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So, you want to try to enter a relationship with someone. How do you go about it? Many people might be confused and stressed, how am I supposed to let someone else know I’m interested? I haven’t done something like this before! I have no experience that could help me.
But for Lyca Colt, though he’s inexperienced, he knows exactly how to go about it. After all, Neros told him, when Lyca was a teenager, just how a man is supposed to use his charm and thoughtfulness to sweep the object of their affection off their feet! So, Lyca knows exactly what he’s supposed to do to win Subaru over. It’s simple, really. There’s no way he’ll manage to mess this up.
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After mulling it over, Lyca has decided to finally start courting Subaru. He initially planned to do it after he graduated Darkwick, but after he came to his senses (*cough* *cough* Edward told him) he realised if he doesn’t start now, he might be too late! That’s when he turned back to Neros’ old reliable teachings.
In hindsight, Lyca has realised Neros actually haven’t taught him much. In fact, Neros hadn’t paid all that much attention to Lyca. He never told Lyca how to eat properly, how to keep his room clean or even this thing about social hierarchies. Which was a shock to Lyca when he realised, he’s not actually supposed to be equal to everyone he meets. He still doesn’t get why but apparently that’s a thing.
But Neros did teach him other things, like how to treat others.
“Lyca, you have to control yourself during the full moon, so you don’t hurt others.”
“Lyca, you can’t always act based on what you want, you need to listen to others too.”
“Lyca, you have to make an effort to understand those you’ll meet.”
Those were all things Neros had drilled into him. And so were all the things Neros told him about relationships. Thinking back on it, it felt very awkward. Lyca was still a young teenager when Neros sat him down near the dinner table and said:
“Now Lyca, if you ever turn out like your parents did and you find a woman you want to spend the rest of your life with, you’ll have to make sure you do things the right way.”
That whole conversation was... a lot... and Lyca did pretend like it never happened after it ended. But now when he actually found someone he loves, he’s thankful Neros had that conversation with him.
Now, did Neros’ lecture focus on what a man is supposed to do when he’s in love with a woman? Yes, but Lyca has figured out it’s actually not about gender. It’s in fact about who is chasing who. And it’s Lyca chasing Subaru, so he’s supposed to do the actual courting.
All Lyca now has to do is put all he has learned into practice.
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Tip number one: Feed the object of your affection some food!
Lyca thought it was a weird tip when he first heard it, but after being exposed to some romance novels, he has learned it’s apparently a thing! And it kind of makes sense, doesn’t it? Food is good, and if the meal is warm, it can even feel comforting. There’s something sweet about wanting to share your meal with someone else. That despite it being your own meal, your own food, you want to give it up for the person you love.
These were the thoughts that ran through Lyca’s mind as he and Subaru were eating lunch together on the terrace. They had bought something together from Sho’s food truck, it was a dish called ”chicken over rice”, Subaru had sworn it was one of Sho’s best meals. And Lyca believed him, Sho made some delicious stuff already but this was somehow even tastier.
They were idly chatting between bites, Subaru had let Lyca use his hands this time without putting up a fight.
”He used cherry tomatoes this time.” Subaru commented after he finished chewing.
”Hmmm, the textures all different...” Lyca responded, picking up another small tomato.
Subaru let out a light laugh. ”Yes, well, if you dice up a bigger tomato the texture would be different.”
He scoped up some more chicken and rice on his fork, Lyca watched him.
”Though I think I prefer the cherry tomatoes over the diced ones.” Subaru took another bite of his food and let out a satisfied hum.
Seeing Subaru so happy made Lyca’s chest swell, he wished he could also make Subaru happy like that. To put a smile on those soft lips, to watch crinkles form near his eyes, to maybe even hear one of those soft laughs.
Lyca looked back down on the cherry tomato he was holding and he thought of what Neros had told him. A moment of realisation had struck him as he reached out his hand towards Subaru.
”Here.” He said simply. ”You said you liked these more, Suba-kun.”
Subaru sat there frozen, he looked between Lyca and the tomato in his hand.
“Right!... That’s so sweet of you, Lyca-kun.” He suddenly said as he moved his food container towards Lyca. It was like electricity had abruptly shocked him to get him moving.
Lyca got the message, he dropped the cherry tomato into Subaru’s food. It’s fine really, I mean, usually you’re supposed to be feeding the other person but this is okay too. Lyca isn’t disappointed at all. Nope. Not one bit.
