Work Text:
Sitting at his desk, Kunigami has his chin propped on his hand, pretending to listen to the teacher’s monotone lecture. His eyes, however, betrayed him. They drifted across the classroom, locking onto her. Chigiri. She stood by one of her friends’ desks, her soft laughter rising above the low buzz of classroom chatter. Kunigami felt his chest swell with warmth.
There she was. Chigiri, with her long, reddish-pink hair cascading over her shoulders like silk, catching the little sunlight streaming through the window. Her bright pink eyes sparkled with amusement, framed by delicate lashes that seemed to flutter with every blink. Her laughter wasn’t loud or forced; it was effortless, like her. Everything about her felt so effortless.
But it wasn’t just her looks that had Kunigami so hopelessly drawn to her. Sure, she was beautiful, breathtakingly so, but it was her personality that truly got to him. Chigiri was the type of person that made you feel seen. She had this mellow, easygoing vibe that drew people to her, yet she carried herself with a confidence that was undeniably magnetic. She was funny, too, her humor sharp and sassy without ever being mean-spirited. And friendly—Chigiri seemed to get along with just about everyone, always knowing the right thing to say to put people at ease.
For Kunigami, though, it was the way she had always believed in him that mattered most. Since they became friends in middle school, Chigiri had been his anchor and his spark. She’d pushed him out of his comfort zone countless times, from convincing him to join the football team to dragging him to school festivals he’d otherwise skip. Kunigami, reserved and cautious by nature, sometimes felt like she was the only person who truly understood him. He didn’t just like her—he admired her, deeply.
But he’d never tell her that.
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to look back at his notebook. Keeping his crush a secret wasn’t easy, not when every glance at her made his heart race. He tried not to stare too long, to make it too obvious, but sometimes, like now, he couldn’t help himself. What if she found out? What if it ruined everything? Kunigami valued their friendship more than anything, and he wasn’t about to risk it just because his feelings had gotten too big to contain.
The bell rings and snaps him out of his thoughts. Class was over, and it didn't even feel too long since he was too caught up in his own thinking.
As the students began to file out, Kunigami lingered near the door, his eyes instinctively seeking Chigiri again. She was walking out with Bachira, who was clinging to her arm and gesturing animatedly about something. Chigiri tilts her head, smiling at whatever she was saying. Kunigami’s chest tightened as he watched her retreating figure, and he soon started to follow after.
“Do you like her?”
The blunt voice made Kunigami freeze mid-step.
He turned to find Itoshi Sae standing beside him, her arms crossed and an unreadable expression painted on her face. Sae was a third-year, and her reputation preceded her. She was effortlessly cool, with an aloof demeanor that only seemed to add to her allure. Her sharp teal eyes studied him with mild interest.
“W-What?” Kunigami stammered, his voice cracking. His cheeks flared as he realized he’d been caught. “I don’t—what are you talking about?”
Sae’s gaze didn’t waver. “Do you like her?” she repeated, her tone flat, as if the question was a mere formality. She didn't have to specify who.
“I—no,” Kunigami croaked, his voice high-pitched and unconvincing. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Sae raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “You’re terrible at lying.”
Kunigami shifted uncomfortably, his ears burning. “I’m not lying,” he muttered, avoiding her gaze.
Sae smirked faintly, the corner of her lips twitching upward. Kunigami then realizes he's actually never seen Sae smile. “You were staring at her like a lost puppy. It’s painfully obvious.”
Kunigami felt like he was going to implode. “I wasn’t staring!” he protested, though his voice lacked conviction.
Sae turns her head, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Look, I’m not judging you,” she said, her voice quieter now. “But if you like her, you should probably do something about it.”
Kunigami blinked, startled. “Do something about it?” he repeats, puzzled. “What do you mean? She’s my best friend. If I say anything, it’ll just… mess everything up.”
“Maybe,” Sae said with a shrug. “Or maybe it won’t. You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
Kunigami frowned, unsure how to respond. The thought of confessing to Chigiri was both terrifying and exhilarating, like standing on the edge of a cliff.
Sae seemed to sense his hesitation. “Chigiri isn’t stupid,” she said, her tone dry but not unkind. “She probably already knows. But if you don’t say anything, she’ll think you don’t care that way. Your call.”
