[ he thinks briefly of the cake, of the others still inside enjoying the festivities, of well-wishes and smiles. he came here to celebrate, but the other celebrants are numerous, and choso can only bear to lose two cake slices in one day when the venue is so clamorous. besides, yuji was the safest he could be here, surrounded by his peers in this brightly-lit place, loud with the amusement of a dozen people or more. is choso truly needed here, now?

Toji’s arm around him is a warm and heavy weight. ]

Just like this. Yuji will find his way back with the others.

[ like that’s the true deciding factor here, and maybe it is. arms fold, and the hand that had been scrubbed away with such attention, that one he tucks in closest to his chest. ]

I want to eat something that isn’t sugar, and I want another kiss that isn’t rife with your rogue ways.

[ a pause to glance up, strange and unblinking eyes flitting to find Toji’s dead fish stare. ]

I do not care which order it is in.