Lyca stole another glance towards Subaru, who was happily eating again. He then looked back down to his own food and dirty sauce covered hands.
Right, Subaru was a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks person. Subaru was a utensils person. Obviously he wouldn’t want to be fed by Lyca’s unwashed hands. Lyca tried his best not to look too disappointed, but he couldn’t really stop his shoulders from slumping and the small frown that threatened to become deeper on his face.
It’s alright, after all, there’s always another time and more tactics to use.
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Tip number two: Hold the door open for the person you want to charm!
This one Lyca understood even less than the first one. What’s sweet about holding the door open for someone? Is opening doors hard? He tried to read about this whole ordeal in the library once and it said something about “shi-war-ly”? Whatever that means. Anyways, it doesn’t matter. Lyca doesn’t fully need to understand the actions to do them. And he’s sure that even if he doesn’t fully grasp it, the message will come across.
Lyca and Subaru had actually managed to meet up in the morning this time. They had texted each other the night about their respective schedules and decided to meet up on campus ground to walk to their first class together. The wind was pleasant and warm despite it being so early in the morning. And the bright sun lit up the path they walked on.
Subaru was in the middle of explaining what his class was working on in anomalous biology when they reached the building. Lyca never realised just how different the things they were studying were. Sure, they technically have a lot of the same classes but they weren’t learning the same things. Makes Lyca wonder how much harder he has to work to fully catch up.
Lyca tears his eyes away from Subaru when the shadow of the huge building falls over them. Right in front of them he spots the front door. He then looks back on Subaru who’s still absentmindedly talking.
Isn’t this the perfect time to do it? That “holding the door open for someone” thing?
Lyca didn’t stop to think more as he half sprinted towards the door into the school building.
“Huh? Lyca-kun! Where are you going?” Subaru’s voice caught Lyca’s ears but he only slowed down as he reached the door.
He pulled it open and looked back at Subaru with an expectant look. But Subaru looked back at him confused.
In the middle of them trying to telepathically tell the other what’s going on (and failing to do so) a general student that Lyca has never seen before appeared. She came from the side of the building and was about to enter the door Lyca was holding open.
Lyca’s attention snapped towards her and he gave her an angry glare.
The poor general student upon seeing Lyca let out a little squeak and scurried away from the door. As soon as she was out of sight, Lyca looked back at Subaru. A victorious smile on his face.
“Lyca-kun… You can’t glare at students like that…” Subaru made his way towards the open door as he reprimanded Lyca for being rude.
“She was in the way.” Lyca pouted while he looked away.
“This is a public place, you can’t really say someone is in the way in a place like this.” Subaru gently argued as he stood beside Lyca when he reached the door.
“´Course you can.” Lyca retorted.
At that Subaru let out an awkward laugh. “I guess in some situations that could be the case… But you still need to apologise to that girl.”
“Fine, I’ll do it later.” Lyca scoffed. But Subaru seemed satisfied as he nodded and finally walked into the building. Lyca scurried after him.
Though he did get scolded, this could count as a successful attempt at courting, right? I mean, Lyca did do it. So that has to count towards something. See? Courting isn’t all that hard.
(And if Lyca sought after that girl to apologise to her for glaring, then he only did it because Subaru told him to. Don’t tell Subaru that though.)
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Tip number three: Give your beloved some compliments!
Now this is something Lyca can get behind. It makes perfect sense! After all, if you like something, you should come right out and say it.
And if that's something is about how Subaru’s eyes were both sharp and soft at the same time. How his gaze, his beautiful eyes, could freeze Lyca in place as his heart beats so loud the person next to him could hear it. But at the same time, that gaze could also warm up his whole body and make him feel tingly all over.
Or how Subaru’s hair, that looked so soft and silky, was something Lyca desperately wanted to run his fingers through. How he wants to feel the strands that are such a gorgeous colour under his finger tips. And that no matter which direction Subaru’s hair falls when Lyca is done playing with it, he's sure Subaru will always look as beautiful as always.
Or how that smile Subaru always has on his face is one of Lyca’s favourite sights in the world. And if his face is dusted in a light pink blush, as it does when Subaru is embarrassed, it's a sight Lyca wants to forever immortalise in a painting.
Then Lyca should just come right out and say it.