Kunigami turned his gaze back to Chigiri, who was now laughing at something Bachira said by the lockers. Her smile was bright, her laugh so carefree that it made his chest ache. The pang of longing hit him hard, and he clenched his fists, trying to shake it off.
“Zantetsu likes her,” Sae says suddenly, her tone as blunt as before.
Kunigami whipped his head back to her, his brows furrowing in surprise. “Huh?”
Sae nodded, sidestepping a pair of students walking past. She shifted to the other side of Kunigami, avoiding the press of the crowd in the hallway. Kunigami’s gaze followed her, his confusion etched plainly on his face. “Rin told me,” she said simply.
Kunigami blinked, his thoughts spinning. Itoshi Rin, Sae’s younger brother—a first-year athlete who was known for being quiet and serious. It wasn’t like Rin to gossip or share unnecessary information, so the revelation caught Kunigami off guard. “Rin? How would he know?” he asked, his voice tinged with both disbelief and unease.
Sae shrugged lightly. “Zantetsu told him, I guess. Or maybe Rin just noticed. He’s more observant than people give him credit for.”
Kunigami frowned, his mind racing. Zantetsu was another second-year, he's a moron and annoying, almost obnoxiously so. The idea of him liking Chigiri, his Chigiri, made Kunigami’s stomach churn uncomfortably. “And you’re sure?” he pressed, his voice quieter now.
Sae gave him a sidelong glance, her expression cool but vaguely amused. “You don’t seem happy about it,” she noted, ignoring his question.
Kunigami flushed, rubbing the back of his neck. It was a nervous habit. “That’s not—” he started, but stopped himself. He couldn’t admit the truth, not even to Sae. “It’s just… surprising, that’s all.”
Sae didn’t look convinced, but she let it slide. “That guy's bold. If he likes her, he’ll probably tell her sooner or later,” she informs nonchalantly. Then, with a pointed look at him, she added, “If you don’t want him to beat you to it, you might want to think about your next move.”
Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Kunigami just stares at her, his mouth opening and closing as he tries to find a response. But before he could say anything, Sae waved a hand dismissively. “Or don’t. It’s your life,” she said, her tone indifferent as she began to walk away.
Kunigami watched her retreating figure, his mind a clouded with an array of emotions. The thought of Zantetsu confessing to Chigiri filled his stomach with something uncomfortably close to jealousy. He glanced back at Chigiri, who was now closing her locker, still smiling as Bachira talked lively beside her.
What if Sae was right? What if Zantetsu really did confess? And what if Chigiri said yes to that idiot?
The thought was unbearable, but the idea of confessing himself felt just as daunting. He took a deep breath, trying to steady the chaos in his mind. He had always been the reliable one, the “big brother” type, as people often called him. But now, he wasn’t sure if that was enough. Not for Chigiri, and not for himself.
For the first time, Kunigami wondered if playing it safe was really worth the risk of losing something more.
He felt his feet move before he fully decided what he was doing. Swallowing his nerves, he turned around and called out, “Sae!”
She stops mid-step, glancing over her shoulder with an unbothered expression. Her eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity as Kunigami jogged up to her, his face already burning from the attention he’d drawn to himself.
Sae tilted her head, waiting. “What?”
Kunigami hesitates, his gaze dropping to the floor. He shuffled awkwardly, his hand gripping the strap of his bag tightly. “Can you… tell her for me?” The words came out rushed, almost a mumble. He couldn’t even bring himself to meet her eyes until a moment later, the weight of the silence forcing him to glance up.
Sae blinked at him, her face utterly blank. Then, without a shred of hesitation, she answers, “No.”
Fuck. He should have expected that. He sighs, scratching at his nape. “Right. Okay. Yeah, that’s fair,” he muttered, embarrassed. But he wasn’t done yet. “Then… can you tell me how to confess to her?”
“Do I look like I confess to people?” Sae raises a brow, folding her arms across her chest.
Kunigami froze, realization hitting him like a brick wall. Right. She didn’t. It was Sae. People lined up to confess to her. Of course she wouldn’t know. He stays quiet, mentally kicking himself for asking something so stupid.
