[ another minute passes before yamagi summons the courage to speak again. surprisingly, his voice doesn't tremble; his gaze is averted, but his words are thoughtful. ]

Earlier, I was trying to ask you out. That's probably obvious now, huh?

[ a short, breathless laugh. it doesn't do anything to ease the tension in his shoulders. ]

I've been trying, but I just freeze up, and when you filled in the blanks I just didn't know that you'd... I mean...

[ ugh. he's starting to stumble. breathe, yamagi. ]

I didn't want to just assume that this meant what I wanted it to mean.