Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After a 2 and a half months of dating, Makoto and Claudine are already feeling comfortable about their relationship, a few PDA’s there, few exchanges of words of affection here although in secrecy. But of course it didn’t take long for everyone to realized this; however since the top student couple are yet to announce their true relationship status to them, they remained quiet and fake ignorance albeit Kaoruko already at the end of her stick in pretending not knowing anything when it’s clear and obvious as a bright daylight that they’re in a relationship

The couple didn’t care though, cause as far as they know, nobody knew about their (not so) secret relationship, be it their classmates or close friends; but that is about to change

One day at lunch while the gang is hanging out in the courtyard, some random guy from another class approach the group and out of nowhere confesses to Claudine where everybody witnessed

Claudine despite her shock, recovered quickly and politely turn down the guy; giving the excuse of:

“I’m sorry but i’m not interested in you, but please don’t feel discourage about this rejection; i’m sure you’ll find someone better than me”

Claudine ended with a comforting smile then bowed her head in apology. But the guy remained unmoved, until his eyes drifted to Makoto who’s looking at him sympathetically and somewhat an unreadable expression. In Makoto’s credit, he didn’t even realized that he’s making that kind of face

The guy’s eyes moved from Makoto and Claudine back and forth until his eyes widen and he immediately bowed his head in apology and quickly stuttered

“Oh! I-i’m sorry! I-i didn’t know. Please f-forgive me Saijou-san!”

The guy continued to mutter apologies until Claudine was force to stop the boy from apologizing from whatever reason that she didn’t even knew about

“Uhm......why a-are you apologizing?” The blonde asked, somewhat afraid and shock of the sudden change of behavior

“I-i didn’t, please forgive me! Just please t-take care of h-her Tendou-san!” The boy quickly excused and run away from the group, leaving everyone dumbfounded of the situation

Claudine turned around to see everyone of them, eyes wide in shock while looking at her and Makoto, who’s the same as others

When their eyes met, unspoken message was sent to each other saying ‘we’ll talk about this later’

Everyone was engulf in dead silence, others not knowing what to say and the top star couple not knowing how the boy was able to find out in just a simple glance

With everyone feeling uncomfortable and awkward, Nanao took up the role to break the ice that was formed between them all; which was quickly followed by Karen who’s desperate to ease the tension in the air

Fortunately for them, nobody brought up the topic again. Even Kaoruko was trying to not bring up the subject (but in truth, her teasing was at the end of her tongue and was only able to stop herself by Fujiwara promising her something that she just couldn’t turn down)

Lunch time passed by with everyone trying to avoid discussing the last event at all cost, the top star couple remained quiet for most part and only spoke when addressed

When they all went back to their class, as their group step a foot at the classroom; the class suddenly became quiet. Everyone looking at the group—especially the top star couple intently as if they stood like a sore thumb

Claudine noticed the tension and turn to look back at her lover, only to see him with a calm and composed expression written in his face. When their eyes met once again, Makoto’s left eye twitch and his mouth move ever so slowly and carefully; secretly relaying a message that only the french could decipher

‘Don’t mind them, don’t worry we’ll talk about this later. I love you Ma cherie’

Then Makoto looked away, not waiting for her reply; but Claudine didn’t mind for all she know if they caught them staring at each other for too long, it’ll only add more to their suspicion

The whole day passed by so slowly for the couple, they could feel everyone’s stare at them; there’s even a few brave souls who whispers loudly among themselves, clearly trying to annoy them

At one point Claudine almost broke her pencil from how hard she’s been gripping it, trying her very best to stop herself from lashing at those girls who had the audacity to talkshit about them. Apparently rumors of them dating already spread like a wild fire, but this time people were convince that it really is the case between the two top stars and that they’re more than just childhood friends

Luckily Makoto who saw her distress came into her aid and decided to do something for his blonde lover

He made a duck puppet out of paper then placed it where only Claudine could see; when the latter did she couldn’t help but to smile at the sight and melt at the gesture