Sae’s expression shifted into something closer to pity, or maybe just exasperation, as she watched him flounder. She exhales through her nose and shakes her head. “How did people confess to you?” Kunigami asks lowly, desperation creeping into his voice. “I’ll take anything I can get.”
Sae gives him a long, assessing look. Her gaze was sharp, as if she was peeling away layers of him with every second that passed. Finally, she sighs again and turns her body forward once more, starting to walk slowly. Kunigami fell into step beside her, watching her expectantly.
“Just tell her straight up,” she responds finally, tone frank. “Don’t write any damn letters or try to do it indirectly. That’s weak.”
Kunigami frowned, his steps faltering slightly. “Straight up?” he reiterates, his voice uncertain.
“Yeah,” Sae continued, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. “If you want to make it a little special, get her some flowers or candy or something. I don’t know. Just don’t overthink it.”
Kunigami nodded slowly, his lips pressing into a thin line. Sae’s advice was simple, brutally so, but maybe that was the point. He wasn’t entirely sure if flowers and candy were Chigiri’s style, but the idea of just saying it outright made his stomach sink. Could he even do that?
Sae seemed to pick up on his hesitation. “Look,” she said, her voice softening just a fraction as she exhales yet again. “The point isn’t to make it perfect. The point is to make it honest. She’ll get it if you mean it.”
Kunigami blinked, taken aback by the sudden sincerity in her tone. He looked at her, but Sae had already turned her attention back to the hallway ahead, her usual aloofness settling over her like a shield again.
“Honest, huh?” he murmured, more to himself than to her.
Kunigami sat at his usual cafeteria table, his tray untouched as he absentmindedly stabbed at his food. He was being unusually quiet. Half his attention was fixed on brainstorming ways to confess, the other half inevitably drawn to Chigiri, who sat directly across from him. She was chuckling at something Bachira had said, her bright pink eyes crinkling at the corners. Kunigami found himself completely captivated.
As he chewed on his food, his gaze lingered on her for too long. Chigiri caught him staring. Her laughter softened, and she turned her head slightly, her eyes locking with his.
His heart skipped so violently in his chest that he almost choked. Heat rushed to his face as he immediately looked away, pretending to be deeply interested in the conversation Isagi and Bachira were having to his left. He caught none of their words, his mind racing as he tried to calm himself down.
When he was sure Chigiri had turned her attention back to the table, he risked a glance. She was smiling again, leaning forward slightly as she playfully nudged Bachira’s shoulder. Kunigami swallowed hard and focused on his tray. This was impossible. How was he supposed to confess to her when he couldn’t even hold her gaze without panicking?
Lunch ended too quickly, and the group began to scatter. Kunigami stood to toss his tray into the trash, still lost in thought. As he turned to head back toward the cafeteria doors, Chigiri appeared beside him, bumping his arm lightly with her side.
“I didn’t know you and Sae were friends,” she said with an easy smile. Her voice was soft and familiar, sending his heart into overdrive.
“Huh?” Kunigami blurted out almost dumbly, his thoughts coming to a halt.
Chigiri’s smile widened, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You called out for her in the hallway earlier, and you two walked off together.” She gave him a curious look, refreshing his memory.
Kunigami let out a small “Ah,” and shook his head, flustered. She’d noticed that? Well, of course she had. He had called out Sae’s name a little too loudly. His face grew warm as he realized how obvious he must have looked.
Chigiri studied him for a moment, her tone casual but her gaze keen. “Do you think she’s pretty?” she asked out of the blue, tilting her head with genuine curiosity.
Kunigami froze mid-step. Her words hit him like a brick, and he tensed, his mind scrambling for a response. “Sae?” he managed. His voice was slightly strained. “I mean, she’s… she’s uh, attractive.” He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look at Chigiri briefly before averting his gaze again. “But she’s not my type,” he added softly, hoping she’d catch the implication.
When he glanced back, he noticed the faintest downward tilt of her lips, her expression barely faltering before it smoothed over. His heart seizes at the sight. Swallowing hard, Kunigami took a breath and pushed through the nerves threatening to hold him back.
“I think you’re prettier though,” he murmured, his voice quiet but earnest as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Chigiri’s pink eyes widened slightly, and for a split second, she just stared at him. Then, a big smile spread across her face before she let out a soft laugh, her cheeks tinged pink. To Kunigami, she looked like an angel.