Lyca and Subaru were in Darkwick's library this time around. Earlier that day, Lyca had mentioned something he hadn't really understood but wanted to look into. And Subaru had offered to accompany Lyca to the library so they could search for answers together.
So there they were. The afternoon sun hung low and the light spilled into the room from the big windows. Casting the place in a golden light.
They had gotten off topic, Subaru was now rambling to Lyca about some haunted house attraction in Europe he had read about. Lyca could tell it made him excited. It was obvious when he saw the way Subaru’s shoulders finally stopped being tense. The way his back was somehow even straighter, like he was about to jump out of the stool he was sitting on. The way he talked faster than normal and his tone was more filled with energy. It was like Subaru as a whole had lightened up.
Lyca let out a content sigh as he rested his head on the palm of his hand, elbow propped up for support. He enjoyed seeing Subaru like this, all passionate, not afraid of letting his emotions slip past the mask to be seen by the observer.
‘Ah.. he looks really nice like this.’ Lyca thought to himself.
That's something he should voice, isn't it? Turn these thoughts into a compliment. Wouldn't that be nice? Telling Subaru that he thinks he looks good? Yeah, he should do just that.
“You're pretty when you talk like this, Suba-kun.” Lyca said, almost dreamily.
Subaru stopped mid sentence. His eyes wide, he just stared at Lyca like what he said was the most shocking thing in the world.
He's been looking surprised and confused a lot lately. But Lyca can't help but think that even that looks cute.
But then it happened, slowly but surely, Lyca could see a small blush creep up on Subaru's cheeks. And the sight of it, made his heart skip a beat.
A whole new thought had been formed, one Lyca let spill out of his mouth without thinking about it.
“Hm… that looks nice too.” He said.
Upon hearing this, Subaru broke eye contact. His face turned redder as he brought up a hand and covered his mouth.
Lyca almost felt embarrassed about what he did. He felt how his throat threatened to close up. Most of the time when it did that, Lyca ended up saying the opposite thing to what he meant. Lyca had learned by now that that’s what happens when he’s embarrassed. But despite his embarrassment, he felt like he needed to say it. Because, if you like something, you should come right out and say it. That’s what he, himself, has said.
Lyca’s own face had started becoming warm, but he didn’t move his gaze away from Subaru. His elbow still rested comfortably against the library table as he just observed what a few simple honest words had caused.
And then, so quietly Lyca’s sure he would have missed it if it wasn’t for his good hearing.
He heard Subaru utter a small. “Thank you…” as he looked back at Lyca.
Yeah, that was that soft gaze that made Lyca feel warm all over. Subaru had a small embarrassed smile on his face, his cheeks were still covered in a blush, and Lyca thought it was the most wonderful thing he had seen that day.
They sat like that for a while, both red in the face, in silence, just looking at each other.
Lyca would say this was a successful attempt at courting. Probably the best one so far. But he's not done yet, he still has more tricks up his sleeve.
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Tip number four: Give the person you fancy a bouquet of flowers!
This sort of makes sense too, Lyca thinks. Giving gifts is universally seen as something nice, and flowers are both beautiful and they smell good. So shouldn't they be a wonderful gift? Lyca could also swear that Rui has mentioned something about giving flowers to your partner before. And isn't his whole thing that he flirts with girls? Yeah, Rui saying it means it has to be true.
Speaking of Rui, he cares for the garden in Obscuary's forest. So if Lyca wants to make a bouquet, he better get Rui to help him.
“Gigolo, what flowers in that garden would make a good bouquet?” Lyca’s question came abruptly. He had just gotten back from class when he spotted Rui tending to the garden right outside the stone gate surrounding the dorm building.
When he saw Lyca, Rui stared up at him with an expression that screamed "disappointed shock”, hey what gives? Lyca just asked a simple question.
“Lyca-kun… You’re seriously not listening to what Ed said, right? No way you’re following through on this ‘courting business.’” Rui deadpanned.
Lyca scoffed. “‘Course I am! Did you not hear what that Moth-eaten Casanova said? Someone could steal Suba-kun from me if I don’t hurry.”
Rui let out an irritated groan but decided not to fight Lyca about this.
“Fine, I’ll help. If even YOU know to give someone flowers then you can’t be failing too miserably.” Rui stood up from the flowerbed and dusted off his garden gloves on the apron.
“What’s that s’posed to mean?!” Lyca said angrily.
