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cigarettesaftersae · 4 months ago

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cream puff - 06 spring festival

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Series: shidou ryusei x f!reader | contains : fluff, (slight)angst, a bit suggestive(its shidou.), highschool au, troublemaker shidou, reader loves baking, spring :P, warning is shidou

masterlist

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Dear diary, todays the day. April 7th of this Spring

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Night of April 6th-Summer whines as she tried to hold back Shidou from leaving. He's been a reoccurring guest at your house lately, ever since you two got along. Her lower lip trembles as his hand slowly starts to turn red by the amount of the force Summer pleads to make him stay, ‘he’s so handsome’ she says, as if that alone is reason enough for him to stay.

“Summer, the sun’s already gone, and he has to head home soon.”

She only shakes her head, refusing to meet your gaze, her pout deepening. She’s completely fixated on keeping her “handsome prince” in the house.

Shidou chuckles, watching the scene unfold with lazy amusement. “I don’t mind staying longer, buzz.” His voice is lighthearted, but there’s a teasing glint in his magenta eyes.

“It’s already past eight… and my parents are about to come home,” you murmur softly as you try to explain your embarrassing reason. If your parents saw him, they’ll mistake him as your boyfriend, and if they mistake him as your boyfriend—well who knows!

“Great, you’ll get to introduce me to them huh? What’cha think?” Shidou tilts his head, smirk widening. “Ryu…” Is all you say as he watches you squirm

“Please, oh please, Y/N!” Summer tugs at your sleeve now, eyes big and pleading. “We didn’t even get to finish our tea party!”

“You’ll get another day for that, don’t worry.” You pat her head softly.

“Guess we gotta’ listen to big sister Y/n hmm chipmuck?” Shidou chimes in, ruffling Summer’s hair as she pouts harder.

Her stubbornness holds out for a few more seconds before she finally gives in, dragging herself over to wrap her arms around Shidou’s legs in a dramatic farewell hug. “Fine…” she huffs, voice full of gloom. You can tell she’s at least 76% ready to lock the door and block every entrance just to keep him here—but in the end, her love for you wins out. With one last reluctant glance at her “prince,” she stomps off to brush her teeth.

You exhale in relief, walking Shidou to the door.

But just as you reach for the handle, he stops.

His gaze lingers on you, studying you, like he’s memorizing something only he can see. The playful light in his eyes is still there, but something quieter settles beneath it.

“You excited?” he asks, curiosity lacing his tone.

Your eyes brighten at the question, the spring festival. “Yes… yes, I am,” you nod quickly, then hesitate. “…I’m kind of nervous too, I think.” Shy, you lower your gaze, rubbing your fingers together in a soft, anxious motion. “I mean I’m practically fully in charge of the classes’ reputation this Spring.”

“Wan’na good luck kiss?”

You bring your gaze back up to his level, eyebrows arched in question of his sudden request

“Uh—I don’t know” As you spoke, he already made his way to you, bending his knees to reach your height and press the softest kiss on your cheek. “mwah~ don’t stay up to late buzz. Wouldn’t want your pretty head all messed up before the spring festival. Not that I wouldn’t mind.” He eventually began to walk away as he left you speechless.

a boy kissed you, on the cheek—but it’s still a kiss!

“Ryu…sei, thank you for being…my friend” You quickly mumble out his name before his body moved past the gates of your house. ‘my friend’ you said, ever so gently. Yearning out the tenderness of your heart as you thanked him.

Sweat clings to your clothes, your hands trembling against the fabric of your apron. You’re not scared—just horribly, unbearably nervous. Why you? Of all people, choose you to handle this one and only event?! You’re a timid nobody, stupid shy little girl with no dreams but a tiny useless bakery. “Y/n, you shouldn’t be nervous! I’ll be here—and Shidou” Lui rolls her eyes at his name, “It’s just—what if I mess—no, messed up already without us even knowing?! The food’s nasty, they’ll hate me and I’ll be known as the stupid baker girl at the one spring festiva—”

“I voted you. Not anyone else to take care of all the baking because I knew you were the only one for it. If you back out now your dream stands for nothing.” Lui flicks your forehead—sharp, but not unkind—before crossing her arms. ‘If you back out now, your dream stands for nothing.’ Her words cut through your spiraling thoughts, grounding you before you drown in them You inhale slowly, feeling the breath settle deep in your chest. The frantic thudding of your heart slows—not completely, but enough. Lui is here. She always is.

“Thank you Lui.”

“Yep, I do it everyday. I’m gonna help everyone else decorate the booth. If I leave you won’t freak out again right?”

