on. ]
(no matter how things change over the months, or even just weeks, the picture where ryuji managed to sneak a kiss on ren will always be the one he treasures the most. and while he's not entirely sure if that smile is one ren is forcing or trying to hide, but either way it gives him butterflies.
when ren gives a sign for taking another photo, ryuji poses much more normally this time. a bright, cheery smile to show how much this date already means to him, along with a peace sign pose.
he's more relieved than he knows that the date could get back on track so quickly after getting as awkward as it did. they're free to be themselves again, just including handholding and kissing. he hopes lots of kissing.
once ren finishes up with the pictures, ryuji takes his hand and guides him to the cashier to pay for the headbands. of course he's planning on wearing his right out of the store, and he'll expect the same from ren.) So, did you wanna grab some food first, or try a couple rides after this?
[ On the way to the register, Ren scrolls over the pictures, giving them one last peek for now. Even if they took them for a specific purpose, he knows he's going to treasure these. Maybe he'll even make that second one his phone background later. Ryuji's shy look in it is so priceless, a side of him Ren knows to exist but rarely sees on such plain display.
The question snaps him back to reality. Ren slips his phone back into his pocket, offering up his thoughts in the process. ]
Let's do some rides. [ Ryuji will have the honor of buying him overpriced park food after that. How rare of an occasion that Ren isn't the one doing the treating. ] I haven't been here in a while, heard they're changed some.
[ After they pay for their headbands, Ren tucks his back into his hair, making sure that the band doesn't sit uncomfortable with the arms of his glasses. Happiness sparks in his chest. It does feel like a real date, while still feeling like a regular hangout for the two of them. Funny how those two things aren't mutually exclusive.
On the way out, he grabs a park pamphlet from a nearby rack, unfolding it to display the map inside. ]
(the date has only just begun, yet ryuji already feels as though it's the best he's ever gone on. the rocky start was nothing compared to the joy he felt now, knowing there was a romantic picture of them together. even if only a lie.
which reminds him, sliding his arm easily over ren's shoulders, the way he's always done and will continue to do.) Hey, send me that pic later, okay? Both of 'em.
(with excitement in his veins and a grin on his face, ryuji quickly guides ren out of the shop. his emotions are a back and forth, frantic over any little thing that goes wrong, yet so easily overjoyed when they go right.
the hours ryuji spent organizing and planning this date won't go to waste. with all the ease of someone who no doubt practiced for hours yet pulls it off so smoothyl, ryuji takes ren's hand to intertwine their fingers. he doesn't give it a verbal acknowledgment, but he will pull away if ren gives any sort of indication that this is not something he wants.) They finished renovating the flying swings a couple weeks ago, we can do that first! Then maybe the carousel or boat ride before hitting up some roller coasters.
(the childish glee emanating from ryuji is palpable, tugging ren along as he tries not to rush too much to the rides, with a light, airy laugh escaping his lips.) C'mon, dude, today's gonna be awesome!
[ Being tactile is nothing new for them, even before initiating this entire ruse. Still, Ren isn't quite prepared for the moment that Ryuji's fingers slot through his, a small but warm point of embrace. His eyes tick just a bit wider as he looks over, but all that there is that same sunny smile, no hesitance or uncertainty whatsoever.
Is this something Ryuji is used to? Is it experience? His mind easily supplies the image of Ryuji taking a woman's hand, his heart clenching tight in response—a reaction he masks at the surface level with a mild smile of his own. ]
You've got a whole plan of attack.
[ Jealousy will only spoil the day. Ren quietly packs up the feelings and sets them aside in a dark corner, somewhere the bright sun and even brighter shine of Ryuji's smile can't reach. He meets Ryuji's enthusiasm with longer strides of his own, wrapping himself in that delight as they head to their first destination.
It indeed seems like they've managed to avoid the worst of the lines. Ren looks up at the ride in motion as they queue up, shooting Ryuji a playful smirk. ]
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just with kissing and hand holding and all the stuff that makes ryuji the happiest he's ever been.
while ren is defiant and refusing to let ryuji have his way, ryuji himself is only getting more playful by the second. ren's hand in his pockets means he can't quickly stop ryuji from doing anything.
in one swift movement, ryuji plants the glitter monstrosity on ren's head. and leaves it there. seeing ren amamiya, the cool, stoic-faced leader of the phantom thieves, with bright pink, sparkly cat ears on his head makes ryuji absolutely lose his shit.
right there, in the middle of the shop, ryuji is clutching his sides in laughter while he stares at the love of his life looking the dumbest he ever has.) Dude. You look great. You've gotta get those!
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Well. Nothing else to do now other than own it. Especially if that's the reaction it gets from Ryuji: guffaws so loud and enthusiastic that it's a wonder he's not laid out on the floor with them. It's pure joy, and Ren is happy to have played a part in putting it there, even if it was just posing as an unwilling model for some garish headgear. ]
You think? [ There are a few mirrors set up around the racks of headbands, so he sidesteps to look into one, framing his chin in the vee of his thumb and pointer finger.