Instantly her worries were blown away, already feeling her mood changing into a cheery one knowing that her lover is there when she needs him

When dismissal came, the said couple stealthily bolted out of the classroom then went to the place that they both consider as their secret haven—the practice room

Makoto immediately locked the door, not wanting others to disturb them. They sat at the farthest corner, away from the door so nobody could hear their talk

They both sat at the floor, side by side engulf in silence; until the french groaned indignantly and leaned into her lover’s shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts

Immediately a hand reach up to caress her hair softly, followed by a quiet and comforting hum. She could feel Makoto’s chest vibrating in every hum that he makes causing for her to relax and to feel sleepy

But she forced herself to stay awake and immediately find a solution for their problem

“What should we do?” Claudine started, voice quiet and soft; not wanting to break their little bubble

“I........What do YOU want to do Ma Cherie?” Makoto asked back, still caressing the blonde’s soft tresses

Claudine closed her eyes “I don’t know Makoto, announcing our relationship would surely cause havoc. Your fangirls would have my head and—” The french explained, hands reaching into the japanese’s ones for comfort

“And yours would have mine, i know Ma Cherie” Makoto finished for the blonde, squeezing the latter’s hand gently. This cause for the blonde to whimper quietly under her breath, knowing that announcing their relationship will cause more problems than comfort

The lilac-eyed boy couldn’t help but to feel sad at the sight of his lover feeling down, if he could do anything he’ll do it in a heartbeat, just so he could see the smile return to his lover’s lips

After thinking for any possible solution to give, his brows furrowed and lips pressed into a thin line

“Do.........Do you want to announce it to our friends first?” The boy asked, hands finally stopping from caressing the soft blonde locks

The blonde tensed, thinking of what her lover suggested; it’s now her turn to press her lips into a thin line and knit her brows together

“Why? Are you asking?” The french replied quietly, not really knowing what to say and do anymore; her hand squeezed the large ones in hers for comfort

“I mean, WE don’t have any experience in dating before; i just thought that you might want to ask for their advice Ma cherie.......besides, I want to come clean too”

The boy answered slowly and carefully, his expression one of guilt and shame. Just the thought of keeping a secret from the people who are close to him and acted as his own family cause him pain

The french girl thought of the suggestion, feeling the same guilt and shame that the former felt. She bit her lip in frustration, closing her eyes to clear her mind of any negative thoughts

There goes she goes again, reevaluating and thinking of might happened because of her actions; she felt lightheaded from her brain going overdrive and she was lost for a moment

A kiss in her forehead brought her back to reality, easing her of her worries and haziness. Makoto gently pulled Claudine into his lap and hugged her, gently ushering her to rest her head in his hard but comfortable chest

Makoto resumed his humming, wanting to provide comfort and to ease his lover, occasionally he would place soft kisses into her crown or temples, hands rubbing soothing circles in her back

Claudine felt all the tension on her body melt away just from the touch of her beloved; she smiled and kiss the japanese boy in his jaw, lingering for a moment before pulling away slightly to look into his lilac eyes

“Y-you’re right, i guess i’m just scared that they’ll get angry because we kept it a secret from them this long; but yeah, maybe we should do that” The french inquired, resting her head in her lover’s shoulder

The japanese smiled, index and thumb reaching for the blonde’s chin so he could look at her

“Don’t worry Ma Claudine, i’ll be right by your side; we’re in this together—in every step of the way” The boy finished then leaned towards the blonde for a kiss

Both savoring the sweet and slow kiss that they shared while basking in the afternoon sunlight

They then spend the rest of the remaining time planning, thinking of what is the best approach regarding about the topic, how they’re going to ask for their forgiveness, and how they’re going to ask for advice while at that

When curfew came, they left the practice room and locked the door; making sure that nobody saw them exit the room together. They left the school in a hurry and bolted into their dorm

When they arrived, they saw that everyone is in the living room—doing their own thing with the parent couple and Mahiru in the kitchen cooking for their dinner. Upon their arrival Nanao smiled at them and welcomed them with Junna by his side, Mahiru looking up to them to wave