You blink, unsure what to answer. Lie or tell the truth? “Nevermind, don’t answer that. Hold on,” Her body leaves your eye as she walked out only to quickly appear with none other than Ryusei. "Huh? But I was gonna draw the cupcake balloons," Shidou whines, crossing his arms like a child deprived of his favorite toy.

“It’s either that or our dear friend losing her mind which one?” Lui argues and Ryusei grumbles on his words “Can I do both?”

“Too bad, deal with it." Lui smirks before disappearing, leaving you stranded with a very sulky Ryusei.

“You can go and…uh continue your drawings. I’ll be totally fine” You said with the softest smile you could, lying wasn’t your strong suit. The fumble of between your hands played together, the hair tie was slowly getting loose around your strands, and your back straighten scared to let your guard down. “You sure?” Ryusei’s voice echoed, “Uhm..yes” You nodded with white lies foaming at your mouth, “You’re the worst liar cupcake,” He chuckles obnoxiously.

“Shouldn't you…get ready for the festival soon?”

“Nahh I can get ready later. We got like an hour before it starts…” A silence pauses the room “sit still and look pretty for me eh?” He disappeared for a moment and returned, a sketchbook, pencil, and eraser now in hand. He then looked down at the seat indicating for you to take place on and you shyly maneuver to his orders. 10 minutes of silence go by and you're starting to get worried if he’s in another world.

“Um…Ryusei? Are you almost—”

“Finished.” He exclaimed with a cheeky smile, grinning so boylish as he extended out his final sketch of you—and boy were you astonished. You knew he was a good artist, he always attend art classes on time but when he drew you, so real and true, led full of passion glowing in you.

“It’s…beautiful..” You wanted to spit more, a whole novel, maybe a song as a plus just for this small gesture. “Thank you cupcake, you're quite the model” You learned to somewhat calm down your blush ever since you been with Ryusei, but it still showed.

“Can I see more of your drawings?” you ask softly, curiosity laced in your voice. His lips curl into a grin, something mischievous yet pleased. “Never thought you’d ask.” His art spoke with a language only threw vision, flipped— theres a girl drawn on one page—Quickly, he snatched the sketchbook back to his arms. “don’t flip too far, unless ya’ wanna see something quite interesting.”

“Was that…me?”

“Uh—who?” He chuckled it off, the tips of his ears reddened. “Me.”

“I drew you right here.” He pointed to the other recent one he drew

“But the one in your sketchbook” Your eyes meet his, searching.

Ryusei clicks his tongue, looking away. “Just some other cute girl.”

“It was me.”

He opens his mouth, then closes it. The tips of his ears turn pink.

“I wanna see more— you went through my old baby photos the other day it’s only fair Ryu.” if its one thing you learned from your younger sister, its the pitch and tone of your voice, the doe of your eyes, and the eye contact that convince them otherwise. He huffed and he sighed, revealing the page you left on, and more intriguingly you flipped through more, all these pages were full of drawings, drawings of you. Explains how he quickly and perfectly drew you in 10 minutes.

You wanted to gaze into this moment longer than ever, navigate more of the life his art brings but suddenly a classmate peeks in, rushing everyone to get ready for the festival. “Hey, you two, what are you doing? Get ready and you. Put your uniform on”

He pointed and glared at Shidou and his unpreparedness. “I'll see you later?”

“Oi, lovebirds, what the hell are you still doing here? Get moving! And you” The classmate shoots a glare at Shidou’s casual attire. “Put your uniform on”

Shidou groans, stretching his arms behind his head. “Yeah, yeah, I’m going.”

He catches your lingering gaze and smirks. “I’ll see you later, cupcake.”

“See you later”

—

The spring festival is here. You’re living, right here as it happens. Soft, golden glows illuminating pathways, casting warm halos on peoples’ faces. The blooming sound of a live band blasts from afar, excited shrieks in the air, and the sweet aroma of pink and blue cotton fluffy candy battles your nose.

“One order of strawberry taiyaki coming right up!”

“Try your luck at goldfish scooping!”

Multiple laughers fly in the wind, many students, kids, adults have already arrived—so many dressed beautifully. Traditional clothing or not, everything here, is beautiful. A student passed as she sipped on sweet milk matcha latte, the faint bitterness of green tea wafting into the air, mixing with the floral sweetness of nearby cherry blossoms. Another pair of students got into a photo booth, shrinking as they waited for their final results.

“Can I get a 6-piece box of macaroons?” Her appetite commands your bakery, her eyes in love at the sight of it alone. With a devotion you endear her desires, a smile setting your goodbye to your customer. And then another, two of your matcha sakura cakes, 4 dango, choco lava tiramisu, earthly cupcakes, and all. This was what your life, or what your future will look like one day when you reach your dream.