It's... ridiculous, honestly. Ann might be the only person he knows capable of truly pulling these off, but... hey, they are kind of cute, looking at them independently of his curly black hair that they don't go with at all. ]
Okay then. [ It was his suggestion to do it this way, after all. And that means... ] Now to pick one for you.
[ And Ren intends to fit him with something equally gaudy. It takes browsing the selection a bit, but soon his eyes land on something that make them light up. That's it. He emerges with a pure white pair of mouse ears in hand, with a sequined bow in between and a short but flowing white veil attached. ]
Found yours.
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the entire store is staring with how hard ryuji is laughing, but he can't even care at this point. staring at his boyfriend in cat ears that are completely unsuited for him is nothing sort of delightful. he'll take the judgmental stares and rude eyerolls and whatever else people may give him, so long as he can share this moment with his boyfriend.
that is, until ren returns with something even gaudier than what ryuji picked up. his laughter slowly dies off the longer he looks at it, and within moments, he's even blushing just from the thought of having to wear that. probably the only person in the world it would look good on would be ann. and she'd murder anyone who tries to even get it near her.
shit. time to see if he can worm his way out of this.) C'mon, dude, you gotta at least buy me dinner first. Marriage already?
(it's a weak attempt to get out of it and he knows it, but he can try.)
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How many dinners have I bought you over the years? If that's what we're going by, we should've been married before we finished high school.
[ Enjoy that hole you're digging yourself into, Ryuji. Ren sure is.
He approaches with slow, casual steps, as if trying to avoid spooking a flighty animal. The headband remains in his hands, held loosely in front. ]
Look, you've even got the blushing part of "blushing bride" down...
[ He really is having too much fun with this. ]
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and he sees that look ren is giving him, and if anything, it only makes ryuji more defiant. he crosses his arms, an affronted pout clear on his face.) That doesn't count, that was like... Phantom Thieves stuff! Bonding 'n shit, y'know? Totally different than a date.
(does ryuji occasionally think back to those late afternoon ramen dinners and think if he'd done just one little thing differently, they would be dates? yes, yes he does. and he wishes this could be a real date and not just playing pretend.
except it's rather hard to think about all that when ren is inching closer and closer, bridal veil in hand like some sort of demon he's about to unleash on ryuji. so, in a moment of panic, ryuji does the only sensible thing he can.
he whacks the headband right out of ren's hand, slamming it on the ground, and kicking it out of the way.
yeah, he'll probably have to pay for it.)
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Wow, Ryuji. You could've told me that you're deathly afraid of marriage.
[ Ren manages to keep it light, though, snorting as he steps over to pick up the headband. The clerk at the register is now eyeing them with a certain amount of disdain, so he gives a quick and polite bow of his head from halfway across the store. ]
Um— We're going to get this one.
[ And if Ryuji won't wear it, then he will. Ren swaps out the pink one for the dreaded veiled headband, plopping it onto his head instead. It probably looks even more ridiculous despite not being as loud as the glittery pink monstrosity. Now to pick out something that Ryuji won't see fit to yeet into the distance. He looks around quickly before coming up with something a little less offensive but still far from Ryuji's style: a band sporting some white bunny ears with a miniature powder blue top hat set jauntily between them. ]
How about this? We'll kind of match.
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he's clearly scrambling for anything, for some way to salvage this and prove he's not just being a brat. at least, not now. ryuji glances around the shop quickly, before his eyes set on something that could potentially improve the mood.) Um. Wait here.
(he ducks over to another aisle momentarily, returning with a much more striking headband. it's still cat ears, but a dark red, similar to the shade of his joker gloves, and without any glitter, sparkles, or anything else potentially embarrassing.
it's ryuji's idea of a peace offering, holding out the headband looking rather shy and hoping he can seem cooler than he actually is. a boy be desperate.) Here. These ones definitely suit you better.
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It's not a real date, but there's a little sting to how quickly it went off the rails. Maybe Ryuji isn't as comfortable with this as he said he is. Ren's eyebrows furrow slightly as he sets the headband in his hands back in its place. The idea that Ryuji could be forcing himself to go along with it just for his sake… He's an incredible friend, but Ren doesn't want that.
He's trying to find the right way to broach the subject when Ryuji returns. Luckily, the offer comes before his words do. ]
Oh. [ Ren stares down at the hairband, recognizing it for what it is: an apology. A tiny smile unfurls as he reaches up to remove his current pair of ears. ] I like those. Thanks.
[ He swaps them out, plopping the ears onto his head and turning to check them in the mirror. They really do suit him better. ]
Now we need a pair for you.
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he wastes no time putting back the gag ears, trying to get them as far out of sight and mind as quickly as possible.
and now with ren doing the same for him, he just hopes he isn't blushing too obviously.
it may not be a real date, but it's real enough to ryuji to make it want to be good. to make it memorable. so that when ren eventually does find someone he truly wants to date, he can at least look back on this with fond memories, and not just wasted time.
he nudges ren's shoulder with his own, a playful grin and teasing tone to help lighten the mood.) All right, I'm trusting you this time, dude.
