Work Text:
Nirei tapped his pen against his desk as he stared at the empty page in front of him, he had completely forgotten what he was going to write about. His mind was slowly straying elsewhere as he was fully distracted by something else.
Letting himself take a break, the boy leaned back and let his head hang whilst emitting a long sigh. He was tired, and honestly just wanted to sleep: his focus was all over the place.
“Nirei-chan.. Is everything alright?” Kiryu speaks up as he takes the seat next to him, his voice was cheery, but there was also a hint of concern intertwined within it upon noticing the blonde’s sunken mood.
Nirei steadily turned his head to look at the boy who just spoke to him, then he forced a smile to form on his face. “H-Huh? Yeah.. I’m alright! Sorry for worrying you Kiryu-san, I’m just a little under the weather.” He reassures in return. However, it didn’t seem to do much as Kiryu still seemed to speculate: Eventually coming to a decision to drop the topic for now, Nirei was immensely grateful for that!
Well.. He would be if he didn’t change the topic to something even worse than it already was.
“Aw… Really? I also noticed Suo-chan has been down in the dumps lately, any idea what that’s about?” He questions, tilting his head slightly so he can get a better angle of Nirei’s expression.
The question brought beads of sweat onto the back of his neck as the room suddenly felt too hot and stuffy to even breathe. The colour drained from his face, and the previous forced smile suddenly disappeared in a flash. Nirei already knew Kiryu would suspect something from his reaction: but that didn’t stop him from trying to wriggle out of this mess that was created.
“O-Oh really?! Haha..! I didn’t notice! I’ll make sure to ask him later, thanks for letting me know Kiryu-san!” He chirped in turn, a hand rubbing the back of his neck as he turned his head down to face the blank page, he refused to give in to Kiryu’s judging stare and decided that if he didn’t see it then it didn’t exist.
“Alright then, whatever you say Nirei-chan..!” The pinkette could only respond in defeat, giving a soft sad smile. He had taken pity on the blonde and decided to drop the subject for now.
Nirei will make sure to thank him once more after everything is settled again.
—
It's been two days.
Two days since that night.
Suo and Nirei never argued. Suo adored Nirei too much and Nirei was simply never the type to get angry.
However, things shifted slightly this one particular evening. The two were laying in Nirei’s bed together, the smaller boy curled up in Suo’s chest as he scrolled away on his phone. They were just cuddling, running fingers through the latter’s hair and a lazy kiss here and there. It was normal, warm, and comforting.
Until Nirei decided to say something that changed the whole atmosphere.
“You know.. How come you never told me about your family or like.. Anything about you?” He muses, almost as if he’s deep in thought whilst asking the question. Straining his head slightly to get a better look at the other’s face, Nirei found his expression unreadable to determine what he's thinking.
“Hm..? What are you talking about Nirei-kun? You know plenty about me.” He says in a light and teasing voice, the words were floating in the air gently. “Getting greedy aren’t we?”
The flush that crawled up the blonde boy was inevitable, he forms a pout before rolling over to instead lay next to the taller boy, resting his head on the pillow as he stares into his singular eye that was visible.
“W-Well yes but only mundane.. Stuff… Nothing that anyone else doesn’t know.” His words die in volume as he adverts his gaze, unable to keep eye contact. He was never a pushy person, Nirei would rather die than make Suo tell him something that would make him uncomfortable.
But some part of him was dying.
He was dying to know more, he wanted to learn more about his partner. The relationship didn’t feel complete without the exchange of personal secrets. He hated the idea of everyone knowing Suo just as much as he did.
That shouldn’t be the case right..? Him and Nirei are dating, he has every right to want to know more about his boyfriend! It’s only natural after all!
“I just.. I don’t wanna push you to say anything but… sometimes I feel.. Weird..” He starts to form his sentence, even some of the words begin to struggle leaving his throat “Like, I don’t know.. Everyone else knows as much as I know, yes you treat me differently to others but I guess the lack of.. Personal stuff between us kinda makes me feel less.. Special to you, like you don’t trust me.. O-or I’m just someone you kiss here and there!”
Nirei swallows his fear when he gets the words out like it was some form of interrogation: he hadn’t even thought about most of it, they just came out of his mouth when he started speaking..
However the more he thought, the more those exact same words began to feel fabricated.