“Haru, can you ask someone to bring in more blueberry tarts?” You request with a kindness laced in your voice before returning your attention to the drawn long line of eager customers, eyes gleaming at the promise of something sweet.

“Blueberry passion tarts you asked.” You turn behind and find that same signature smirk plastered on his face. “Ryu!” a smile lights your lips, shining star reflection upon multiple moons. You hadn’t realized how much you missed his presence until now. The festival had been a whirlwind of flour-dusted chaos, but the moment you hear his voice—mischievous and unmistakably his—the tension in your shoulders loosens

“Gotta make sure they’re safe to eat, ya’ know?” he says, grinning as you glare at him.

The two girls in line laugh

“Ryu, you can’t eat—”

"Too late, cupcake." He smirks, stuffing one into his mouth before you can stop him. Then another. And another. You gasp as he casually grabs a third, chewing with an exaggerated hum of delight. 'Mmm, damn. You made these? Marry me.'

The two girls in line giggle behind their hands, whispering something you don’t quite catch. Probably about how bold he is.

'Ryu!' You wave your arms in exasperation, torn between scolding him and laughing. 'Please tell me that wasn’t the last batch?!'

'Mmm…' He glances down at the tray, eyes twinkling with mischief. 'There’s four more right here. Two for you, two for me—'

Before he can swipe another, you snatch the tray away, holding it against your chest like a shield. 'Absolutely not.' You huff, placing the tarts safely back on display for the waiting customers."

"Are you two a couple?" One of the girls in line leans forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Uh…no—no, we’re not a couple at all." Your words stretch awkwardly, hands instinctively waving as if that would erase the assumption.

"Oh…" Her expression shifts, and before you can breathe a sigh of relief, she perks up again. "Then could I maybe get his number? He’s super handsome—"

"Super hottie," her friend chimes in, nudging her playfully.

You open your mouth to respond—I… but nothing comes out.

Before you can even process how to react, Ryusei moves first.

"Sorry, but the only one I got eyes on is this babe right here." His voice is smooth, teasing, as he effortlessly drapes an arm around your shoulder. The sudden warmth of his touch freezes you in place, and before you can push him away, he leans in, resting his head against yours with a smug grin

"You—" Your voice catches, words fumbling over themselves as you try to process what’s happening. Was he crazy?!

Before you can push him away, Ryusei leans in further, his nose brushing against your neck.

"She even smells soooo~ sweet." His voice is low, teasing, as he takes an exaggerated inhale, his breath warm against your skin.

Your body tenses instantly, heat rushing to your cheeks. His arms then curl around your waist—you can feel their stares, can hear the way they’re going to gossip about this later."O-Okay, okay— I think they get it, Ryu…" You stammer, hands coming up to weakly shove at his chest, but he doesn’t budge, still grinning against your shoulder.

"Mmm, nah, I don’t think they do, buzz." He hums, as if considering something. "Should I make it clearer?"

Your heart stops. Nope. Absolutely not.

You shove him harder this time, face burning. "Ryusei, please!"

Finally, he relents, pulling back with a laugh, hands raised in surrender.

"Alright, alright, I’ll behave— for now." His smirk is positively wicked as he winks at you, completely unbothered by the scene he just caused.

—

The crowd unruffled calmly, light still capture pathways, alluring souls and cherries. Many booths and stations gloomed dead, already finished and the food line finally wared down. Now was the time for fireworks, a set of colorful chemicals in the sky, reminding you the stars are alive. And so are you, and everything around, even the plants. Your hearts is the graveyard of memories, it’s what brings us to connect to spirits—this memory ,however, is one that’ll dig the biggest grave yet.

“Ryu?” The pretty pink apron still wrapped around your waist as you peaked out to see your friend all alone. “Did you want to come see the fireworks? They’re about to start very soon.”

“Fireworks are lame, they’re just small explosions really. You should go and hang out with your friends”

“But…you are my friend” His ears perks up at the sound of what he just heard. “If it puts a smile to your pretty face buzz, alright” He sighs softly. A crowd surrounds themselves into the center, the night howls Sakura leaves, whispering ghosts of the dearest. But there stood the pair of you and Ryu. “Here.” You take out a cream blanc tart, handing it to Ryusei. His eyes look up and down and all around at it and you. “For me? Thought you said no eating the customers food”

“Well…when you were being my test taster last week, I didn’t give this one to you yet.”

And like the beast he is, pickled hands, stuff it in his mouth full like a caveman starved of fish. “I still think you taste sweeter.” Ryusei’s lips twist into a smirk as he chews, his expression unreadable under the shifting hues of pink and blue from the fireworks. “You always say that…” you grumble, rolling your eyes at his usual antics.