“What kind of flowers were you picturing?” Rui’s question quickly switched the topic.
“I don’t know. That's why I asked you.” Lyca said bluntly.
“Fine, fine. I’ll pick some non-dangerous yet nice looking flowers and make a bouquet for you. I better hear a thank you for my effort~” Rui teased as he walked over to another side of the flowerbed.
“Thank you.” Lyca simply said.
Rui frowned slightly, it wasn’t that fun to tease Lyca if he didn’t get it. Oh well. He got to work.
The next morning, Lyca had a beautiful bouquet. Rui even bothered to cut all the stems and wrap it all up in some nice paper and a bow. The colours of the flowers were admittedly on the darker side, but that’s how the flowers that grew in Obscuary looked. Lyca still thought they looked good, the smell was just alright though. Luckily Subaru didn’t seem like someone who cared about smells as much as Lyca did.
Lyca picked a good day to try out this method of courting, he only had one lesson before lunch which Subaru and he had already decided they would share together. Normally he would like to try to give Subaru the bouquet in the morning, however, Subaru had an early morning class today while Lyca had one way later. So this would make do.
Keeping the bouquet safe was easy. Lyca’s morning class was taught by Professor Nicolas, who kindly let Lyca keep the bouquet on his desk without any questions. And none of the students decided to ask him about it. However, once during the middle of the lecture, Lyca saw Ren Shiranami from Jabberwock look at him with a disgusted look. Again, what gives? It’s JUST a bouquet. But as soon as their eyes met, Ren looked startled and looked away.
When lunch finally started, Lyca decided to walk slowly and carefully so the bouquet would not lose so many petals. Maybe he should have hurried a little bit, afterall, he and Subaru had decided to buy lunch boxes from the campus store today, which famously sold out very quickly.
No matter, he had arrived in time with the whole bouquet intact. Subaru was waiting for him right outside the little store.
“Lyca-kun!” Subaru shouted in relief as he hurried over to Lyca.
“You didn’t answer any of my messages. I was afraid you wouldn’t show up…” He muttered.
“‘Course I would show up. You agreed to eat together today.” Lyca said, a little hurt.
“Of course, it was a little silly of me to worry-” Subaru’s words abruptly stopped. “What’s that?” He asked, finally noticing the bouquet in Lyca’s hands.
“A bouquet. For you.” Lyca handed the flowers over to Subaru.
Subaru’s fingers twitched in hesitation, before they finally wrapped around the bouquet Lyca was holding out to him.
“Are these… Flowers from the garden in Obscuary?” Subaru voiced his question slowly.
Lyca nodded. “None are dangerous, the blond gigolo made sure of that.”
A small smile had started spreading on Subaru’s face. He slowly turned the bouquet in his hand, admiring the dark petals. Lyca heard him mumble something that sounded like ‘I don’t deserve such a nice gift.’
“I… What’s the occasion?” Subaru looked back at Lyca.
He hadn’t really thought of what he should say in this situation. ‘Here, Suba-kun, take this bouquet of flowers because I’m trying to court you.’ He couldn’t just say that, now could he? So he said something different instead.
“I just wanted to give these to you.” Lyca saw how this response made Subaru flustered. But that smile still remains, it was almost like Subaru was… Flattered? Yeah, that’s the right word. Subaru seemed flattered.
Flattery. Wasn’t that what courting was all about. Letting the person you love know that you are interested by flattering them. If so, hadn’t Lyca succeeded again?
How much longer will he have to keep up before Subaru was ready to accept his confession of love? Well, Lyca would just have to keep trying to find out.
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Tip number five: Try to-!.... Hmmm…
Okay, Lyca was running out of ideas. He could have sworn that Neros had taught him more stuff but he just can’t seem to remember them right now. It’s fine, he can just keep doing the same things he had already done before. Improving where it didn’t go too well and repeating what worked. If he wants to shake things up, he’ll just start doing his own research in the library again.
Lyca have had a particularly busy school day when he got a message from Subaru. It was long and full of apologies and backtracking. Lyca had gotten used to Subaru’s typical self-negative talk by now. But it was asking Lyca to meet up on the terrace after he was done with classes. And that was right now!
A part of Lyca felt nervous when he walked up the steps towards the terrace. Because, why did Subaru suddenly ask to meet up? Was it about the bouquet Lyca gave last week? But another part of him was just excited to see Subaru again so soon.
