Chapter Text
His day started as it always did, with the sound of his somewhat annoying alarm. Not wanting to risk getting back to sleep, he rapidly got up and stopped the ringing sound before his parents woke up. With a big yawn, he got up, putting his slippers on.
It was a chilly Monday. He made a mental note to dress warmly. Monday is supposed to be the worst day for every student. Who would be excited to start yet another week of classes and studies?
Well, Dekisugi would. Not for academic reasons, although he didn't really mind going to school at all. In fact, he liked being able to learn so many things. But no, he was thrilled to see a certain someone after what felt like an endless weekend.
It has been a couple of weeks since Nobita and him had their first study 'date'. And since then, their relationship had clearly improved. Just thinking about being real friends with the other made him smile to himself.
Now he was able to wave him small hellos every time Nobita entered the classroom and sat down in front of him. He could even make a small chat with him between periods like normal people. He felt so lucky Nobita didn't hate him anymore.
Their study sessions also continued. They usually went smoothly, and Dekisugi really thought the smaller boy was improving. At least he was proud on how implicated the guy was, he was working hard to upgrade his marks on the subject.
Seeing him outside school twice a week was really a blessing brought by the gods above. Every session he would learn something new about the boy. And between breaks, they would share stories about themselves. Dekisugi found himself counting the days for their next meetings.
Because yes, he was glad of being able to meet him twice a week outside of school. Yet that was the only way for him to meet with him. He wished for something more in all honestly.
So, for the last week he has been trying to gain the courage to propose a different activity to do with Nobita. Maybe they could have a picnic somewhere or go to the movies. Or simply watch one back at his home while they ate some baked cookies.
There was also another thing he was trying to get done, and that was confessing his feelings to the boy. He knew his chances of having his feelings returned were low, specially considering Nobita did not like him in the slightest justa few weeks ago.
That aside, he didn't know how much longer he would be able to keep how he felt hidden deep inside him. The truth was consuming him, and now that they were friends he sometimes felt guilty about it. Like he was taking advantage to spend time with him.
So he decided it was better to just confess. Best case scenario, Nobita somehow felt the same and they finally become boyfriends. Worst case scenario however, he gets rejected and laughed on.
No, he wouldn't laugh. He is too kind for that.
He had also been thinking about charming the boy first. The problem was he didn't know how to do it, seeing his academic features weren't working. On contrary of the commonly thought about himself, his social skills were certainly not great, much less his flirting ones.
The only advices he had got through all his life where thanks to romance books. And he guessed they were not a good guide.
With all that in mind, he decided to take things slow, start with small things. His first objective: invite Nobita to a lunch date at his house after school. He could propose it for the same day they have a study meeting, so it wouldn't feel that weird.
Dekisugi spent all the morning with his thoughts all over the place as he prepared for school. He revised every possibility, what words he should say and mentally preparing himself for whichever outcome was going to be.
After what felt like a whole lifetime, he made it to class about five minutes earlier, like he usually did. He greeted a few classmates that were already seated and guided himself to his own desk. Placing the bag aside, he sat down and began to wait to class to start.
And, as expected, Nobita arrived last minute. Dekisugi couldn't help but stare at him for a moment. Messy hair, glasses almost falling off his sleepy face, shirt outside his jacket. He definitely had been running to get on time, and probably woke up late. He is so cute.
With a small smile, Nobita waved at him and mumbled a light hello. Time seemed to stop for the other, waving back almost automatically and feeling a small heat on his chest. Hearing the professor entering the class, the boy in front of him rapidly sat down and began to take the books out of his bag.
When the math teacher finally entered, Dekisugi was reminded of something important. Just last Friday they had a test, and the professor probably had the marks already. He wasn't worried about himself, he never was. The smart guy knew he would have done well.
No. He only could think about how Nobita did. He had been working so hard, and he really hoped he was able to help the boy to be better. Don't get him wrong, he was confident his friend would pass this time. He wanted to see the other happy and proud of himself. Because he already was proud of him.
Just as expected, ten minutes before the class ended the professor announced he had already revised the maths exams and he was going to return them. Curious, Dekisugi looked at his surroundings to analyse how his classmates probably did.
Some were calm, like Shizuka, who was waiting patiently on her seat to receive her results back. Others were obviously nervous, like Gouda, who probably didn't do to well and feared his mother's rage. And finally others were trying to remain calm, yet looking closer you could see slight worry, like Suneo.
And finally, there was Nobita, who remained quiet and looking at nothing, like his mind wasn't on class. From his seat, Dekisugi could see his feet trembling, and he was fidgeting with his fingers.
I think it's the first time I see him like that. Probably because he never felt he would get a good mark before. I really hope he does great.
One by one, people were called to the front desk and given the papers. As people commented what they got with each other, Dekisugi observed as Nobita was summoned and walked to the teacher. He could see his attempts at walking steady and confident, though his face gave away his real emotions.