Lifting his gaze to look up at Suo’s face, his expression was again unclear. He couldn’t infer anything and it was making Nirei anxious, he became scared of the upcoming reaction and worried that he may have offended him.
“Is that really what you think?” The eye-patched boy responds back whilst he stares at Nirei with a blank face: It was killing the blonde. He couldn’t handle not comprehending what his boyfriend was thinking of currently in this scenario.
“Well.. Kind of..? I’m just a little worr-”
“Sorry Nirei-kun, I didn’t mean to upset you like that, I was just under the impression that I could open up at my own pace.”
The words stung a bit. And the interruption only made it worse whilst Nirei bites his inner cheek out of sheer embarrassment, trying to get his emotions under control and explain his thoughts properly.
“N-No of course you are..! It’s just.. I don’t know… I barely know any simple and mundane things about you and it’s making me think what we really are if I can’t even know a food you dislike or a genre of music you hate!”
“You do know stuff.”
“But not enough..!”
“Nirei-kun I’m not gonna argue with you about how much you know about me.”
“We don’t need to argue?! Just talk to me!”
“I am talking, Nirei-kun.”
“You’re not! You’re avoiding the subject as a whole..”
“I’m gonna go home, it’s getting late.”
Suo then sat up from the bed and stood up before walking towards the middle of the room. Checking himself in Nirei’s mirror, he made sure he still looked presentable before eventually making his way towards the door. Nirei himself, in a panic, sprung up from the bed and followed Suo to the door, grabbing his wrist on instinct.
“I just w-wanted to tell you about how I feel… I didn’t mean to make you upset.. Or push you!”
Suo didn’t respond, his face remaining stoic. It looked like he was deep in thought, but he also refused to speak anything else out loud. This in turn, only made the freckled boy even more distressed.
Did he go too far?
“If me speaking up about how I feel leads to you leaving then fine! Go!” Tears sprung in his eyes as frustration took a hold of him. Nirei felt himself use a little more effort to breathe as he tried to will the tears down, he didn’t want to cry, he really didn’t but he couldn’t stop the waterworks.
Suo didn't even dare to look at him but he saw the slight twitch of his eyes at the sound of his boyfriend's watery tone.
“That’s not it.. Nir-”
“That’s exactly what it is” He lets go of the taller boy’s wrist, slightly shoving him forward, indicating for him to leave which was a contrast to his earlier motive.
Suo finally turned around and he looked like he was in physical pain from just looking at the tears that flowed down, it hurt even more knowing he was the cause of them which wasn’t his intention whatsoever, Nirei knew this but he frankly in the moment did not care.
So he watched, he watched as Suo masked his expression, turned for the door and finally left.
That was the part that hurt the most, out of everything Suo leaving without another word released the dam of tears that had been held back. He didn’t even try to stay, convince Nirei that it’s okay and that they could talk. Suo didn’t explain himself.
He looked right into the tear filled eyes and left.
-
“Oi! Nirei!” Sakura yelled as he strutted into the classroom, walking over and slightly tugging at the yellow strands of hair which in turn earned him a yelp caused by the pain and Nirei ducks his head, trying to stray away from the other boy.
“S-Sakura-san?! Huh?! W-What’s going on!” He squeaks out a little panicked. He had never seen the boy so hostile towards him so it spiked some concern, however some of it melted away as he took in his captain’s state. A flushed face, twitch to his eyes and scrunched eyebrows with gritted teeth. He looked more embarrassed than anything. “Did something happen?”
“Suo happened! What the hell is wrong with him! Why on earth is he extra pissy today!” Sakura yelled a little too loudly as his face had begun to heat up again before it could cool down, drag this out a little more and Nirei is sure he might explode. “I mentioned y-your name and his mood got even worse! Did you guys fight or something!”
…
Nirei paused as he just stared up at Sakura, he didn’t like how on the nail he had been with his implication. Were they really that obvious? Well.. Suo clearly was. Nirei likes to think he has been keeping his emotions and personal relationships in check.
“Ah.. we just had a small disagreement.. Nothing serious, I’ll clear it up with him!” Nirei gulps as he laughs nervously, trying to add a light air to his words and ease Sakura’s worries. It seemed to work as the other boy huffs out and turns away, flush on his face cooling down.
