Chapter Text
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“Whatcha looking at?” You surprised him, standing beside him to take a look at his phone.
“Shut up.” He said, turning off his phone before you could even take a peek.
Jeez, how rude.
You leaned against the counter and started texting your parents that you’ll be sleeping over at Kunikuzushi’s house. But obviously, you left out the Kunikuzushi part and lied that you’ll be with Xinyan. If your parents found out you slept over at a boy’s house, specifically a guy you like, you will never the see the light of day for eternity.
“Are you hungry?” Kunikuzushi asked you as he was looking through his pantry.
“Sort of. But I’ll eat whatever you offer me as long as it isn’t…” You trailed off, thinking of something you wouldn’t want to eat knowing that Kunikuzushi might prank you in a way.
“Isn’t??”
“I don’t know, like.. Boiled sausage water?”
“Tsk. Are you doubting my cooking skills and choice of food?”
“No…”
“That’s what I thought.” Kunikuzushi huffed in enthusiasm.
He turned away and got out the ingredients for the meal preparation. Green onions, lettuce, meat, ginger, oils, and seasonings. He laid them out on the counter before getting out the chopping board and washing the raw ingredients. It was still raining heavily and really cold, plus he had a lot of homework to do so, why not just make some simple ramen? He had a whole package of ramen and he surely can’t eat it all himself.
“You’re quite a chef, aren’t ya, Zushi? Or should I say, househusband now?” You giggled at the newfound nickname. Standing next to him to take a look at what he might be making.
Kunikuzushi deeply frowned at you before raising the knife and pointing it at you. You gulped, seeing the knife pointing in your direction. One wrong move and you’re a goner.
“Keep at it and I’ll slice your fingers off.” He hissed at you.
“You better put that thing down.” You said, and he went back to chopping his green onions.
You left, deciding to look around his house but not daring to go into the rooms as it would be an invasion of privacy. Wandering through the dining room, house entrance, and living room only. It was actually quite luxurious but not too luxurious, in a way. Everything seemed to be clean and in place.
You’ve found a lot of family pictures in the entrance and living room area. Most of them being Kunikuzushi’s baby pictures.
Awh, he’s just as adorable as a little toddler too!
He had his indigo-streaked hair and his usual demonic smile. The picture that stood out to you the most was his kindergarten graduation picture. He was menacingly grinning in the picture with his graduation gown and cap.
There were a lot of school pictures like school events from when he was a young kid but then there were fewer and fewer pictures when he was bigger. The only photo of him in middle school is his graduation photo and that’s it. You’ve also noticed that his smiles started being less genuine. His visible frown as he stood with his middle school teachers.
You’ve also noticed a woman standing with him in some of the pictures too. She had more prominent purple hair than Kunikuzushi’s but she also had the same streaks as him. You assumed that she was a close relative based on the similar facial features they both have.
“That’s my mother.” You heard Kunikuzushi say behind you as he walked up behind you to examine the pictures you were just glancing at.
“Ah-! Sorry for snooping around! I just got carried away and then–”
“Too bad she isn’t around anymore.” You heard him grumble and he walked back into the kitchen to his boiling water.
You gasped, “Y-you mean she’s, you know.. Gone?” Clapping your hands to your mouth.
“Wait! I didn’t mean it like that, sorry, sorry!” You apologized over and over again as you walked over to the kitchen counter.
“Jeez, when will you ever stop apologizing? It’s giving me a migraine. And no, she’s not dead.”
“Then where is she..?” For some reason, you had the nerve to ask, although knowing it’s a personal question.
Kunikuzushi was doubtful at first. He was unsure and kind of forgot about why his mom has been absent most of his life.
“Oh, right. I remember now. She’s the CEO of the Shogunate Tech Company.”
“SHE’S THE WHAT?!” You practically yelled when you heard what he said.
The Shogunate Tech Company is one of the most successful businesses in Inazuma. Their technology devices are used all over the region and you hear kids talking about their latest devices all the time. You could see why she looked awfully familiar in the pictures.