“Aw, thanks, hero,” she teased, bumping his arm again, this time a little harder. Her tone was light, but her smile lingered, and he felt his heart twist again, this time with something warm and unfamiliar.
He could only nod, watching her gaze drift toward where Isagi and Bachira were waiting by the cafeteria door. She gave Kunigami one last look, her smile still bright. “See you in class,” she said, giving him a small wave before walking off ahead of him.
Kunigami stood frozen, his gaze following her as she disappeared into the crowd. His hand clenched briefly at his side before relaxing. Maybe, just maybe, he could find the courage to confess his feelings.
The school day dragged on, with nothing particularly eventful happening, but Kunigami’s mind refused to settle. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the lessons, his thoughts kept drifting back to Chigiri. Her smile, her giggle, the way she’d stared at him so intently earlier at lunch, it was all-consuming. By the time his last class was nearing its end, Kunigami had made up his mind.
He was going to confess to her after school when they walked home together.
The decision sent a wave of both excitement and dread through him, but he clung to it. He couldn’t keep running in circles. It was now or never.
When the last bell finally rang, Kunigami sprang from his seat, barely muttering a goodbye to his classmates as he darted out of the room. He had one more thing to do before his confession—he needed to find Sae. He didn’t even fully understand why. Maybe it was to get her approval, or just to feel reassured that he wasn’t making a colossal mistake. Either way, he had to find her, and quickly.
From her seat, Chigiri watched Kunigami rush out, her expression puzzled. She tilted her head and blinked but didn’t say anything, letting him go.
Kunigami moved through the halls, trying not to look frantic but definitely feeling that way. He didn’t know Sae’s schedule or where her class was, so he searched aimlessly, occasionally glancing into classrooms or scanning for any sign of her. The longer it took, the more nervous he became. His palms were clammy, and his heart was racing. What am I even doing?
Eventually, his search brought him to the third-year hallway. The shift in atmosphere was immediate. The older students gave him curious or dismissive looks as he passed. Kunigami straightened his posture, trying to seem as composed as possible despite his second-year status sticking out like a sore thumb.
Finally, he spotted a familiar face— Rin, standing stiffly outside a classroom door and staring inside. Kunigami exhaled sharply. If Rin was here, then Sae must be close by.
Clearing his throat, Kunigami approached the door. “Sae in there?” he asked, doing his best to sound casual despite the lump in his throat.
Rin turned slowly, his sharp, cold gaze landing on him. His impassive face gave little away, but his eyebrows furrowed just enough to convey a silent Who the hell are you to say her name like that?
Kunigami met Rin’s stare, determined not to falter under the scrutiny. After a tense moment, Rin’s eyes shifted, and he gave a small nod toward the classroom door before turning his attention back inside.
Kunigami stepped closer, peeking into the room too. Sure enough, Sae was standing at her desk, calmly organizing her folder. She didn’t look up until Rin called out for her.
“Nee-chan.”
Sae glanced up at the doorway, her eyes flicking from Rin to Kunigami. She stared at him, her expression as unreadable as ever as she slid the last paper into her folder without looking. Straightening up, she arched an eyebrow.
“What?” she asked plainly.
Kunigami felt every nerve in his body tighten. He glanced awkwardly at Rin, who was still lingering at the door, watching him with suspicion. Taking a breath, Kunigami stepped cautiously into the classroom, his stomach twisting with embarrassment.
Rin’s glare followed him, but he didn’t say anything, simply crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe.
“Um,” Kunigami started, his voice quieter than he intended. “It’s about Chigiri… again.”
Sae’s other brow rose slightly, her expression still stoical. She leaned a hand against her desk, tilting her head as if to wordlessly prompt him to continue.
Kunigami wavered, his gaze darting to the floor before he forced himself to look at her. “I… I decided I’m going to confess to her today. After school,” he admitted, his words coming out in a rush even though he tried to speak as clear as possible.
Sae blinked, processing his declaration. “And?”
Kunigami faltered again. “And… I guess I wanted to make sure it’s okay? Like, is this a bad idea? Should I wait? I don’t know, maybe this is stupid…” He trailed off, scratching the back of his neck as his nerves started to spiral again.