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I'll pick the perfect ones.
[ And the perfect ones catch his eye after a couple of minutes of browsing the displays: a pair of floppy little dog ears, a similar shade of yellow to Ryuji's hair. Ren plucks them up and returns to Ryuji's side. ]
Here. We can kind of match.
[ They don't have to perform for anyone right now, but he can't resist reaching up to set the headband on Ryuji's head and nudge him towards the nearby mirror to get a glimpse of them side-by-side. ]
What do you think?
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seeing ren take it a little more seriously too, and picking out ears that actually suit him, gets his heart racing a little. it all just feels perfect.
he hunches over a little to let ren reach up and place then on his head, admiring them in the mirror. ryuji gets a dopey smile on his face from the joy of it all.) It's perfect, dude. Take a picture of this and shove it in your mom's face.
(despite ren's mother being most of the reason behind all of this, ryuji still doesn't want it all to be credited to her. he wants to be more important in this fake relationship.
so, mustering up all the courage he possibly can, ryuji leans over to give ren a quick peck on the cheek. it's something a couple would do, right? a cute, intimate gesture as a sign of thanks. it's normal, right, it's totally normal, even the part where he blushes a deep red, covering his face. it's normal!) I love it.
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Ah, right...
[ Pictures. They're supposed to be documenting this. Right.
Ren reaches into the pocket of his jeans to retrieve his phone. He's lining up the shot when the warm peck of Ryuji's lips lands on his cheek, effectively short-circuiting whatever thoughts were circulating there and making his finger twitch down on the shutter button. Eyes widened, he glances over to find Ryuji shielding his face, redness peeking out from behind his fingers—a condition that seems to be contagious. The catch of his teeth into his bottom lip doesn't do much to hide a smile.
He snaps another one of the aftermath for good measure. ]
Come on, we can take a normal one, too.
[ A memento of their friendship, something Ryuji will probably be able to appreciate more later on. ]
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when ren gives a sign for taking another photo, ryuji poses much more normally this time. a bright, cheery smile to show how much this date already means to him, along with a peace sign pose.
he's more relieved than he knows that the date could get back on track so quickly after getting as awkward as it did. they're free to be themselves again, just including handholding and kissing. he hopes lots of kissing.
once ren finishes up with the pictures, ryuji takes his hand and guides him to the cashier to pay for the headbands. of course he's planning on wearing his right out of the store, and he'll expect the same from ren.) So, did you wanna grab some food first, or try a couple rides after this?
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The question snaps him back to reality. Ren slips his phone back into his pocket, offering up his thoughts in the process. ]
Let's do some rides. [ Ryuji will have the honor of buying him overpriced park food after that. How rare of an occasion that Ren isn't the one doing the treating. ] I haven't been here in a while, heard they're changed some.
[ After they pay for their headbands, Ren tucks his back into his hair, making sure that the band doesn't sit uncomfortable with the arms of his glasses. Happiness sparks in his chest. It does feel like a real date, while still feeling like a regular hangout for the two of them. Funny how those two things aren't mutually exclusive.
On the way out, he grabs a park pamphlet from a nearby rack, unfolding it to display the map inside. ]
What kind of ride are you feeling first?
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which reminds him, sliding his arm easily over ren's shoulders, the way he's always done and will continue to do.) Hey, send me that pic later, okay? Both of 'em.
(with excitement in his veins and a grin on his face, ryuji quickly guides ren out of the shop. his emotions are a back and forth, frantic over any little thing that goes wrong, yet so easily overjoyed when they go right.
the hours ryuji spent organizing and planning this date won't go to waste. with all the ease of someone who no doubt practiced for hours yet pulls it off so smoothyl, ryuji takes ren's hand to intertwine their fingers. he doesn't give it a verbal acknowledgment, but he will pull away if ren gives any sort of indication that this is not something he wants.) They finished renovating the flying swings a couple weeks ago, we can do that first! Then maybe the carousel or boat ride before hitting up some roller coasters.
(the childish glee emanating from ryuji is palpable, tugging ren along as he tries not to rush too much to the rides, with a light, airy laugh escaping his lips.) C'mon, dude, today's gonna be awesome!
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Is this something Ryuji is used to? Is it experience? His mind easily supplies the image of Ryuji taking a woman's hand, his heart clenching tight in response—a reaction he masks at the surface level with a mild smile of his own. ]
You've got a whole plan of attack.
[ Jealousy will only spoil the day. Ren quietly packs up the feelings and sets them aside in a dark corner, somewhere the bright sun and even brighter shine of Ryuji's smile can't reach. He meets Ryuji's enthusiasm with longer strides of his own, wrapping himself in that delight as they head to their first destination.
It indeed seems like they've managed to avoid the worst of the lines. Ren looks up at the ride in motion as they queue up, shooting Ryuji a playful smirk. ]
You sure you're ready for this?