“Y-You better, he’s annoying everyo-”
CRASH
The two boys went stiff as they heard the large commotion outside, before they could spring into action and see what was going on, they heard a loud yell.
“SUO?! W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” The scream was coming from Anzai and Nirei groaned as he figured out the culprit, the side eye he had gotten from Sakura told him he did as well.
Guess he really had to wrap everything up now.
—-
The last class of the day and teacher was not present so Nirei, Tsugeura and Kiryu all sat around a table with Sugishita lingering in the corner. Suo was on his desk, hunched over a book that he was reading, on the outside he looked calm but the air around him was tense and his displeasure was practically radiating off of him.
Nirei decided to cast it aside for now, he will apologise later today and has already sent a message to the boy telling him to meet him at the park where they usually train. He hadn’t got a response but he knew Suo read it and that he would be coming.
“Nirei-kun, everything okay you look bothered” Tsugeura speaks up as he picks up on the blonde’s bad mood, Nirei was a little startled at the observation as he only smiled in return.
“Mhm! Everything's alright! Just thinking a lot” He murmurs out as he fiddles with the ends of his uniform, feeling a little self conscious at how easy he was to read. Seriously, even Tsugeura noticed…
“Nirei-chan don’t think too much, your brain might overload and explode” Kiryu smiles as he teases the boy, poking at his head and lolling it to the end “Do share your burden”
Nirei smiles as he lets out a soft laugh at their concern. “I’m alright don’t worry, it’s nothing too serious!”
Kiryu didn’t look too convinced and Sugishita’s usual scowl had deepened. It seemed like Nirei really couldn’t fool anyone for too long. Although their worry for him did warm his heart, it was reassuring to know that his friends cared about him enough to ask about his wellbeing.
Kiryu reaches his hand up and ruffles the blonde hair in a playful manner, earning a soft flush onto Nirei’s cheeks as he giggles gently. “K-Kiryu-san?”
“Ah.. Nirei-Chan really is so cute when he’s sad huh?” The pinkette grins as he eyes the eye-patched boy in the corner of his vision, trying to observe his reactions as he presses himself a little closer to Nirei. “But I do miss your smile…”
Nirei subconsciously moved his gaze to his boyfriend and saw that he was turned away, however the tension in his jaw was as clear as day and his grip on the book only tightened.
Turning back around, Nirei decided to ignore that and put it at the back of his mind.
“Lets go out to muscle power afterwards and get some food!” Tsugeura chips in loudly with a huge smile. Nirei felt bad that he was going to have to turn him down but he had to talk to Suo today.
“Ah.. Thank you for the offer Tsugeura-san but I have plans.” The blonde politely turns him down with a look of guilt. Tsugeura was quick to comfort him that it was okay and that they could go another time, finishing it off with hopes that Nirei feels better.
“Eh… Maybe next time Aki-chan!” Kiryu breathes out in a light air as his grin sharpens, leaning a little closer and tugging at Nirei’s cheeks who had a soft hue of pink adore his features.
“A-Aki-chan..?! Kiryu-san where d-did that come from!” The boy squeaks as he curls in on himself, facial features wobbling.
“Hm?? You’re just so adorable, I had t-”
CRACK
The four boys at the table went stiff at the sound that reverted through the room, that was the second time this had happened today and Nirei already knew who the culprit was without even having to turn around.
“S-Suo.. Are you okay?! What happened!” Tsuegura panicked as he stood up and rushed over to the boy who had just left a huge imprint on the table, the corner of it laid in his hand detached from the main part of the object. The anger was practically steaming off of him which was enough for everyone in the class to step back and away.
“Hm..? I’m alright, my hand just slipped, sorry everyone.” Suo apologised smoothly, he sounded calm but Nirei heard the irritation laced into the words that he tried so hard to mask up. It wasn’t obvious to anyone except the blonde himself.
When did they get to know each other so well?
Suo stood up from his chair, the screeching sound alerting everyone. Nirei could hear the footsteps approaching his direction but he still refused to turn around, not yet.
The taller male took a stop right next to his chair as he looked down at his boyfriend.
“Nirei-kun, do you mind if we talk right now?”
–
This is so awkward.
Suo and Nirei were walking side by side. They had just left the school to go to somewhere more secluded but not a single word had been exchanged between the two ever since they were left alone.