Sae stared at him for a long moment before letting out a short sigh. “Kunigami,” she said, her voice flat but firm, “if you’re waiting for me to give you permission or tell you it’s the perfect time, you’re wasting your energy. There’s no ‘right’ time to confess.”
Kunigami nodded slowly, but she wasn’t finished.
“You’re overthinking this,” Sae added, straightening up again and crossing her arms. “If you want to tell her, just tell her. And stop running around like an idiot. You’re going to psych yourself out before you even get to her.”
Kunigami swallowed hard. She wasn’t wrong, but her bluntness still stung a little. “I guess I just… don’t want to mess it up,” he muttered.
Sae’s lips quirked faintly, almost into a smirk. “You already told her she’s prettier than me. Pretty sure you’ll survive this.”
Kunigami's face heats up and he's looking away. “That wasn’t—I didn’t—”
“Save it,” Sae cut him off, waving a hand indifferently. “Just go. You’ve got someone waiting for you.”
Kunigami nodded, a mixture of gratitude and lingering nerves bubbling in his chest. “Thanks… I guess.”
Sae didn’t respond, turning back to her folder. As Kunigami left the classroom, Rin’s glare followed him all the way down the hall, something unspoken flickering in his gaze. After a moment, he turned back to Sae, who was calmly gathering her folder and bag.
“He said she was prettier than you?” Rin asked. There's a hint of amusement creeping into his normally monotone voice.
Sae slung her bag over her shoulder, walking to the door with an air of nonchalance. “He’s like a lovesick puppy, isn’t he?” she mused blandly, her tone flat but tinged with a trace of her own amusement.
Rin moved to walk at her side, his hands tucked into his pockets. He glanced sideways at her. In full seriousness, he says, “You’re prettier, though."
Sae stopped mid-step, her expression flattening as she gave Rin a pointed look, her sharp blue-green eyes warning him. “Don’t start,” she tells him curtly, exhaling through her nose.
Rin shrugged, his gaze sliding forward. “Just saying,” he replies.
Sae shook her head and resumed walking. “Rin, you’re terrible at compliments. You make them sound like insults half the time.” Not entirely true.
“Didn’t realize I needed to compliment you,” Rin deadpanned, side-eyeing her. This was typical of them, bantering lightly in front of everyone else. But behind closed doors, it was different. It was all love. “You seem like you’d prefer silence.”
Sae let out a short, dry laugh. “Smart observation,” she hums.
The two walked in silence for a moment, the distant hum of the school hallway filling the air. Rin spoke up again. “Do you think he has a chance?”
“With Chigiri?” Sae asks, not even needing to clarify who Rin meant. At Rin’s nod, she tilts her head thoughtfully. “Probably. She’s not exactly subtle about liking him back.”
Rin raises a brow, his voice skeptical. “She likes him?”
Sae gave him a sidelong look. “You seriously can’t tell?”
“I don’t waste my time watching lovesick second-years,” Rin tells her bluntly.
Sae gives him an entertained look as she nudges his arm with her shoulder. “Aren't you a first year? Those are big words coming from someone who's still figuring out how to talk to people without scaring them off.”
“That's rich coming from you,” Rin says with an unimpressed tone, low voice leveled but pointed.
Sae scoffs playfully and rolls her eyes. “You don't wanna go there.” She warns tauntingly.
Rin rolls his own eyes, quickening his pace slightly to avoid her teasing. “Don’t start,” he muttered, citing her earlier words.
Sae chuckled quietly to herself, the sound barely audible over the din of students passing by. She says nothing more as they continue on their way down the halls.
Kunigami jogged down the stairs, his breath catching as he spots Chigiri standing near the main doors, chatting with Reo and Nagi. Her long, reddish-pink hair shimmered under the sunlight streaming through the doors, and her soft smile had his heart racing yet again.
“Chigiri,” he called, his voice steady despite the hammering in his chest. She turned toward him, bright eyes lighting up in recognition.
“Ah, sorry to keep you waiting. I had to… do something,” Kunigami informs, stopping in front of her. His gaze briefly flickered to Reo and Nagi, offering them a polite nod.
Reo waved back with a smile before brushing some of her long purple hair over her shoulder. “Hey, Kunigami.”
Nagi, predictably, stood there with an air of boredom, barely acknowledging him.