A boom trembles in the air as another firework erupts, scattering golden light across the dark canvas of the night. The air smells faintly of burnt gunpowder, mixing with the lingering scent of sugar and warm pastries from the booths. Somewhere in the distance, laughter rings out—a couple running past, their hands intertwined, their joy contagious.

Yet, here the two of you stand, slightly apart from the festivities, caught in your own quiet moment but he doesn’t fire back right away. Instead, his eyes linger—longer than usual, softer than usual. His head tilts slightly, like he’s studying you.

“Maybe it’s ‘cause it’s true,” he finally mutters, voice lower now, almost thoughtful.

Your breath catches.

The world around you keeps moving—people gasping at the fireworks, couples leaning into each other, the faint hum of festival music still playing somewhere in the background—but suddenly, none of it matters. Just the warmth of his presence, the flickering lights reflecting off his skin, and the way your heart betrays you by beating just a little too fast.

“I should get back to the booth,” you murmur, a weak excuse to escape whatever this was.

But before you can take a step, Ryusei reaches out—not roughly, not teasingly, but something softer. His pinky hooks around yours for just a second, like a passing breeze, fleeting but impossible to ignore.

“Stay.” His voice lacks its usual mischief.

Just one word. But it holds more weight than you’re prepared for.

And so, you stay.

And in this moment was waves of oceans, you’ll drown in them over and over again.

#bluelock #blue lock #bllk shidou #shidou x reader #ryusei shidou #shido ryusei #shidou ryusei x reader #shidou ryuusei x reader #shidou ryusei fluff #shidou ryusei #ryusei shido x reader #bllk x you #bllk x reader #bllk #bllk shidou ryusei #cigarettesaftersae

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cigarettesaftersae · 4 months ago

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cream puff - 05 cookies cupcakes and cheesecakes

masterlist

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Dear diary, reminder to never let Ryusei touch the dough or ever try ‘one’ baking (casoeh atp)

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The fresh air smells more esthetical, your memories more fulfilling every second you spend with Ryusei. For a whole week, your life has been conquered by his presence. His lively, chaotic and thundering energetic aura right towards your small, and mellowing life. One that you promised to remain soft as the clouds fluff and calming as the oceans’ blue tranquil waves. Just that, with a big fluffy dog to protect you, lofty music played by a CD, and ‘Born Yesterday’ chattering on the TV. A life settled in a small bakery, selling the sweetest cookies filled with love, and cupcakes topped with your wilding dreams, and cheesecakes from Wonderland’s specialty. But can you really promise yourself that life now that you met another form of life named Ryusei. Yes, you can, maybe. Right?

“Shidou that’s not how you—”

The air is thick with the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and melted butter, wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. You adore moments like these, its sweet, delicious, and most of therapeutic. However it wasn’t like that today, Shidou’s voice cuts through the warm, cozy ambiance—his playful teasing stark against the quiet atmosphere of concentration.

“Whattt, it looks perfectly fine. A true artist sees every flaws as perfect.” He’s smiling ear to ear as he continues to knead the dough wrongly whilst having the time of his life.

“But if you do it like that it’ll come out in a weird shape Ryusei”

“You’re worrying too much buzz, this is all fun” Shidou takes a glance at your huffy pouty lips, his disobedience has upset you. With a small sigh, he slowly stops mixing and turns to you. “Tell me what to do this, m’ all yours.” Such pretty eyes of yours, doe and only his to see as you flicker your gaze up and down reassuring if he was telling the truth. He’s all yours for sure. “So, you just…focus on your hand motion.” You stand behind him, peeking off to the side for vision as you take hold of his hand and let it follow your movements. His deep tanned skin pressed right up against yours, and there's a smile on his lips—one that seems devilishly, full of mischief. “Got it…?” You’re nervously spit out, worried upon the ideas forming in his unpredictable head. “Oh I got it, buzz. You really know how to make someone kaploosh everywhere.”

You’re muted against his unusual words, you’re not even sure what he means. Clueless and dumb about all the things he manages to say with but it’s never made you stray away from him. And it shouldn’t, he’s become a genuine friend. Beside Lui, you were the definition of loner.

“Okay, now we roll it out evenly,” you say, demonstrating with your own piece. “Not too hard, or it’ll crack.”

Shidou, of course, does the exact opposite.

With way too much force, he slams the rolling pin against the dough, flattening it into a sad, uneven mess. You gasp lightly, eyes widening at the sight of his ruined piece, while he just grins proudly.

“See? Perfect.”

“Ryusei… That’s not—” You stop yourself, pressing your lips together. “That’s… a little too flat.”

