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As the person in charge of the Imaginary Beings Division, Balem Sicirue is used to making observations for his research. Naturally, he also likes to observe those around him even if they aren't under his scope of research.
“Your class now suits you, Kalego-kun.”
“My class now is full of brash idiots. I don’t know how to interpret that you think they suit me, Sicirue.” Balam gave his long-time friend an easy smile despite his response. He knew that Kalego knew what he meant but was feigning ignorance to maintain his “strict and sadistic” reputation. His friend was secretly a softy though; Balam had first-hand experience to that kindness, after all.
“It’s not a bad thing.” The bird-man replied. The two were currently seated on a bench in a secluded part of the school. Balam had found this spot long ago when he was still a student, and thought it was the perfect place to eat lunch. He was thankful that the cafeteria staff were kind to him and agreed to his request of takeout meals that he could bring with him outside. A few days after he started that ritual, Kalego found him, claimed that the cafeteria was too crowded and noisy, and had joined him for meals ever since. Nowadays, he could eat in his division office-slash-experiment room, away from any judging eyes, but there were still some days he felt like eating in their spot.
Glancing at his prim friend, he spoke idly as he poured them both a glass of hell gray tea from a thermos. “I just meant that you’re good for them, and that they’re good for you too.”
“All they’ve done so far is cause me stress.” Kalego’s face scrunched up, probably from memories, as he said it. The 8th rank demon set his back a little straighter as he started unpacking his specially requested sandwiches from the cafeteria. “I’ll be glad of the day I can finally get rid of them.”
“Now, now.” Balam began. “You don’t mean that, at least not completely, Kalego-kun. You pay a lot of attention to them.”
“I need to, to keep them out of trouble.” The dark haired man replied. “I don’t need the principle docking my pay even more because of their misdemeanors; especially from that grandchild of his.”
Balam smiled at the mention of Iruma. “Iruma-kun is pretty special.” He conceded, remembering the secret he shared with the child. “He seems to be your favorite.”
“Absolutely not.” Kalego insisted. “That one is my number one problem child. Have you forgotten all the things I’ve gone through because of him? Camu-sensei even threatened to eat me that one time, and it was because of him and his friends.”
“Even so, you care about them.” The scientist said. “You’re good to them, and you didn’t really do that for your classes before. You go above and beyond your duties as their teacher. You make detailed observations about each student and think of ways to help them grow. You make them better, and never challenge them beyond what you think they’re capable of doing. I’m a little jealous at how comfortable they are around you, because it says a lot about how much they like you. I know you complain that they tease you, but that also means they trust you. You’re basically---"
“Sicirue.” Kalego hissed, cutting his friend off. It was rather embarrassing to have all of his interactions commented on, even if it was done by a good friend, and it made him uncomfortable. Once he managed to regain his bearings, he looked at his friend straight in the eye and tried to relay a message he knew Balam would understand. “Be silent.”
Balam regarded his friend, who was now scowling a little, and allowed the topic to drop for the meantime. “Besides,” Kalego continued after a while. “I only enjoy them when they’re suffering. It’s only right after all the trouble they cause me.”
After that, Kalego started on his sandwich and the two ate in companiable silence, Balam breaking it every now and then with a comment about his researches and observations, and it was peaceful. Eventually, the two started to pack up their things to prepare for their afternoon classes.
Once they were near the main area of the school, Balam stepped in front of Kalego and faced him. The dark-haired demon leaned his head back to observe his taller friend, wondering what Balam wanted and why he was doing it now when they just spent their entire break alone. It made him apprehensive, and he was just about to ask when Balam suddenly leaned into him, making Kalego stiffen up as the scientist’s light-colored hair filled his vision. His friend was often affectionate, but he rarely did this sort of thing on campus when he knew he’d receive a fierce scolding from him about his personal space and public decency.
Balam drew himself close to Kalego’s ear and said quietly, “Don’t be embarrassed about caring about those kids, Kalego-kun.” He started. “They make you smile, that’s why I said they suit you. I enjoy watching you with them.”
Balam stood straight and smiled at how his friend froze and flushed slightly with his words. It was also accompanied by a very constipated look though, and it made Balam laugh. “It’s a good look on you, Kalego-kun.” The scientist didn’t wait until Kalego could respond, and promptly made his exit towards his office. If Kalego came to scold him later for what he said, then Balam wouldn’t mind it. He enjoys watching that too.