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Classes went on, and their lives kept going unbothered by the changes Junichirou wanted to make in his. Time was unaware of the differences between the past and the present, giving Junichirou a calm set of mind. The world had never stopped for him, and he shouldn’t let the difficulties in his life waste his time.
Having a set goal and a confidant made Junichirou feel he was in a mission. A secret one that only his and Michizou’s to know and accomplish. The weight of his troubles didn’t bother him anymore, because he knew he didn’t carry them alone; he had a good friend who would be with him for his three high school years...
Michizou was one year older than him, which meant he’d only be with him for two years. It was likely he wouldn’t have time for Junichirou once he graduated, and even thinking of a single year with Michizou bearing with him was too optimistic, but he couldn’t let himself lose hope or think of the bad things that could make him fall down and not want to get up.
For the time being, at least he had Michizou.
“Junichirou!” The redhead looked up from his empty notebook towards the door, where Michizou waited for him, leaning against the door.
Ignoring the curious eyes on him, Junichirou got up, shoving everything in his bag or his desk, wherever his hands saw closer to reach.
His classmates often asked about the ginger coming to get him almost every day or waiting for him outside of the door, so that they could go to the club room. It was strange to explain he was an unofficial member of the cooking club and was an approved taste-tester, but never filed any paperwork to be a part of their club.
Haruno suggested it a couple of times, giving several application sheets to Michizou, but the ginger pretended he didn’t see them.
When Junichirou asked him why he didn’t want to join, Michizou said he didn’t want to commit to the club and preferred just showing up when he felt like it.
Well, he felt like visiting them every day, so Junichirou thought Michizou was simply a terrible cook and was too afraid to get close to the fire. He saw how the ginger stepped away when they dealt with fire, and wouldn’t approach the oven unless it was closed.
Once Junichirou joined Michizou at the door, they left.
Everyone, except Dazai, who took a liking in bothering his two friends in the student council who had just started dating, was already in the club room. Junichirou felt terrible for their president and vice president for having to deal with Dazai’s constant teasing, but Kunikida and Chuuya were used to it. At least he liked to think so.
“Today,” Haruno said once everybody had their aprons on. “We’re making cookies at Dazai’s request.”
Michizou frowned. “He’s not even here, why should you listen to him?”
Lucy let out a dry laugh. “Since when do you care about what we do? You’ll eat it anyway.”
“Not if you make it,” the ginger noted. “I don’t want to die.”
Junichirou hit Michizou’s arm with the back of his hand. “That’s enough.”
It felt as if it was Michizou’s vocation in life to mess with Lucy, and Junichirou couldn’t understand why. Yes, Michizou almost threw up once when Lucy gave him whatever it was that she thought she was doing, and since then, he was never the same, but he wasn’t the type to hold a grudge. Junichirou reevaluated that and figured he was someone who kept all sorts of petty resentment.
All he could do was arbitrate between them, and stop Lucy from throwing herself at Michizou for a clean fistfight. The girl proved to have a fiery personality and was ready to slap anyone, anytime. Junichirou liked it better when she was straightforward and didn’t hide behind the cute girl facade she had when she confessed. She wasn’t the delicate character she was that afternoon, and Junichirou valued her as a friend.
“I think,” Haruno intervened before Lucy and Michizou could start again. “I’ll make sugar cookies.”
“Oatmeal,” Steinbeck called as he went to the shelves that served as their pantry.
Junichirou turned Michizou. “What do you want?”
“Me?” The redhead asked, looking surprised and pointing at himself.
Of course, Junichirou wanted to make something for Michizou. He usually did things thinking of what Atsushi would like, so it was understandable Michizou was so shocked, but, since they were doing cookies, anything would be okay. He could let Michizou decide on the dessert, and make something for Atsushi later, which would make both of them happy. Everyone won, so Junichirou nodded with enthusiasm.
“Chocolate chip,” Michizou said before Junichirou could bring his chin back up. “Let’s go for a classic.”
He said as if he would do anything to contribute to the making of the cookies. Junichirou smiled, and he felt that fluttering sensation in his stomach. It had been going on for a while now, starting when Michizou didn’t hesitate for a second to accept everything Junichirou told him that day.
There was so much in his mind already; he didn’t want to begin to think of those feelings. He was happy and excited to have a new friend, one with no secrets. Junichirou’s heart couldn’t betray him like that, not when he had just gotten what he wanted. Michizou was his friend and confidant, and he didn’t want to ruin that.
For the time being, he would get the ingredients they needed.
As he walked to the pantry, he remembered he prepared something for Michizou, and felt stupid for forgetting about that.
After sharing his misfortune, Michizou was more present in the club and interacted more with the members. Junichirou would dare bet he even knew their names. So, Junichirou wanted him to feel more welcome and comfortable in the club room, and also give him a little push to officially join them.
He left a paper bag inside his locker, and he walked to it. Michizou didn’t notice the change of his destination while he tried to convince Lucy to make orange cookies to which she didn’t stop protesting.
While Michizou was distracted, he took the bag and silently crept behind the ginger. Lucy noticed him but just quirked her lips before going back to her perfectly valid argument against orange cookies. With subtlety, he wrapped his arms around Michizou’s waist, reaching for the apron in his hand and tying it behind his back.
The ginger turned around, startled, and flustered, staring at Junichirou with panic in his eyes. Seeing the redness in Michizou’s face made Junichirou’s face heat up, and he felt his ears especially hot.
Brushing away the frantic beating of his heart, Junichirou took the upper strips and tied them around Michizou’s neck. The ginger stood frozen in front of him, and only looked at himself after Junichirou took a step back.
Just like the rest of them, Michizou had a red apron on, and he looked adorable in it.
“It suits you,” he said.
Michizou looked away. “Thanks,” he mumbled, then went back to fighting with Lucy.
The girl wasn’t interested in talking about cookies anymore and wanted to comment on Michizou’s apron, but the ginger refused to let her tease him.
Junichirou chuckled and went to the pantry; they had cookies to bake after all.
There was another thing he remembered. That day, Michizou said the next day would be his to talk, but they never had that conversation.