“Pft, yeah. That’s everyone’s reaction when I tell them I’m the son of the Raiden Ei. That’s also why I don’t tell anyone anymore. They always start getting into my business and ask the most obnoxious questions ever.”
You started feeling kind of bad and guilty for him. He stated that his mom was never there when he needed a parental figure the most so he grew up himself.
“You can say we’re like roommates. The only times she’s ever home is on Sundays but she’s usually going through documents or taking calls in her room or walking around the house. We barely talk, she usually asks about are how I did in school, who’s gonna do the chores, and so on.”
Kunikuzushi’s voice started getting lower and shaky. Almost as if he’s trying to hold in a sob. He started remembering the times when he constantly asked his mother for help or company but she would shut him out.
“Sorry Kunikuzushi, I don’t have time right now.” She said.
Kunikuzushi lowered his head and sighed in disappointment.
“I could care less about her. I’m just angry at myself for ever thinking she would have time for me. Damn her! I waited and waited and she never came.” He stared blankly at the boiling pot of water as he tightened his fists.
This was the first time he’s ever told you about himself and his family. You were stunned when you heard him talk about his mother. This was something he was actually open to you about. You’ve always wondered about his background yet now, you’re unsure about how to reply.
You walked over to him and gave him a hug from behind. He was still hunched over the stove looking at the boiling water, noticing that his body relaxed a little when you both stood in that position for a couple of seconds.
“You better not tell anyone about what I told you. I trust you with this information and if I find out you told someone, I will obliterate you!” He scowled, putting a hand over yours. And although his words were harsh, his touch was gentle and soft.
“Mmm, I won’t, I promise.” You replied, resting your chin on his shoulder as he turned off the stove.
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“Foods ready so move your papers out of the way.” Kunikuzushi ordered as he placed the bowl of ramen next to you.
“Oh, thank you, househusband!” You sinisterly smirked at him to which he just rolled his eyes in reply.
Honestly, you have to admit, Kunikuzushi looks way too fine in that kitchen apron. Ever since he put it on, you couldn’t stop staring at him. He’s caught you gazing at him a couple of times. He either smirked or scowled at you.
You moved your homework papers out of the way and took a mouthful of noodles. The side ingredients were put off to their own sides of the bowl. Not only was it pleasing to the eyes, but it was also the best ramen you’ve ever eaten. It was savory and cooked so well, you were in awe.
“What? Is my cooking not to your taste?” Kunikuzushi questioned you when he saw that your eyes were wide and you weren’t chewing the food that was already in your mouth.
“WHAT, NO?! I mean– It’s far from that, you know? Like your cooking is great and I’m just in shock at how good it tastes! Err, I’m not doubting you. And it’s also cooked well and not undercooked or something. You know what, I should just shut up now.” You said before looking away and gobbling down your food.
“Hmph. I wonder what it takes to close that mouth shut.” Kunikuzushi said, taking a bite out of his own bowl now.
The two of you ate your own food as you were both talking about homework and exchanging ideas and answers. Kunikuzushi hasn’t been caught up with the latest homework and assignments which is why he made you tell him the point of each paper.
“For P.E. we have to make up our own workouts and record them on a sheet of paper then make a video ourselves. This paper is for Biology and I don’t really know actually. I think Mr. Dottore said something about analyzing different organisms and we have to take notes so we can experiment or something.”
You also occasionally talked about Tartaglia’s weird habits and secrets. You’ve already exposed your cousin to your friends so might as well tell Kunikuzushi too. Despite Tartaglia being the most popular guy in your grade, he has some embarrassing things he does in secret, and honestly, he’s a total weirdo. Sometimes you don’t get what his hype is about.
“Oh yeah, Tartaglia has a secret but massive obsession with stuffed animals. His room is like filled with different animals and sizes, it’s like a whole stuffed animal zoo.” You let out a laugh as you scrapped the last pieces of noodles.
