Bocchi the Love Story!

31. Alleviate

Akihiko PoV

" I love you, Akihiko-kun."

Akihiko releases a deep sigh of shame and disappointment in himself. Despite telling himself over and over to drop it. He still hopelessly tries to pull her in, by the way he wrapped his arms around her despite all his self warnings-- despite the reality, his heart still wants her.

" Stayyy...." Her arms were stubbornly wrapping around his neck, trying to pull him down with her on the bed.

God, he wanted to stay. With her, anywhere, everywhere-- forever. As long as that forever was with her. But it felt wrong, and not just from where he was standing but also from the state she was in. The normal Bocchi would've never made such a tempting offer. Still, drunk or not, he would've taken care of her the rest of his life if he could.

" Good night.....love you.....sweet dreams..." he hears her say in a drowsy tone.

She's said ' I love you' to him-- twice, albeit drunk, but still. Akihiko has admitted to loving her in his thoughts, and to certain people. But he couldn't dare tell her that; the fear of pain just creeps in every single time, a haunting reminder that if he were to pursue her beyond what he's limited to. They'll both suffer in the long run. Especially her.

He's only said ' I love you' to her once. When he was sick. And when she swore to never believe him.

And he kissed her forehead just last night as his way of saying good night....and a silent ' I love you' back, before a sweet dreams.

That should be enough. More than enough.

He gets up from bed. It's already 5 am in the morning, it was his turn to cook breakfast on the weekends. Despite it being a Sunday, the two brothers would often find themselves naturally awake early unless they were really tired the day before. He tightens the apron around his waist and warms the stove.

" Hm....what to cook." he thinks to himself for a few minutes. He wasn't too inclined on eating heavy something heavy right now, so a light meal would be most preferable. 

" Tamagoyaki and Miso soup would do me good.....but then there's Seiji." He takes in consideration, his roommate and younger brother, Seiji. Not too long ago, he'd turned 13. And his appetite has naturally increased, so it's best to prepare something filling for him.

" Got it." He snaps his fingers upon hitting an epiphany, " A heavy rice bowl with raw egg on top, plus, the fried beef he brought from last night. Just gotta reheat that and reapply the sauce." He decided.

Chef Akihiko was on the go.