“Do you mind if we go to the park now? I understand you said later but I couldn’t help myself.” Suo mused as he turned to look at the blonde who perked up at the sound of his voice.
“O-Oh! No, I don't mind at all!” He reassures which in return he earned a gentle nod. His demeanor had completely changed from when they were in the classroom to now, Suo was less tense and more calm whereas in there he was about to blow someone’s head off.
They continue the walk in silence as the two reach the stars down to the small park. Suo comes to a stop and takes a seat on one of the steps so Nirei takes it as his initiative to do so as well, sitting right next to Suo with a small amount of distance between them.
Nirei didn’t know if he should talk first or wait for Suo to start, but he didn’t get much time to dwell on that though as the other boy beat him to it.
“I’m sorry.” Suo apologized as he turned to look at the blonde, he had seen he was about to intervene and put his hand up in response. “Let me finish first”
“Don’t say what happened was fine because it wasn’t, I handled the situations poorly and you were just worried and wanted to get some answers out of me. It was my fault for overreacting and if I didn’t lash out I know you would have dropped it and not pushed any further because you are like that. I’m sorry for what happened, you mean everything to me and I love you Akihiko. I’m sorry for making you cry, for being so closed off and afraid, I’m sorry for pushing you away and casting you aside, I’m sorry for leaving you alone that night.”
Suo’s hands had found his as he held them with such delicacy. Nirei stared right into the crimson eyes filled with devotion, love and regret.
He couldn’t stop the wobbly smile that crawled up his face as he leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to his boyfriend's nose.
“I-I’m sorry too.. I shouldn’t have pushed so much I was just upset and worried. T-Thank you for everything and I forgive you of course.” He breathes out as Nirei squeezes the hands tighter, trying to convey his emotions through his face.
“You don’t need to apologise, I kno-”
“Well I am apologizing so take it or I won’t forgive you” The blonde interrupts before the other boy could finish his sentence. He knew Suo would say something like that but Nirei firmly believes that he himself had also done wrongs and that he needed to say sorry as well.
Suo let out a low chuckle and smiled, lifting Nirei’s hands to give a kiss to one of his palms. He was sporting such a loving look that the older of the two found himself looking away flustered.
“Ah… we are kinda silly huh?”
“Yeah but it’s okay! Stuff like this is bound to happen and I’m happy you’re willingly to get through it with me” Nirei chirps as he presses closer, removing any of the previous distance as their knees touch.
“I’ll go through anything for you.” Suo confesses as he pushes a little closer, he said the words so seriously that Nirei had no doubt about it.
“Hm.. as will I.. I love you”
“I love you more” The boy breathes out as he finally closes the distance between their faces. Pressing his lips to the shorter boys as they exchange a gentle loving kiss. God he missed this feeling so much. Nirei started to mourn all the kisses he had missed out on due to their quarrel.
But he will make sure Suo makes up for all of it.
–
“You’re gonna have to fix that table at school by the way” Nirei giggles as he leans more into Suo’s side, enjoying the warmth that was radiating off the boy. The two were laying on the grass, still in the park and not wanting to part ways just yet.
“I’ve never seen you get so angry before! What even caused that reaction. You were fine before?” The boy ponders as he thinks back to today's events, trying to figure out what had caused such an outburst.
Suo had just stayed silent, opting to play with the blonde strands and run his hands through the soft hair, occasionally planting a few kisses to his cheeks and nose.
“Were you jealous?” Nire inquires as he turns his head to face his boyfriend, catching the way his eye twitched.
“Jealous? My my Nirei-Kun, what gave you that idea?”
“W-Well it was after Kiryu-san called me Aki you went crazy, was it because of that? It was right?!” He jumps up slightly, eyes lighting up and a teasing smirk forming on his face. “Suo-san! You’re so adorable!” The boy whines as he kisses the corner of his mouth with a huge grin.
“I wasn’t jealous.”
“You so were! You can call me Aki as well! Wait, does that mean I can call you Hayato-san?” Nirei thinks outloud, unknown to him how Suo’s stomach had done a few flips at the sound of his first name rolling off the tongue of the love of his life.
Unable to handle it anymore, the taller of the two flipped them around until the blonde was pinned underneath him, stupid grin still plastered on his face.
“You’re going to kill me one day” He breathed out before diving in for a kiss which was happily returned.