Work Text:
One of your closest friends is a detective on the Kira case. He's been very busy lately, but you know that's not his fault. He's a sweetheart, really, you know he'd never intentionally neglect your friendship. In fact, he asked you to go to a coffee shop with him tomorrow. You're more excited than you'd ever tell him. You might just have feelings for him, but saying such a thing is a terrible idea.
Sitting at the most secluded table, you set down the coffee you'd ordered and wait for Matsuda to come sit down. He sits in the chair across from you, a flustered expression making its way onto his face. You can't help the way that you feel warm as well.
"So," he sips at his drink, "you mind if I complain a bit about work?"
"Not at all. I've been worried about you." Not a lie. But you definitely want to talk about things other than his job.
"They treat me so badly there. It's like I'm not even taken seriously, just some immature little kid who wants to play detective because everyone around me is an actual one," he groans and looks back at you. "Oh, but how have you been?"
You talk a bit about your life, a few complaints, some random updates. Matsuda lets you talk, but you can tell that he still has more to share. And honestly, if it makes him feel any better, you'll listen. He's too cute, and you're not a fan of how he's treated, either.
"Dude, they always make fun of me and call me stupid or annoying, it's like I'm useless. I finally did something really useful for once, or at least, I thought I did, and everyone got mad about how I'm always screwing up."
"Matsu," you set down your coffee, stand up, and pat his head, "you seem to be pretty good at your job to me. You're always there, I feel like that shows a decent level of commitment."
"We've been friends for this long and you still don't just call me Touta? Come on, now," he grabs your sides without any warning and seats you on his lap. "Aren't we too close for something so formal?"
"I suppose," you stutter out, feeling a bit embarrassed by the position you're in.
"Don't tell me you're mad about this. Please, don't be mad. I don't see what's wrong with this position."
"Well, M—Touta, I feel like this is a bit... it looks kind of like we're dating, you know?" Your heart is pounding, just a bit, though you're certain that Touta feels it. You squirm a bit, just because you kind of want to get off of him before he realizes why you find this awkward, but he holds you tighter.
"Hey, it's all good, don't get up. I won't let you fall."
"That's not exactly my concern," you murmur, but he hears, unfortunately.
"Then what is?" He tilts his head to the side, shiny black hair falling over his face. He's whining like a puppy, yet you find it adorable. Damn him.
"Isn't it weird if people assume we're dating because of this?" You continue trying to escape, but his arms are holding you in place with too much force to let go so easily.
"Probably, but I don't really care. I mean, I don't get why you care, people already think whatever they want. It's not like I'm bothered by the thought of being with you romantically, I just can't exactly get romantically involved with anyone or they'd be at risk."
"Couldn't you, hypothetically, if we did want to date, just do it in secret? It's not as if Kira is stalking you," Touta smiles at you and uses one hand to play with your hair.
"I guess that could work, yeah. You trying to imply something with that statement?"
Your face burns up a bit at his question, unsure of how to answer. Instead, you just respond with, "Well, I'm sure the hair touching isn't helping the couple allegations."
"Well, that wasn't the purpose of the hair touching."
"And what exactly is?"
Touta takes a moment to respond, still touching your hair, "Well, what's the point of you asking about my ability to have a relationship?"
"Avoiding the question."
"Seems like they both have similar answers. Just admit that you like me."
You want to scream. But you don't, because you're in public, and you don't want to cause a scene.
"Maybe I do, Touta."
"Maybe I do as well."
"Is that all?"
"Yeah. I just thought you should know."