“Eh? But it’s still dough, isn’t it? Same taste, same everything.” He winks. “Don’t be such a perfectionist, buzz.”

You puff out your cheeks in slight frustration, poking at the ruined dough with the tip of your finger. “Baking needs patience…” You mumble softly, before gently re-rolling his dough into a ball and handing it back. “Here, just try again. Slowly this time.”

Shidou watches you, something unreadable flickering behind his usual playful gaze. His grin softens just a little, but he takes the dough from your hands without protest. “Alright, alright. For you, I’ll take it slow.”

You don’t catch the way he’s looking at you when you turn back to your own task, but the warmth of his presence lingers a little longer than usual.

A few minutes pass, and you’re focused on getting everything prepared when you suddenly hear a crunch. Your head whips around instantly.

“Shidou, did you just—”

He’s caught red-handed, half a cookie shoved in his mouth before it was even time to bake them. He pauses mid-bite, staring at you with wide, guilt-ridden eyes, before slowly chewing as if that’ll make it less obvious.

“…It’s quality control?” He tries.

You sigh, shoulders dropping in defeat. “That was raw dough…”

He shrugs, unfazed. “Tastes fine to me.”

You huff softly, shaking your head as you turn back to finish the batch. “You’re impossible…”

“But you still keep me around.” He leans slightly closer, voice teasing, but there’s something undeniably fond in the way he says it.

“That’s because you’ve been following me around.” You note and his eyes light up, “You’re right,” he grins, leaning in ever so slightly. “About time you put a leash on me, huh? Make it seem more obvious. Don’t you like doggies?”

“A leash?” You pause, tilting your head in thought. Unfiltered to his sole meaning “Those are for dogs though?”

Before you can fully process the weight of your own words, there’s a sudden warmth near your ear. “Woof” You freeze, heart skipping a beat as the warmth of his breath tickles your skin, sending an unexpected shiver down your spine.

Your body stiffens, fingers tightening as you register just how close he’s gotten—too close. Your mind scrambles for a response, but all you manage is a quiet, “R-Ryusei…”

He pulls back slightly, enough for you to see the smirk tugging at his lips. “What’s wrong, buzz? Didn’t think I’d listen to you?”

You turn away swiftly, trying to refocus on the dough in front of you. “I-It’s nothing. Just—just don’t breathe so close to me.”

He chuckles, the sound deep and thoroughly amused. “Didn’t know you were so sensitive.”

A moment of silence passes before he speaks again, his tone surprisingly softer. “So… what’s next?”

You take a slow breath, composing yourself. “I still have re-do the one you were doing.”

“Lemme help.” He takes a piece of dough and immediately rolls it into… something.

You frown, watching his hands. “What is that?”

“A heart,” he says proudly, holding up the misshapen lump like it’s a masterpiece.

You blink, lips pressing together to stifle a giggle. “That looks more like… an alien.”

His grin doesn’t falter. “Hey, art is subjective. If you don’t like it, why don’t you come fix it for me?”

You hesitate but eventually step closer, reaching out to gently reshape the dough in his hands. Your fingers brush against his, a fleeting touch that lingers longer than it should.

For a brief second, you feel his gaze on you—intense, unwavering, something unreadable behind those mischievous magenta eyes.

“There,” you murmur, pulling away. “Now it actually looks like a heart.”

Shidou stares at the cookie, then at you, and a slow, knowing smirk creeps onto his lips.

“Maybe you’re the true artist here, would ya’ like me to be your model? If you know what I mean.”

“We don’t have time for that, we will have to prepare the cupcakes and cheesecakes.”

#bluelock #blue lock #shidou ryusei x reader #shidou x reader #ryusei shidou #shido ryusei #bllk shidou #shidou ryusei fluff #shidou ryuusei x reader #bllk x you #bllk x reader #bllk

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cigarettesaftersae · 4 months ago

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i'll like you - 08 seven minutes in heaven

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Series: reo mikage x f!reader | contains : fluff, angst, jealousy, academic rivals, fake dating

masterlist

WN: emotional talk, friendship lost, no smut (ik the title is supposed to be freaky but no freak)

(erm about 5k words but nothing too serious:p)

Naomi stumbled upon Yuna’s desk the moment the bell rang, her usual nosy, insufferable self on full display. Gorgeous, smart, kind, and, of course, rich—yet somehow, she managed to be as obvious as ever.

“So… Yuna,” she drawled, tilting her head with feigned innocence. “Did Y/N like Reo?”

Yuna barely blinked. “No. Do you like him?”

Naomi let out a breathy, nervous chuckle. “Heh, well…” The girls around them giggled, feet shuffling in anticipation. Everyone knew what was coming next.