Once there, he saw as the educator offered a light grin and mumbled something along the lines of "well done, I'm proud of you". He watched as Nobita hesitated to take the paper and then witnessed the sudden change of mood. He must have got a good mark, I can't wait to ask.
During the way back to his seat he was met with cheerful eyes and a big smile plastered on his friend's face. He wanted to congratulate him, however he was soon enough summoned to the table as well. When he arrived, the teacher praised him like he always did, but this time it was a bit different.
"Good job Hidetoshi, and I not only mean about your mark. I'm very pleased to know your help with Nobi was useful. Keep it up"
He could only smile as his cheeks became a light tone of pink. Trying to hide his face, he returned to his seat. Before he could process anything more, Nobita turned around to face him.
“Look,” Nobita said, turning around in his seat. He held out the paper, a grin breaking across his face. “I got a seventy”. And then, he handed it to him.
Dekisugi glanced at the paper, almost not believing it, then back at him. “You did that,” he said, a small smile forming too. “I just helped a little". He believed in those words, because they were mostly true.
Without noticing, their bodies naturally leaned over the other. They were too close, and he couldn't keep his eyes off him. Dekisugi could feel his cheeks heating up. He forced himself to sound calm, even if his voice almost gave him away. He didn't know how much he could handle.
"Well. I feel like I wouldn't have made it without your support" he paused, hesitating for a bit before continuing speaking. "You know, Gian, Suneo, Shizuka and I are meeting after class to get lunch at this new place in the center" he paused, not daring to continue just yet.
Dekisugi stared at him intensely. He was trying to register the words. Is he going to…?
"And well, I was wondering…if maybe you wanna come with us? I'm sure the others will be fine with it" Nobita said, scratching the back of his neck, smiling awkwardly.
What? Really? He wants me to come?
"I never been invited before…" he mumbled to himself. It was supposed to be a thought, something meant only for himself. A sad confession about his nonexistent social life outside school. And of course, Nobita had heard it.
He didn't comment on it, thought his face said it all. The other's eyes lowered, looking a bit sad. But he didn't want Nobita to be sad, especially not because of him. So he readjusted his pose, and answered cheerfully.
"Yeah yeah, I'm free. I’d like that"
The guy in front of him analysed him for a moment, sensing something was wrong. Nevertheless, he just nodded. "Okay then, just wait for me when class ends" he offered. The taller accepted happily.
After their small interchange of words, Dekisugi wasn't able to concentrate for the next subjects anymore. As they went through history to Spanish, he could only think about their interaction from the very morning. His ears registered the words, but his mind wasn't able to decipher their meaning.
How could he? Just two weeks ago he was able to make his very first real friend, and with his crush nonetheless. And now he had been invited by him specifically to a group meeting for the first time in many years. His hands wouldn’t stay still, and he had to remind himself to breathe normally.
His emotions were all over the place. He felt like even breathing was complicated. You need to calm down. It's not even a date. You are just going out with his friends. Just act normal and everything will be all right. How does one act normal again?
His trail of thoughts was interrupted by the ringing of the school bell. Class had finally finished. The murmur began to echo throughout the room. The students talked to each other while they collected their things, but he could only keep quiet. He kept adjusting his sleeves.
His mind was not on the class, and it became clear when Nobita had to call him three different times to get his attention. When he finally returned to the land of mortals, he felt embarrassed and immediately tried to compose himself.
"Dekisugi. Are you all right?"
Nobita had placed a hand on his right shoulder. He was definitely not okay.
"Oh yeah yeah. I just spaced out for a bit, I'm a little tired" he tried to explain. The other raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"If you say so. Anyway. I came to tell you the others won't be able to come in the end. Shizuka is a little sick and the other two…well…they just won't come. So if you want to cancel too, it's fine. Though I don't mind going if you still want to"
Dekisugi almost gasped. Me and him?! Alone?! For something that isn't study. Oh my god.
"You sure you are okay?"
Totally fine. It's not like my crush has invited my to an unofficial lunch date. Yep, definitely not worrying.
"Yes! I mean, yes. I would like to still going" with you.
"Great. Let's get going then, before it becomes too busy"
"Sure!"
He was absolutely not surviving this.
The place was definitely something he hadn't been expecting. It was a big café with small tables all around. Apparently, the establishment offered a basic menu for lunch and dinners at cheap prices. Which had attracted many people to come.
Nobita wasn't kidding when he said it rapidly became busy. Their were lucky to find a table for two people in such a short time.
Now they were seated in front of each other. While the smaller inspectionated what the kitchen had to offer, Dekisugi stared at his surroundings. He was surprised to found so many couples in that place. It's almost like it was created for them. No, I'm just imagining things.
He needed to remind himself this wasn't a date. They were just to friends having a friendly lunch together in a friendly place with friendly intentions. Totally friendly.
Who was he kidding, this was the closest to a date he had ever gotten. And, during their way there, he had been thinking about a terrible idea.
If things went out smoothly, and he sensed there was a chance of having his feelings returned, he should take advantage of their time alone and confess his feelings once and for all. It should be easy, right? Just three words were necessary.