The couple immediately excused themselves, stating that they need to do something or that they’ll be in their respective room

Claudine went to take a bath while Makoto did all of their homework not long after he went to take his own bath, after Makoto emerged from the bathroom, just at the right time Nanao called them for dinner

They chatted while eating, Karen enthusiastically sharing stories of her misadventures in the afternoon while her lover Hikaru prompted to just listen to his beloved rumble. Kaoruko not missing a beat to pester someone whether it is their friends or even her own boyfriend—who scolded the blue-haired devil for all the teasing

Nanao laughing heartily at their interaction just like a father would while Junna would just shook her head in disappointment just like a mother who doesn’t like when her children are being rumbustious

When dinner ended, the top star couple called everyone in the common room; with the couple in the middle of the room while their friends in the sofa or loveseats waiting for the couple to said what they needed

Claudine took a deep breath to gather her courage then spoke in a (thankfully) steady voice

“We called you everyone here because we had something important to announce” Claudine started then looked at Makoto, their hands found each other, squeezing for comfort

“Makoto and I are in a relationship for months now........and that we’re sorry for not telling anyone about it” They both said at the same time then bowed infront of their friends which shocked everyone

To think that the most prideful students to ever step in Seisho would bowed infront of them and asking for their forgiveness, this is something that you don’t see everyday. Which unfortunately for them didn’t failed to amuse a certain blue-haired devil who finally let out the laughter that she’s been holding in for far too long

The couple jumped at the sound of Kaoruko’s loud laugh opting them to rise their heads and stared dumbfounded at the Kyoto princess

“Pfffttttt!.........HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! AHAHAHAHAH....THIS IS........HAHAHAHAHA SO HILARIOUSSSSSHAHAHAHAHAHAH!” The kyoto princess guffawed, causing for her to lose her balance and to roll around the floor; hands clutching into her sides while laughing unrestrained at the still dumbfounded couple

“T-To think....hahahahahah....that the top 2 students in Seisho.....haahahha would be this OBLIVIOUS AND DENSE! BwaHahahahahahahah” Kaoruko continues, hand slapping at the floor while still laughing

“Wh-what?” The couple could only say, staring at their friends with wide eyes and mouth wide open

“Ahehe.......Mako-kun, Kuro-chan; we actually knew that you’re in a relationship.......” Karen started then rubbed her nape sheepishly

“QUOI?!” Claudine exclaimed, shock very evident in her face

“Yes, Kuro we already know that you’re in a relationship with Tendou; if i’m being honest we already knew from the start” Fujiwara answered, sighing when his girlfriend is still rolling around the floor, her laugh acting as background noise

“H-how? We’re being careful though......” Makoto asked, face pale and devoid of any expression

“Haaaaah, of course we knew Makoto-han, especially when you’re not as careful as you thought you’re being but i must say i didn’t think that i would get to see Tendou Makoto the ever formal and gentleman, sneaking into Saijou Claudine’s room in the middle of the night” Kaoruko finally recovered answer the former’s question, when she looked up to the brown-haired boy she gave him a knowing smirk

This cause for all of Claudine’s blood rushed into her face, her pride getting the best of her causing for her to spill the first thing that comes to mind

“We DID NOT!” Claudine retorted, glaring at the blue-haired devil but the redness in her cheeks takes away the effect that it held

“Of course, you didn’t. Anyway, that’s not the only thing that led us to believe that you’re already lovers” Kaoruko countered slyly, smirk still etched into her face

“Oh yeah? Please do tell!” Claudine answered before thinking of what she said imply

Kaoruko’s smirk turned into a wicked smile that would put Satan’s own into shame; and that’s the moment Claudine knew......she fucked up

“Ohhhh thought you wouldn’t ask.........Like how Karen saw you two kissed in the janitor’s closet?” Kaoruko started, and continued before anyone could cut her off

“Ah! How about when Makoto’s shirt reeked of your perfume?” Her smile continued to grow when she saw how both the top star couple blushed at the accusation

“Also how you glared at the girls who fawned at Makoto?”

