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‘Quiet’ and ‘reserved’ were not traits of a person that Anne normally attributed to Satsuki.
They knew, of course, the man had the capacity to be so, and was considerate enough to be so when the time and place called for it. But Satsuki, loud, boisterous, forthcoming Satsuki - the one who always leapt at the chance to be the one to start an A.K.Y.R. song, the Satsuki that jumped to be by their side when a Candy Club patron was a little too reluctant to leave - was the one Anne knew the best.
That Satsuki was the one they gradually grew feelings for, the one that left a warm fluttering at the pits of their stomach until it was too much to simply ignore.
And so they took the plunge and decided to be the one to ask him on a date. It took all their effort not to laugh out loud at Satsuki’s stuttering and confusion, which quickly turned into whoops of joy and excitement as he realised it was real and not just another one of his delusions (his words, not theirs). Since then, they had gone on quite a few dates - either their 5th or 6th was happening right now, depending on whether one counted a quick breather and drink in between setting up and opening the club.
And it wasn’t like Anne had to have PDA in their relationship for it to be an enjoyable one. They just kind of assumed… more would happen by now. More than Satsuki hesitantly brushing his fingers against theirs and withdrawing them, for instance.
“Satsuki,” Anne starts lightly.
“Hm? What’s up?” Dutifully, their orange-haired boyfriend stops in his tracks just a pace ahead of them.
“I was just thinking…” they flashed him an encouraging smile. “You know we can be open with each other, right? And tell each other anything?”
“Of course!” he agreed, the boisterous tone that was so Satsuki back somewhat. “You’re the most supportive relationship I’ve ever had! Well. The only one I’ve had,” he corrects, rubbing at the back of his head in embarrassment. The movements mussed up the back of his hair in a messy but endearing way. “Still. Feel 100% supported, right here. And right back at you! Ready to support you 100%!”
They chuckled at that. “I’m glad. But I’m wondering if… you intend to go this slow for this long? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. But we should be on the same page about kissing and holding hands and stuff like that.”
“Kissing?!” Satsuki yelps out, eyes widening to the size of saucers. Anne took a step back, placatingly holding their hands up. “Only if you want to, Satsuki. Otherwise… I’m fine with just what we’ve been doing.”
“... Guh.”
“Hmm?” Anne tilts their head in confusion. Satsuki often made such noises, but often they had no idea how to interpret them.
“Sorry! It’s just…” he sighs. “Sorry for the lame excuse but it’s not you, it’s me. I dunno, like, I’ve liked you for ages which- which you probably already knew because Reo and all the guys kept saying I’m so obvious and. Anyway I was so stoked when you first asked me out! And every time we go out! But I dunno. I’ve never been good at listening to Aniki’s dirty jokes, or getting past a certain point in dating sim games, or, or taking the next step with you. It’s really lame and unmanly, I know…”
Anne takes a brief moment to lament how entrenched toxic masculinity still is in society, and then composes themself, offering an open palm to Satsuki. “Then how about we start with holding hands? If that’s okay with you.”
“Oh! Um…” Slowly, Satsuki’s hand inches closer, before reaching out to hesitantly clasp at Anne’s. His palm felt so warm against theirs, and even though it was already a fairly warm spring day, they really, really liked the feeling of it.
So did Satsuki, judging by the giddy, goofy smile coming from him. “This… yeah, this ain’t so bad. This is. This is pretty awesome, actually!”