“I mean, we practically grew up together and everything,” she continued, voice laced with a sickly sweetness. “But I… I guess I can’t really like him anymore since he has a girlfriend, right?”

Yuna resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Maybe if Naomi got bangs, she’d be a perfect Lila Rossi knockoff.

“I was just curious,” Naomi added, feigning nonchalance. “I didn’t know Y/N had a thing for him at all. It’s so… sudden.”

A dramatic sigh escaped her lips, poisoning the air with artificial sorrow. “I just thought Reo and I had something special,” she murmured, voice trembling just enough to sell the act.

Right on cue, the girls around her swarmed with words of comfort, clinging to her faux distress. Yuna, however, kept her hands to herself.

She knew.

She knew Naomi’s perfect-girl act, her fake sweetness, the way she wove a flawless love story with Reo like it was destiny. She also knew that Naomi was planning something—something that involved you.

Yet, here she was. Being her ‘friend.’

It wasn’t like her at all. But then again, lately, nothing felt real. Not Naomi. Not Reo. Not herself,

not even you. Everything was a lie.

He’s frying your brain, you figured that he was a yapper and such but WOW did you not expect this. Maybe if you just close your eyes—

“Y/n! Are you trying to sleep? I’m still talking to you.”

“Yeah, no, you’re sending extra epic echolocation straight into my ears,” you grumble.

Reo only grins, completely unfazed. “Do you have a favorite chocolate? Or did you like the ones I got you last time? Are you allergic to anything?”

“Peanut butter.”

“Wait—really?”

“I don’t know.”

His brows furrow. “What do you mean you don’t know?”

You groan, turning to the only person who might save you. “Nagi, take your boyfriend or something.”

“eh?…I thought he was your boyfriend,” Nagi mumbles, barely looking up from his phone.

Reo huffs, undeterred. “Come on, why won’t you tell me anything?”

“Because if I do, you’ll buy some overpriced $1000 junk like you did for me and my mom earlier. No more questions, I already answered enough.” You drop your head back down, finally able to close your eyes for a whole second—

“Do you have a favorite animal?”

“Reo.”

“My love, you’re hurting me.” Reo pouts, acting heartbroken

Lifting your head, you meet his gaze, his violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. “What if I get to know more about you instead?”

Reo grins. “Alright. I play the guitar, I play soccer, I speak multiple languages, and—”

“I meant know you. Not the version you project to everyone else.” Your voice lowers slightly. “I hated that version of you anyway.”

He raises a brow, amused. “So… are you saying you don’t hate me anymore?”

“I didn’t say that, Barney.”

An offended scoff escapes Reo’s lips as he clutches his chest dramatically. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

“Look at you, purple head.” You gesture vaguely at his hair, but the longer you stare at him, the more a strange guilt settles in your chest. It creeps in like thorns growing on the stem of a ripe red rose—unseen at first, but impossible to ignore.

A sigh escapes your lips before you ask, softer this time, “What do you actually like? Not what you show off to others—what do you really like? Or hate? Your friends? Your favorite flowers?”

Reo pauses, tilting his head in thought. Seconds tick by. Thirty. Forty. A whole minute.

Finally, he exhales, a small frown tugging at his lips. “…I don’t know.”

You blink, caught off guard by the quiet admission. But you get it. His whole life has been a performance, shaped by expectations, by a lie he never really chose.

“Well,” you murmur, leaning forward just a bit. “Don’t you like soccer? Tell me about it.”

“Here, first edition by way.” Reo’s delicate hands extend a book toward you. One that you’ve been dying to read but never could find it but there it was. Just another item placed around in the 50,000 book—or maybe more, library in the Mikage house— or whatever that building was. How is that a house?

You hesitantly take hold of the book, you’re still spellbound to see it in person, right in front of your two eyes. A star so bright, and full of glitter yet this time it wasn’t out of your hand’s reach. “Is this the only thing you got me?”

“Did you want more?” Reo’s eye light up

“No. You better not have gotten more.”

The hand tucked behind his back slowly reaches out to expose a small keychain and before he could open his mouth in protest you stop him, “ah- no. Why did you even get that?”

“I just..saw it at the store and it reminded me of you.”

“I told you to stop spending things for me, this relationship isn’t even…real” You say softly, avoiding your gaze as you rub the back of your neck

“Well, yes. But our friendship isn’t right?”

It takes a good moment before youre able to gaze into his eyes and respond “It isn’t”

“Oh— and uh dinner with my parents this Friday.” His subject change wasn’t the thing that surprised, it was the fact that it was tomorrow!

“What— wait you didn’t tell me it was this week, I thought we started the Friday dinners next week!”