As always, Kunikuzushi listened to your loudmouth blabbering about random things you’ve done at school and basically everything else. He doesn’t really mind your talking, in fact, he loves hearing your voice and the way you express different reactions to the scenarios you’re telling him about. But he’d never admit it to anyone. Although he tells you to shut up most of the time, he gets disappointed when you do stop talking.
“Anyway Zushi.. Why did you ask to hang out with me?? Were you bored enough to ask me out of all people to go to the park?” That question still hung in your head and you waited for the right time to ask.
“Nah, it wasn’t like that. I just felt like asking you to go to the park, nothing complicated.” He confessed.
“Oh yea, by the way, I was chosen to be the class president in Computer Science.” Kunikuzushi gleamed in confidence, putting his empty dish in the sink and putting his hands on his hips to face you.
“Really now?”
“Yeah, now I can order everyone around when the teacher isn’t here and I can do other stuff class presidents do! I don’t know what they do but it’s something.”
“Well, they probably wouldn’t do anything bad now that you’re class president. You get really scary when you’re serious about something. Your glares can cut through rocks.”
“Psh, I’m not scary. That’s just what my relaxed face is like. I can’t help it.” He shrugged.
“I doubt that because the first time you stepped into History-Social Science, on your first day, it took me many tries to form a complete sentence with you since you kept shutting me out. Everyone else was tense when they saw your narrowed eyes while you were lazily introducing yourself.”
“Wha– Nevermind, you’re being absurd. You owe me by doing the dishes since you aren’t being grateful. Don’t think I’m being nice out of nowhere just because I have a crush on you. You actually owe me by doing my homework too. So if I were you, I’d get to work.” Kunikuzushi went on with an evil smirked as he crossed his arms towards you.
Processing all of the things he just said, your eyes widened at the sentence he had just let out. Did he just say he had a crush on you?! You felt your face fuming processing what he admitted. Was this really a dream now? Or did he say that by accident and meant something else?
“Fuck, I’m not dreaming.” You winced at pain after you pinched your wrist hard.
“Dreaming what? Why would you think you’re dreaming?” Kunikuzushi was confused about what you can possibly be dreaming about.
“Repeat everything you said. Starting from “Nevermind” and then keep going.” You commanded, thinking that his mouth just slipped up and said something wrong.
Kunikuzushi was really confused now. He thought for a moment at what he previously said.
“Erm, I said, “Nevermind, you’re being absurd. You owe me by doing the dishes since you aren’t being grateful. Don’t think I’m being nice out of nowhere just because I have a crush…” Fuck.” He stopped, realizing what he just confessed to you about.
A red hue crept to his face and his cheeks were now in a rosy pink color as he raised a hand to clasp at his blushing face. Kunikuzushi was just as astonished as you were and you both just stood there staring at each other in embarrassment.
“You.. Have a crush on me?” You asked before standing up from your seat.
“I..” His mouth still hung open. He didn’t know what he should reply to deny the shame.
The atmosphere around you both was tense. Kunikuzushi looked at you with a cringed face after recalling his words.
“Yeah so let’s forget about that. How about I do the dishes and you can be free to do whatever you want?” Kunikuzushi quietly and shakily said before cursing at himself.
You walked over to him as he was grabbing your empty bowl and placed it in the sink. Just when Kunikuzushi was gonna start washing the dishes, you stopped him. Placing your hand over his hand and making him face towards you.
“Be honest. You know I’m not that kind of a forgetful person. Do you actually like me?” You said, feeling your face getting even hotter and your stomach fuzzy. Avoiding his gaze and staring into the ground.
Kunikuzushi looked downward in utter humiliation, his front hair covering a portion of his face. If he wanted to confess to you, he wouldn’t want it to be like this situation. This was not the outcome he expected.
“Well… I guess it can’t be helped now, can it?” He muttered, a weary smile coating his red face, looking up at you now.
Stomach twitching at his words, you felt like you lost your breath when you heard those words.
“For two years, I hid that secret. I understand you don’t feel the same way about me, after all, I’ve been constantly rejected throughout the years of my life.”
