Confession

Two teenagers shuffled along the water's edge, kicking up a fine white dust from the soft sand.

"Come on, Yoshi. You can't hide it from me forever."

Oh yeah? He was determined to try. Obviously, though, his friend, Aya, did not care much for that idea as Yoshi was soon sent fumbling through the frothy water.

He yelped as an icy sensation ran up his spine. Shivering, he regained his footing and charged at Aya. Aya laughed, easily staying just out of Yoshi's reach.

This continued for a while before Aya flopped down, spread eagle against the warming sand. He panted lightly, listening intently for the soft shifting of the sand beneath Yoshi's feet. The beach was nearly vacant this early in the morning, the sun just peeking over the endless stretch of ocean in front of him. Closing his eyes, he felt the soft rays touch him gently.

And he felt, rather than heard, Yoshi sneak up and straddle his waist. Aya swallowed hard. Didn't Yoshi realize what an awkward position he put Aya in? Curse him for being so oblivious…

It was Aya's turn to yelp as frigid water was splashed in his face. Sputtering and blinking water away from his eyes, he looked up to confirm his worst fear. Yoshi had bought a bottle of icy water from one of the early morning vendors. Before he could say anything Yoshi pressed a cool finger to his lips.

"I'm ready to tell you, if you'll listen."

Aya nodded mutely, eyes glazing over with concern for his younger friend.

"Well, I-I think I li- well I know I do… But I think more than I should. Uh…"

Aya smiled from where he lay still pinned to the ground underneath Yoshi.

"Yeah. Perhaps you do think more than you should."

"Wha? No! I mean… Ah, just shut up!" Yoshi flushed, very prettily in Aya's opinion.

Yoshi's damp blond hair hung in his face, just barely hiding his eyes from view. Aya resisted the temptation to reach up and brush it to the side. But as another moment passed in silence, he gave in. Yoshi gasped as Aya's fingers brushed his cheek.

"You were saying?"

"…I-uh…"

Aya chuckled warmly, wrapping one arm around the back of Yoshi's neck and pulling him down to his level.

"Don't strain yourself now."

Yoshi's receding blush came back full-force at that and he decided if he couldn't say it, he'd show it.

And he leaned down the few more inches and brushed his lips against Aya's.