A chuckle. Just a nervous childish chuckle paired with a cute smile was all you received from Reo as he shy's away. He knew this would make you angry, you weren’t exactly ready to meet one of the richest families on Earth. “Well… They actually found out before I could tell them and then they just arranged to meet you Friday— or tomorrow I guess”

“Reo! I don’t even know what to wear! Have you seen my wardrobe? It’s not Mikage fancy like”

“I like your wardrobe” His happy little smile paved the way through your stress

“But Reo-” His hand softly brushes through yours in reassurance.

“Y/n, I already arranged everything for you. I’ll pick you up at 6 after school, and if you want I’ll pick something out for you to wear. You just need to sit and look pretty and eat. I’m sure the look pretty part is easy for you though.”

The last sigh allowed you to finally breathe normally, stress out the window as Reo continue to rub the sides of your shoulders and soft knuckles. His touch ever so hazy, a kiss of gentle, and melodic “I have practice today so…” Reo stopped mid-thought, gaze lingered, unreadable. He wanted to kiss your cheek a nice goodbye before heading off but he stilled. “I’ll see you tomorrow” His figure began to fade.

As Reo left, there was no point in staying at school any longer. With a sigh, you picked up your feet and headed toward the gates. The sun dimmed down, hueing it’s lucent colors on your radiant skin. Warm, you felt. Just from the touch of it’s lingering kiss, a gift from the Sun was like a gift from Reo. But the moment passed to soon, now it seemed like the dark night had conquered the sky but it didn’t. It was just Yuna.

She looked at you for moment till she started walking, speeding up to avoid you at all cost. “Wait—” it slipped out of your mouth, you’re desprate, hungry, starving—don’t leave. please

She stopped in her tracks the moment she heard your voice, her head turning back to look at you, but her eyes didn’t carry the same look she use to give you.

“I never really liked Nagi…” You try to reason, you could even break down on your knees, bruise it as it may— please, please forgive me.

“Ok..” The shatter on your heart couldn’t get any worse, you knew how angry she was. But did she know how miserable you are. How wretched of the nothing you are without her?

“Yuna—”

“Why are you dating him? Reo. You barely even talked to him, and Naomi and him are soon to be lovers one day.”

“He’s…gracious and caring”

“Is that just another labyrinth lie”

“What— no no it isn’t”

“You’re all a bunch of liars.” Naomi and her personality? Fake. Your and Reo’s relationship, a facade. Her head look down at her feet, avoiding your heavyhearted gaze. One look into your eyes and she’ll give in.

“I don’t want to talk you anymore” And with that, makes Yuna the biggest liar. She loved to talk to you right now. About how she’s having trouble understanding the math assignment, or the new boy on the streets, the spider she saw in the shower, the haircut she’s been wanting to get, but mostly just talk to you. Be with you. But her body takes control of it’s own and wanders away from the very one she die for.

Arriving home after that was nothing more than depressing, all this time you thought Yuna was avoiding you but it hit you the moment you saw her. You were the one avoiding everything, using Reo as a way to function with Yuna gone, pretending like there weren’t nasty gossip about you and Reo and now you have to meet your fake-boyfriend’s parents. Your life is a mess. You wipe away the small tear dripping down your cheek once you heard the door creak open, your mom entered. Gently setting herself next to you. “Is something wrong?”

“No…well…yeah?”

“Is it about your boyfriend? Is he treating you wrong”

You softly chuckle, her motherly humor filling the room’s warmth. Engulfing you with love

“Kinda. Tomorrow I have to go to dinner with his parents.”

“Oh…yeah… I wanted to talk to you about that.” Your mother grew in a deep breath. “I know that the choices I did in my past wasn’t…necessarily good and it can effect you gravely, but never let anyone talk you down on that. You are the greatest gift I can have.” She kiss you on the head, her hand wraps around yours “He must really like you if he’s willing to face the consequences. You know, when I went to school with his parents, they were such bitches.”

“Mom!”

“I know, I know—one dollar in the cussing jar.” She waves a hand dismissively. “But I meant it. If there’s anything bothering you, you’d tell me, right?”

You nod, offering a small smile as she leaves the room.

But the truth is—he wasn’t the problem at all. If anything, he was the reason you were still here, still happy. The weight in your chest wasn’t because of him. It was because of her.

Yuna.

The mess you made, the way things fell apart between you two—it haunted you. How could you ever forgive yourself for what happened? For the hurt you caused?

After she left, it was like the world lost its color. You spent a week drowning in your own thoughts, sinking deeper into something you couldn’t quite escape. The sky stayed gray no matter how many times you looked up, hoping for a change.

But then, when you lifted your head again, it wasn’t Yuna standing there.