Judging by the way he spoke, you figured he didn’t wanna actually say he likes you but was willing to take your rejection. For a moment, you swore you saw a glimpse of light shimmering through his depleted eyes, but it could just be the reflection of the light bulb.
“Don’t say that idiot, who gave you the right for you to assume I don’t like you back?” Intentionally, you gave him hints that you also had a crush on him but he just didn’t get the point.
“I–” Before Kunikuzushi could answer anymore, you cut him off.
“I like you too, you airhead.” Intertwining your fingers together, he stood there in shock as you chuckled.
It was a foolish assumption, yet again, all Kunikuzushi could do is think negatively about this world he lives in. Was he really gonna be held back again? Someone he actually fell for? All he could do was pout in disappointment upon hearing that you actually like him back.
“A person like you doesn’t deserve someone like me.” He averted his gaze from you, also hoping you didn’t hear his words.
But of course, you just so happened to hear him.
“Well, that could be a change, wouldn’t it?” You wanted to prove him wrong, he DOES deserve you. Someone who could care for and love him. The ideal he’s always yearned for. He just doesn’t understand yet.
Your lips met with his cheek as you gave him a brief peck of a kiss, somewhat hoping it would make him feel better. All he could do was look back and stare at you. Admiring your features and beauty you contained.
His damn downward smile coated with his two dimples. You remember the first time he’s ever shot you his downward smile at you. It was after school and you were acting silly so all he could do was smile upside down, an insecure habit of his that he usually covered up.
“Surprised you didn’t like someone else like…Like Tartaglia or something.” Kunikuzushi finally replied, bringing your hand to his cheek.
“Ew, what the fuck!? He’s my cousin!” Eyes widened in disgust hearing what Kunikuzushi said.
Kunikuzushi’s mouth curved into an “O” shape, not knowing you and Tartaglia were relatives. You only smirked at him before brushing away strands of his indigo, soft hair. Hands traveling to cup his face, your palms squishing his delicate cheeks. Kunikuzushi immediately melted into your touch and leaned against one of your hands, eyes shut tight.
Lulling to the warmth of your hands, giving him one final kiss on his nose, his violet pupils fluttered open as he gave you his usual stern and cold look. A laugh made its way out of your mouth as he scowled and rolled his eyes.
“Well, the dishes aren’t gonna be clean themselves you know? Get to work and stop teasing me.” Thunder was heard crashing outside as he said that.
“Aww.. That’s not fair!” Taking a look at the 2 bowls and a cooking pot as well as some utensils.
Letting out a chuckle, he patted your shoulder as he made his way to the couch.
“Life’s unfair.” You heard him say, settling onto the couch and staring at you.
Huffing in disbelief you turned on the sink and started from there, washing and scrubbing the dirty dishes.
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Finishing the last utensil, your mind was constantly reminded of your stunt on Kunikuzushi. You kissed him, twice?! That was hard to believe but you actually did it. Not daring to kiss his lips just in case he was uncomfortable, but you managed!
Taking out your phone, you immediately check the group chat between you and your friends.
***
The 7 great npcs
November 4th 19:23
X: “Omg Chongyun what if Kunikuzushi and (Name) did a little smoochy woochy”
C: “No bc what if… LMAO”
X: “Wait Xingqiu, can you come over rq I burned my kitchen, and can u also help me with my homework”
X: “Let me guess, Guoba ruined your house again?”
X: “Maybe.. Just come over and help!”
(Xiangling and Xinqiu went offline)
C: “XINYAN”
X: “WHAT?”
C: “Imagine they’re cuddling rn and we don’t even know it”
“Chongyun what the fuck”
Y: “THEY’RE ALIVE”
C: “I SAID NOTHING”
X: “WAIT SO ARE YOU CUDDLING WITH KUNIKUZUSHI OR NOT?”
“WHAT NO”
Y: “Ok but did you guys kiss like what Xinyan said tho??”
…
Y: “(NAME) RESPOND TO YUNJINS FREAKING QUESTION”
X: “YEA DID U GUYS KISS???”