Lyca had reached the top of the stairs when he pushed the door open to the terrace and spotted Subaru. Subaru was leaning against the metal railing, his back towards the door. The terrace was empty, Subaru had once told him it was only really full of people during lunch. But ever since Lyca had started there, the terrace was usually empty during lunch time too. Wonder what that’s all about.
“Suba-kun?” Lyca called out. Subaru swiftly turned around, his hands behind his back.
“Ah, Lyca-kun! You came!” Subaru responded with a bright smile, his cheeks dusted pink.
Lyca walked up to Subaru, a curious look in his eyes.
“What d’you have behind your back? It smells sweet.” Lyca asked. Subaru’s shoulders tensed up.
“A-ah, can we talk about that later? There’s something I want to discuss with you first.” The grip around whatever Subaru was holding behind his back tightened. His eyes darted around the room.
“Hmmm… Alright, what’d you want to talk about?” Lyca dropped the subject and Subaru visibly relaxed.
Lyca folded his arms and waited for Subaru to continue. He cleared his throat before his gaze settled back on Lyca.
“Um… where do I start?” Subaru mumbled to himself. “I. I’ve noticed… That you have been acting strange… These past two weeks.” He voiced it out slowly as he shuffled slightly with his feet.
‘Ah, he must mean the courting stuff.’ Lyca isn’t really sure what he expected. He’d say himself that he’s a blunt person, someone who does what he feels. But it’s true that he hasn’t acted like this before, so why wouldn’t Subaru question his behaviour? Lyca just hoped Subaru would have a positive reaction. That he would understand Lyca’s non-verbal social cues and understand that Lyca was into him. But he didn’t expect Subaru to think it was strange, it weirdly hurt to hear that from him.
“I.. Um.. I talked to Haku-san about it. And he told me what he thought you were trying to do…” Subaru continued, taking small and unhurried steps towards Lyca.
“And. I really do hope he was right… Because.” They were now standing face to face, Subaru was looking into Lyca’s eyes, before his face suddenly turned bright red and he broke eye contact.
“What did he say?” Lyca prodded.
Subaru was quiet for a moment. “Never mind… He was probably wrong…” He said softly.
Lyca became irritated, this stuff was supposed to work. Why is Subaru suddenly doubting him? Was he not clear enough, should he just have come right out and said it?
Before Lyca would start doubting himself the same way Subaru usually does, he decided to just let his thoughts out.
“Suba-kun. I like you. A lot.” The words came out loud and steady. Unlike Subaru’s hesitant and quiet mumbles throughout this whole conversation.
“Lyca-kun. Do you mean-”
“In the romantic way. Hmm.. What do people usually say in this situation? Oh right, please go out with me.” Lyca cut Subaru off before he could question him more. Lyca looked pleased with himself. Subaru can’t misunderstand him now.
Subaru stood frozen in place right in front him, it was like his brain was still processing what Lyca had said. But then slowly, his tense shoulders relaxed and a smile made its way to his face.
Subaru looked at the ground, his face was flushed and one of his hands tried to cover his mouth. But Lyca could still hear what he said. “I didn’t think I would be so lucky.”
Subaru smiled at him, Lyca couldn’t help but feel flustered at the sight.
“Right.” Subaru started. “I originally planned on confessing myself before I lost courage. And to do that… I wanted to give this to you.” He took out what he had been hiding behind his back this whole time. It was a neat little snack box, one Lyca had seen being sold at the campus store before. Subaru had talked about how Hotarubi students tend to buy them as snacks to go along with tea.
Lyca let out a surprised sound. “This looks delicious!” He said excitedly.
Subaru nodded. “I made sure to check it was all made with ingredients that are safe for you to eat. And, Lyca-kun..” He looked Lyca in the eyes.
“If you would have me, I would love for us to be together.” Lyca doesn’t think he has ever nodded so aggressively in his life. And to that, Subaru let out a delighted chuckle.
So it was official, after two weeks of some awkward and some successful attempts at courting, Lyca had finally gotten the man that owned his heart.
Even if you’re inexperienced, being taught about what to do can go a long way. However this whole ordeal was just a start to a whole new chapter of Lyca’s life, there will be more hurdles for him to overcome. But this time he will have Subaru on his side. Neither of them are experienced in relationships, they are determined to make it work. They’ll learn the ins and outs of being boyfriends together.