“It’s okay, no worries,” Chigiri said with a reassuring smile, her voice gentle. That simple expression sent a wave of warmth coursing through Kunigami, making him feel light and fuzzy. It was maddening how much she affected him without even trying.
The two of them stepped out together, side by side, their pace naturally falling in sync. Just as they were about to exit the school gates, Reo called out from behind, “Good luck, Chigiri!”
Chigiri’s cheeks flushed as she waved back sheepishly. “Thanks, Reo!”
Kunigami raised a brow at the exchange, his curiosity piqued, but he brushed it off. Instead, he focused on the girl walking beside him, her presence filling the space between them. As they made their way down the street, their conversation was light and familiar, like slipping into a well-worn rhythm.
“How was your day?” Kunigami asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
“Pretty good. Nothing too exciting,” Chigiri replied. “I’ve been spending more time with Hiori lately. She’s actually pretty fun to be around.”
Kunigami hummed. “Really? I’ve talked with her once or twice, she seems really nice.”
Chigiri nods. “She’s super sweet. Can't say the same thing about her boyfriend, though.”
Kunigami nodded, letting her words fill the comfortable space between them. Her voice was melodic, soothing even. But as the conversation naturally drifted into silence, his nerves started creeping in. The weight of what he planned to say pressed heavily against his entire being.
“So…” Chigiri’s voice broke the quiet, catching Kunigami off guard.
“What’s up?” he asked, turning his head toward her.
Chigiri seems to be hesitant, her gaze fixed on the sidewalk beneath her feet. Kunigami noticed the faintest blush spreading across her cheeks, though she quickly shook her head as if brushing away the thought.
“Ah, nothing,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.
Kunigami’s stomach churned as his thoughts spun. Was she going to say something important? Or was he imagining things?
A few more steps down the sidewalk and Kunigami’s resolve finally hardened. He stopped abruptly, turning toward her. “Chigiri, wait.”
She halted a few steps ahead, looking back at him curiously and blinking, waiting for him to speak up.
Kunigami took a deep breath, his palms clammy as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I… I need to tell you something,” he started, his voice low and trembling slightly.
Chigiri’s pink eyes widened slightly before softening. “Funny. I wanted to talk to you about something, too,” she said with a nervous smile.
Kunigami blinked, taken aback. “You did?”
She nodded but gestured toward him. “You first.”
Kunigami’s heart pounded in his chest, louder than he thought possible. He swallowed hard and nodded, his gaze dropping to the pavement before flickering back to her. “Okay… um…” He hesitated for only a second longer before forcing the words out. “I like you, Chigiri. Like… really like you. More than just a friend.”
Chigiri’s face lit up in surprise, her eyes wide and her lips parting as she stared at him. Kunigami’s cheeks burned red, and he immediately looked away, feeling like he’d just set himself on fire.
“I…” Chigiri’s voice was soft, and she looked down, her face blooming with a rosy blush. “I like you too.”
Kunigami’s head shot up. “Huh?”
Chigiri raised her head, her cheeks still pink but her expression warm and full of anxious energy. “I said I like you too, Kunigami,” she confessed, her voice firmer this time.
Kunigami stared at her, his mind racing to process what she’d just said. “You… you do?”
She nodded, smiling shyly. “Yeah. For a while now. I just didn’t know how to say it.”
Kunigami let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, his face breaking into a wide, relieved grin. “I—wow. I didn’t think…” He trailed off, running a hand through his hair. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”
Chigiri laughed softly, her nervousness easing into joy. “I think I have an idea. You look like you’re about to explode.”
Kunigami chuckled, his usual composure weak as his grin stretched even wider. “Guess I am.”
He shifts on his feet, rubbing the back of his neck as the silence stretches between them. His heart was pounding so hard he could hear it in his ears. After a beat, he cleared his throat and glanced at Chigiri.
“So… are we boyfriend and girlfriend now?” he asked nervously, the words tumbling out clumsily. He felt like some kind of middle schooler asking. Was this a movie?
Chigiri blinked at him, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she shrugged lightly, looking away as a small smile touched her lips. “Guess so,” she said casually, though the pink flush creeping up her neck betrayed her calm tone. She then brushes some of her hair behind her ear.