“S-stop.......”

“How you smiled like an idiot when Makoto said something funny?”

“Stop.......please”

“Not to forget, how you drool and hungrily look at Makoto when he’s in his P.E shirt; dripping with sweat” Kaoruko teased yet, she couldn’t help but blush too at the memory of Makoto’s abs showing through his wet shirt

“Please.......just stop....”

“What about when i happened to stumble in the practice room where i saw you to doing something—“ But before Kaoruko finished, a high pitch shriek broke out and cut her off

“AHHHHHHHHHHH! STTTTTTTOOOOOPPPPP!!!!!!! SHHHHUUUUTTTTTT UUUUUPPPPP ALREADY!” Claudine exclaimed with face red as tomato, she left and bolted through her room making sure to slam her door loudly making everyone bristle at the sound

Makoto who was left by his lover remained in his place; petrified and overwhelmed by the information that he just found out

Nanao approached the poor boy and waved a hand infront of his face, the said boy’s eye didn’t even blink. Junna just facepalmed and sighed exasperatedly at the chaos that had just transpired

Chapter Text

It is now Art class, and today’s activity is to draw a simple sketch of what ever subject that they wanted. Everyone is focused into their work while some accompanied it by humming

Everyone is relatively enjoying their work—well except for one person, and that person is none other than Tendou Makoto who is surprisingly(?) bad at it

Makoto actually planned on skipping it, until he caught the stare that Claudine was throwing at him forcing him to attend the class otherwise he would have to face his lover’s wrath

As for Claudine, she wanted her lover to attend the said class in hopes that he would get better the more he attend it, not that she’ll admit that anyway; but she surely didn’t anticipate what was about to transpire

While the half-french was busy adding finishing touches to her work, she caught the murmurs of other students who are apparently mocking someone’s work; at first she decided to tune out their whispering—that was the plan until she heard the barely muffled snickers from the students who are seated at the front

Once again she decided to tune it out, but was stop short when she caught the name of the receiver of their insults. She immediately shot her head to their direction to see 3 boys who are pointedly looking and insulting Tendou Makoto’s work

Being seated behind Makoto gave her the chance to see both the work of her lover and the boys who are making fun of the poor boy, the bullies are not even that far from the lilac-eyed boy

She gripped her pencil tightly and threw them her dirtiest glare that she could muster. The bullies suddenly stopped and visibly shiver when they noticed the heated glare that the french is directing at them

The boys’ faces paled and they immediately turn back to their respective work after Claudine raise her hand and purposely broke her pencil in half, making sure that they saw it and caught the message, she added a wicked smirk at the end; causing for one of them to tremble in fear

After she made sure that the bullies indeed stop, she looked at her hand to see her broken pencil. She sighed and looked at her boyfriend only to see that he’s oblivious of the recent events but she saw how his body is tense, his features contorted in hidden irritation and exasperation

Suddenly an idea popped into Claudine’s mind and she smiled. She moved her seat closer to Makoto and tapped him in his shoulder

The boy looked back to see his lover looking at him half-hopeful and half-encouraging; while the french saw how the Japanese’s features visibly soften at the sight of her

She cleared her throat and asked “Do you have a spare pencil that you could lend me?” She asked hopefully, opting to show her broken pencil to him for explanation

He smiled at her before nodding (not bothering to question how her pencil broke into two), he turn around to look for his spare pencil in his case. While rummaging in his pencil case, Claudine leaned towards Makoto and put her hand in his shoulder, squeezing it encouragingly and whisper into his ear

“You’re getting better, Mon amour~” She said in a singsong voice

The boy visibly relaxed at the encouragement, prompting to lean into her touch. The french chanced a quick kiss in his nape before reaching for Makoto’s spare pencil

Unknowingly to the couple, everyone saw the whole interaction. They were equally at awe and terrified of the what they just saw, and let’s just say from that day on; Makoto started attending more of the said class while Claudine gained a lot of respect from others that always cause for her brows to raise