On the contrary, it was terribly difficult. He knew it was an impossible mission. Yet here he was.
"Are you ready to order?"
A good looking waitress had stopped by their side with a little notebook in hand. She was looking at them expectantly, waiting. I've been too distracted to even glance at the menu.
"Sure! I'll have a cheeseburger with some fries. And water for the drink" Nobita explain, handing her the folded menu.
The cute girl noted everything down with a smile. And then turned his attention to him.
"And for you?"
"I don't know…just give me the same he had ordered" Very smooth Dekisugi, very smooth.
Nobita gave him a worried look. He definitely noticed he wasn't being exactly himself. When the waitress left them alone once again, the boy had decided to ask about it.
"Hey, are you sure you are okay? Did you get a bad mark or something?"
"Wha- no. That's not it" he reassured. It was the truth nevertheless, he had gotten yet another hundred on their test.
"Really? Because I feel like you have wasted so many time because our study sessions. I wouldn't want them to affect your grades…"
I sure not consider them a waste of time. In fact, they are the best part of the day.
"It's can assure you it's not that. I….I like your company"
He mentally slapped himself. Why, why does my mouth not have a filter. I'm going to die of embarrassment at this point.
As he was cursing himself for not being able to not humiliate himself, he somehow noticed a light tone of pink spreading on Nobita's face, almost imperceptible. And as soon as it appeared, it faded in a few seconds. Did he had imagined it?
"For what is worth, I don't mind it, it's nice. I guess" Nobita responded with a sly smile. Dekisugi had to take every little strength he had left to stop the blush that threatened to appear on his cheeks.
Before this conversation could continue, a tall waiter came with their meals and placed them on the table. Both murmured a small thanks in return, mutually deciding it was best to not finish what they were talking about. Because that chitchat could lead to something dangerous.
So, they both reached for their drinks at the same time, then stopped. Their fingers collided. The instant Dekisugi felt his touch he reacted, like he had touched some tea heatpot.
“Oh- sorry”
“No, I'm-”
It was said at the same time. They both pulled back, not reaching for the glasses anymore, and he could only choke out an embarrassing laugh. The silence that followed felt heavier than before.
Fortunately, after that accident they were able to fall into a much trivial conversation that fulfilled the awkward silence. As their talk shifted between the different topics, Dekisugi couldn't stop stealing glances at the cute guy in front of him. Which some of them were reciprocated.
Now they were eating the remains of their shared dessert. Yes, only one dish for both of them. It had been Nobita's idea, as he was a little short of money. But Dekisugi didn't mind, the tub of ice cream was big enough for the two.
Although he had been controlling his movements carefully, not daring to touch the other's hand again. If Nobita noticed his avoiding, he didn't comment on it.
"It's really good, don't you think?" The smaller said, eating one of the lasts spoons.
Clutching his ladle, he tried to respond casually. "Yes, it's tasty"
"Yeah, I feel kinda sad the others didn't come" Nobita admitted, bringing to his mouth the last portion of the ice cream.
"Why? Did you…not have a good time?" Dekisugi's grip to the spoon tightened, and his glaze avoided the other's eyes. He could feel his feet trembling.
Nobita looked at him truly confused. And then, for a moment, he widened his eyes, realizing the implication of his latest words. "No no. I didn't mean it that way. Sorry. I just thought they would have had a great time with us, like we did".
"Oh, right right" he laughed nervously, trying to mask the fear he had just felt a minute ago.
"Sorry. Anyway, do you want me to accompany you home, now that we have finished?"
"Sure!"
First he invites me to a lunch friendly date and then he want to bring me home? Have I died and been sent to heaven?
Their way home was calm. Their pace was nor slow nor fast, just steady. Most of the time, they spent themselves enjoying what was now a comfortable silence. As the couple crossed through the different streets, Dekisugi couldn't stop thinking about how close Nobita's hand was to his.
If a little touch is enough to bring an overwhelming warmth, I don't know if I could handle holding it.
"My house is over there, so you can leave me here"
Nobita's feet stopped, and then he turned his attention to him. He could analize every feature of the other's face like these. Will he look just as cute without his glasses?
"Okay, see you tomorrow" Nobita answered, already turning around in order to leave the place.
Dekisugi didn't know what come over him. He just felt like their meeting couldn't end like that. Not when he had had the best time of his life. Not when he had felt like the other did have a great time too. Not when he was spending time alone with him.
So, he unconsciously grabbed his wrist, and the smaller one could only stop his walk.
What am I doing?
"Did you want something more?"
I…I can't do this.
"No sorry, just. You, you have a leaf on your hair" he said with a long sigh, staying there defeated.
"Oh, thanks. Well then, bye"
"Yes, goodbye".
With one last glance, they parted ways. And Dekisugi felt a light pain on his chest. He watched Nobita walk away until he disappeared around the corner. Only then did he breathe.
I'm doomed.