Kunigami’s heart leaped so hard it almost knocked the wind out of him. His mind raced, a mix of elation and disbelief washing over him. They stood there in another long silence, the air between them charged with something new and unexpressed.
“Can I kiss you?” Kunigami blurted out suddenly. The words escaped his mouth before he could stop them.
Chigiri’s head snapped up, her pink eyes widening in surprise. Kunigami froze, his breath hitching. Ah. He couldn’t believe he’d just asked that. Was it too soon? Shouldn’t they wait? Was he being impulsive? He wasn’t even sure how this was supposed to go—he hadn’t exactly done this before. His mom had told him not to go around giving just anyone his first kiss.
But then, to his utter shock, Chigiri gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. “If you want to.”
Kunigami’s breath caught, his stomach flipping. He watches as her fingers grip the straps of her bag tightly, and her cheeks were tinged pink as she looked at him expectantly.
“I… yeah,” he murmured, stepping closer to her. His nerves were a tangled mess, but he wasn’t about to back out now.
Standing right in front of her, Kunigami slowly raised a hand, hesitating for only a moment before gently cupping her cheek. Her skin was warm under his palm, and the touch sent a shiver through him. Chigiri’s bright eyes locked onto his, her pupils dilated and framed by long, beautiful lashes that fluttered ever so slightly.
Then his gaze flickered to her lips, soft and slightly parted, before he leaned down, moving slowly as if the world had gone quiet around them. When their lips finally met, it was a soft, chaste kiss, lingering for only a few seconds. Chigiri’s lips were warm and impossibly soft, and the sensation sent his heart soaring.
They both closed their eyes at the same time, savoring the moment, and then pulled away just as gently. Kunigami’s hand fell back to his side, and he blinked down at her, his mind blank but his heart racing.
Chigiri pressed her lips together, her cheeks flushed a deep red as she glanced to the side, avoiding his eyes. “Well…” she began, then trailed off, clearly unsure what to say.
Kunigami can't help but scratch at his nape again, his own face burning. “That was… um…”
“Nice,” Chigiri finished softly, still not looking directly at him.
“Yeah,” Kunigami agreed, his voice coming out in a breathy laugh. “Really nice.”
There was another pause, and then Chigiri peeked up at him, her lips curving into a shy smile. “You’re kind of bold, aren’t you, hero?”
Kunigami chuckled nervously. “Not really. I think I just blacked out for a second.”
Chigiri laughed at that, the sound light and melodic. Was Kunigami in heaven? “Well, you didn’t mess it up, so good job.” She nudged him playfully.
Kunigami smiled down at her, his chest swelling with a mix of relief and content. “Thanks. I guess I’ll have to keep practicing.”
Chigiri raised an eyebrow, her smile turning teasing. “Practicing, huh? Well, we’ll see about that.”
Kunigami laughed once more, feeling lighter than he had all day. They begin to walk together again, walking side by side, and for the first time, the silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was warm and comforting, filled with something that promised there was so much more to come. Kunigami couldn't wait for it.
The next morning, the morning air was crisp and filled with soft golden light as Kunigami and Chigiri walked to school hand in hand. He couldn’t help but look at her every so often, the sight of her smile sending warmth through his chest.
By the time they reached the school gates, they spotted Bachira and Isagi waiting for them near the entrance. As soon as Chigiri got close, Bachira bolted forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Oooh!~ Look at you two!” Bachira squealed, grabbing Chigiri by the shoulders and swaying them both side to side. “Princess and her Prince!”
Chigiri blushed hard, her gaze darting away as Bachira continued to shake her playfully. “Bachira, stop! People are looking!” she muttered, though there was a shy smile tugging at her lips.
Kunigami chuckled, his own face pink as his fingers rubbed in his fluffy orange hair. Isagi approached him with a smirk, clapping a hand on his shoulder.
“Look at you, hero,” Isagi teased, his tone good-natured. “Congrats, man.”
Kunigami shrugged sheepishly, trying to play it cool, though the proud smile on his face betrayed him. “Thanks,” he said simply, his voice warm.
Bachira, meanwhile, was brimming with excitement, her attention fully on Chigiri. “So, who confessed first? Was it romantic? Did you cry? Oh! Did he cry?” She turned her questioning gaze to Kunigami, a mischievous grin on her lips.
