Chapter Text
:･°.❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･.༄.°ᢉ𐭩:･*.𑣲⋆｡˚*.❤︎₊ ⊹.
This was supposed to be something casual. He reminded himself while staring at them with narrowed eyes. Yes, those two, Pierrot and 'his' dear. Two lovebirds talking to each other, Pierrot seemed to visit them again tonight before closing. Harlequin, standing across the street, yet still there to witness everything happening in the cafe. Close enough to see but far enough not to be seen. A crease appeared between his brows, gone almost as quickly as it came. The phrase alone was getting on his nerves. Pierrot and 'his' dear.
To be fair, Harlequin took an interest in them only because they got Pierrot in such a pathetic, lovestruck state. It was an entertaining sight, to watch him crumble, beg for his beloved's attention. But how was he supposed to know that in the end, he too would.. surprisingly enjoy the company of that human? He didn't dare call it another name. Interest was safer. Easier. Simply enjoying the close proximity. He had a bunch of human partners before, surely this particular case was nothing different than trying to 'get in their pants'. He wanted to flirt without consequence, to be wanted without belonging. He wanted to steal them from Pierrot. Nothing more, nothing serious.
But you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
He thought he could keep pretending it was a game and still demand to be chosen. Yet, he found himself craving their attention more and more. He couldn't stand the thought of losing, them choosing Pierrot over him. Since when did this stupid competition matter so much to him? He didn't want to say it out loud. Because if he did, it would become real. He would have to admit to himself, that he actually loved them, and that it was not a game anymore.
Pierrot and him had a rivalry since even before the.. incident. And after that, the tension between them had only become more intense. As of now, MC became the victim who would have to deal with their conflict. Just about two weeks ago, they were an ordinary cafe worker who met Pierrot by chance before becoming a part of this twisted love triangle. Pierrot hated Harlequin and his tendency to try steal what he deemed precious to him. He knew Harlequin would treat MC like a shiny toy and get bored once he had them wrapped around his finger. Hence his own words, “I'm going to take you from him.” His only purpose was used to be to hurt Pierrot.
What he didn't know was this wasn’t about winning a game anymore. Harlequin no longer wanted to take MC away. He wanted them to choose him, come to him instead.
Right then did he witness something that interrupted his thoughts. Something in his chest tightened. Sharp, unexpected. Pierrot’s hand had settled over theirs. They didn't pull back, instead gave him a heartwarming smile. The kind so genuine and loving, which he had never managed to draw from them.. Were they having an intimate moment?
Harlequin went still, his jaw locked. His claws digging into his palm. He almost considered paying them a visit. He could simply walk inside the cafe. Slip between them, pretend to be passing by. Make a joke. Touch their shoulder like it was nothing. Stick his tongue out and make a foolish comment about Pierrot. Ruin their affectionate moment.
It would be easy.
It was always easy.
Yet, he didn’t. He didn’t want to see more. He left quietly as if he had never been there at all. He needed a moment to think. To pretend he had never seen anything. He wondered just how long could he keep on tolerating being the second choice. The burden of always being put second was heavier than he would like to acknowledge. When was it ever going to be his turn?
Harlequin doesn't do love. He was full of schemes, but the last thing he ever planned was how to win your heart and keep it.