It was Reo.

And for the first time in a long while, the sky didn’t seem so gray.

The next morning you’re greeted with a limo, again. Reo exits the car to say hi, but his great smile was already good enough to fill you with warmth. He almost looked like Yuna in a slight moment. “Y/n! Good morning.” He moves to the side to let you in first but quickly stops you, “Are you sure you can come to school, you look sick.” He starts to worry, hands feeling your forehead for any high temperatures, he’s looking around you if any bones or muscles are sore, or if you’re limping. “It’s okay, I’m not sick.” You reassure him, a small laughter leaves your lips as you see him worried so quickly

”Your eyes are really swollen, are you sure?’ He leaned in more close, more worried. His breath making whole contact on the hair on your skin.

“Uh— yeah you know I just got makeup in my eye so…” You try to excuse yourself and look away, rubbing the back of your neck.

“…Were you crying? Was it because of me? If you don’t want to see my parents today I’ll tell them no.”

“No it’s not that… um lets just get in the car and head to school first.” Before you could slip into the limo, his hand lands on your shoulder

“You can tell me if anything is wrong, you’re my friend y/n”

You sigh with a soft smile “Stop worrying and let’s go. We’re gonna be late”

“Late— Oh shoot we need to hurry!”

“You go ahead Nagi, we’ll meet you.” Unhurried, Reo insists his other duo to go first which was quite obvious to you what his intentions was. His heel quickly turns to face you fully, still carrying that angelic smile. “Soo…” He started off slowly, building, rhyming into your ease, not wanting to make you feel uncomfortable. “Are you sure you’re okay?” You both start walking towards the school, students in their uniforms, some messy, some neat, some— are something, pass by as you walk with your ‘boyfriend’ and to your measure girls and boys gather around to admire Reo Mikage and the flowers that following behind him as he walks. “Yeah…—well, I don’t know maybe.” Your breath hitched just for a second before saying her name, it felt impossible to say. It felt like you didn’t deserve to say her name for how horrible you were to her. You did lie to her, and you still are by playing around with the Mikage boy. “I spoke to Yuna yesterday.” Your voice steady, soft, and low. Eyes on the ground, avoidant on everything around you even the pink petals following on your shoulders and the thins between your hair. You couldn’t see but Reo’s attention shifted all upon you, and only you.

“Oh…” Reo softly caresses the side of your shoulder “I know it seems hard…I mean you’re going to meet my parents today, and you’re arguing with Yuna, but you’re never alone. You have your mom, whose nice and always seems like the type to fight for you. And you have….me. So cry or don’t cry, whatever happens from now on. I’m here.” You crane your neck up, embracing all the details of his beauty. He looked more dreamy up close. The soft pads of his thumb caress your dumpling cheek, wiping away your tear. You start to tear up even more, your nose speeding it’s way to breathe. Reo starts to panic, his eyes widen in fear Did I say something wrong?!—Was I too insensitive? Gah, I’m so stupid!

“Y—y/n! Is—is it because of me? I’m so stupid, I’m so sorry—” He quickly hugs you, comforting your head in his chest as you sob. His hand swaying back and forth in the locks of your hair. His touch smooth and caring. His other arm wrapped around you, feeling evermore secure then ever. “I’m sorry…”

Oh, and let’s not forget the crowd. Yeah, they’re still here—watching, wide-eyed, as you and Reo share what might just be the most intimate moment of your life. Their gasps are barely audible, breaths hitched in awe, eyes locked onto the quiet intimacy unfolding in the middle of the field. The world around you feels like it’s slowing down, wrapped in the warmth of his touch, his words, him. And yet, the weight in your chest lingers.

The longest seven minutes of your life. That’s how it felt—wrapped in Reo’s warm embrace, his hand smoothing over your hair as if trying to silence every unspoken fear inside you. Your breath steadies, the tear-stained ache in your chest easing, and yet… he doesn’t let go. Even with the crowd long gone, leaving only the two of you beneath the gentle breeze of the afternoon, he still holds you. "Reo…” Your voice is quiet, but it’s enough to make him straighten, body instantly attentive, as if ready to spring into action at your every word. You hear the nervous gulp in his throat. "Yes?" His response is soft, cautious. You take a breath. "Thank you. Sorry I’ve been a whole mess lately." Reo scoffs playfully, his grip around you not loosening. "It’s no problem," he mumbles, barely above a whisper, like he’s scared his words might make you crumble again. For a moment, there’s only silence—comfortable, but filled with something else. Something unspoken. Then, Reo gently pulls back just enough to see your face, he brushes your hair out of your face and gazes at you a little too long. “Reo” You say softly again

“Hmm?”

“I think the bell rang already”