Kunigami blinked, holding up his free hand in protest. “I didn’t cry!” he said defensively, though the redness creeping up his neck made Bachira giggle even harder.
Chigiri, still blushing, groaned and tried to hide behind her hair. “Bachira, can we not do this here?”
“Aw, don’t be shy, Princess,” Bachira teased, leaning closer. “I think it’s cute! You guys are so cute!”
Kunigami laughed awkwardly, while Chigiri sighed, though she couldn’t completely hide the smile peeking through.
“Alright, let’s get inside,” Isagi suggested, shaking his head at Bachira’s antics. “Before you make them regret their life choices.”
Together, they all walked into the school, their cheerful chatter filling the halls. As they made their way toward the classrooms, Kunigami caught sight of Sae entering the building, Rin trailing behind her. He debates for a moment before turning to Chigiri and the others.
“Hey, I’ll catch up with you guys in a minute,” Kunigami said. Chigiri gave him a curious look but nodded, while Bachira grinned knowingly.
Kunigami walked up to Sae, intercepting her path. When she caught his gaze, she stopped, her usual calm expression fixed on him. He clears his throat, his hands sliding into his pockets as he gives her a respectful nod. “Just wanted to say thank you.”
Sae blinked, her face blank. “For?” she asked, turning her head slightly.
He frowned slightly, thinking she was messing with him, but this was Sae, direct to a fault. “You know, for the advice. Yesterday.”
Sae seemed to remember then, her expression shifting the slightest bit. “Oh, right.” She gave a small nod, her lips quirking into the faintest of smirk. “Chigiri called me last night.”
Kunigami’s eyes widened slightly as a sheepish look spread across his face. “She did?”
“Wanted to know what I told you.”
He let out an awkward laugh, shifting his weight a bit. “Figures…”
Glancing at Chigiri down the hall, she replies, “Guess it worked out, huh?”
“Yeah, it did,” Kunigami said, his voice warm with gratitude. “So, thanks. Seriously.”
Sae regarded him for a moment, her sharp eyes unreadable. Then she shrugged. “Don’t get too sappy on me. You did the hard part.”
Kunigami chuckled softly, nodding. “Right. Well… thanks again.”
As Kunigami turned to head back, Sae called out casually, “Try not to mess it up.”
Kunigami glanced over his shoulder with a small grin. “I’ll do my best.”
Sae rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of approval in her gaze before she turned and walked off, Rin moving ahead to instead walk beside her.
When Kunigami rejoined Chigiri and the others, Bachira immediately bombarded him with more teasing and curious questions, but he hardly heard them. His gaze was on Chigiri, because for the first time, he felt like things were finally falling into place.
As Sae and Rin continued on their way down the hallway, Rin’s gaze flickered toward her, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, falling into step beside her.
“What are you, Cupid now?” Rin asked, his tone dry but clearly intrigued.
Sae didn’t break her stride, her expression as neutral as ever. “Might as well be.”
Rin let out a short laugh under his breath. “Seriously. Giving love advice to awkward second-years? What’s next? You opening a matchmaking service?”
Sae gave him a sideways glance, her lips twitching just slightly. “Should I start giving you advice?”
Rin scoffed, pretending to look offended. “You know I don't need advice.”
“Right,” Sae responds flatly. “Because the idea of talking to someone without glaring at them is totally your strong suit.”
Rin rolled his eyes, shrugging lazily. “At least I don’t get dragged into other people’s drama.”
Sae chuckles under her breath. “I didn’t get dragged. Kunigami asked, and I told him what I thought. It’s not my fault he listened.”
“Sounds like you cared enough to help. Don’t act like you’re not invested.” Rin arches an eyebrow.
Sae exhales before looking forward again. “I’m not invested. It was just funny watching him flail around like a puppy.”
“Right,” Rin echoed, his voice thick with sarcasm. “Because you’re not secretly rooting for them or anything.”
Sae gave him a brief look but didn’t respond, her silence only making Rin smirk wider. She was undeniably rooting for them, even if she didn't admit it outright. But Rin couldn't blame her entirely. Watching something so overdue happen can be relieving. And Kunigami and Chigiri were definitely overdue.