“Um”
“Yes???”
C: “WAIT FR?”
X: “I TOLD YA IT WOULD HAPPEN”
Y: “LET'S GOOO”
Y: “FINALLY”
Read 19:26
***
Your hand went clasping to your mouth at what had just happened. Now your friends are gonna get even weirder ideas. Looking back up, you saw a wild Kunikuzushi standing next to you by the counter and deeply staring into your soul. Well, that’s what it seemed like to you.
“Kuni? Hellooo?” You waved your hand over his eyes, “Kuni, Kunikuzushi, househusband, Kunikuzushi Raiden, are you okay???”
1, 2, 3…50, 51, 52, 53. A minute has passed and he’s still staring at you!? You’ve tried everything to snap him out of his dreaming but nothing would work. It’s like he stopped functioning. At this point, you couldn’t tell if he was human or not. His eyes followed you every time you moved.
Then it hit you.
You remembered that you pulled his hair really hard in the morning. So, why not just try that now? But pull it even harder so he can come back to reality.
You really leave me with no choice huh..
“Ow, What the fuck (Name)?!” His hand clamped down onto yours as he tried to pull you away.
Immediately, you took your hand back.
“Finally! Thank the Archons, you’re back!!!”
Uh oh. Kunikuzushi had an angry expression plastered on his face. You were unsure if he was offended by the hair pull again. He definitely didn’t look this angry in the morning.
“I–Oh. Erm. Sorry for.. Pulling your hair again, Zushi.”
Unexpectedly, Kunikuzushi roughly pulled you in by placing his hands on your cheeks and dragging you forward. His fingertips ghosted around your lips.
“What will it take for you to stop pulling my hair, hm?!” His tone ended aggressively to which you shuddered.
“W–Well, you were zoned out and I-I’ve tried everything I could do to get you to snap out! I yelled repeatedly but you wouldn’t budge so I pulled on your hair..”
Well now, he just angrily pouted at you. His hands constantly made small circles around the surface of your cheek, going over the corners of your lips from time to time. As for you, your head was lifted up to his height and you were just awkwardly staring at him.
“Hmph, next time you pull my hair, I’ll jump on you again.”
“But you left me with no choice!” A frown made its way to your face as you rolled your eyes. Kunikuzushi just smirked at you, menacingly.
Kunikuzushi’s fingers still traced your face. Holding your phone out and around Kunikuzushi’s body, you checked for any important notifications as he played with you.
“Why’re your hands always so cold?” Deciding to comment about his hands, setting your phone down on the nearest counter.
One of your hands reached his hand and you felt the cold temperature of it. He still looked unbothered as he continued his circle pattern.
“... May I?” One of his thumbs stopped on your bottom lip, trying to signal you.
He may what now?! Is he asking for permission to kiss me!?
Feeling your face instantly flush up and warm up against his cold fingers. You were at a loss for words. All you could do was nod slowly but visibly to his eyes.
And there.
It happened.
Kunikuzushi brought his face closer to yours as you both leaned in. You could feel his steady breathing against your skin.
His lips.
Were on your lips.
If your face was feeling warm before, it was blazing hot right after. Kunikuzushi’s palms were a bit less cold now. Probably because of your burning face.
Kunikuzushi’s lips were soft and delicate. His hands were still cupping your face, pulling you closer to him.
You couldn’t believe this was actually happening to you. Is it possible that you’re having a lucid dream? Why’re you still in disbelief? Is this fantasy?!?!
But no, it’s all true. It was really happening.
Briefly, you both pulled away. What stood out to you was his biggest grin spread across his face. His face was tinted with pink rose color.
How embarrassing…
“And why is your face fuming hot? They’ve practically warmed my hands up.” His cheeky personality was back and you could tell.
“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Your hands covered your face as you leaned to Kunikuzushi’s shoulder, hiding your embarrassed face.
“Love you too.” He tilted his head towards you and rested on top of your head.
What a troublesome relationship this is going to be…
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