Chapter Text
Midorima sat on his couch while quietly studying the nails of his left hand. He listened closely to his phone as the great Oha-asa listed off the horoscopes for the day.
"Today's luckiest sign is Capricorn! Your lucky item is a plush kitty! Have fun with your daily activities and just go for it! Today's most unlucky is..." There was a sad buzzer sound and Midorima adjusted his glasses while he waited.
"Cancer! That's too bad! You will face much misfortune today and if you don't try hard enough, you won't reach your goals! Your lucky item today is someone your care deeply about! Whether it be a friend, parent, or even your romantic interest! Make sure you keep them close by and show kindness and affection towards them to boost your luck!"
Midorima blinked for a moment before letting out a horrified screech as he peered at his index finger. The nail had broken - when? only God and Horoscope readers know - but Midorima was mortified as he peeled at the chipped nail. He flinched at the sudden shortness of his nail, the dull pain causing an uneasiness to wash over his body. He bit the inside of his lip as he thought of the unusual lucky item of the day. Rarely - if ever - was it another living thing. Midorima pushed his fingers up and under his glasses while rubbing at his eyes. He saw tiny flares in his eyelids as he groaned. A headache tickled the back of his skull as he finally let out a sigh while the rest of the sign’s horoscopes played in the background.
"Deeply... huh?" Midorima laughed to himself. There was no person. He loved his parents like any child. He had no close friends - well - Takao, but he was more of an annoying nuisance that never left him alone - not even in his thoughts - but therein lies the problem.
Midorima paused as he wrapped his fingers.
Takao plagued his mind like a sweet virus, bothering him at every moment of the day.
Takao this, Takao that. It's not like -
"No." He said aloud, "Impossible. He can't possibly be..." Takao's shit eating grin was the only image plastered in his mind. Midorima felt his cheeks flush in self-revelation. "Tch," Midorima mumbled to himself as he finished taping his fingers. He adjusted his glasses.
So be it.
This... affection. How hard could it be?
He fished his phone out of his pocket before flipping it open.
"Shin-chan! What's up?" Takao panted over the phone with a smile pulling at his lips. Sun coated his back in a warm morning glow as he peddled towards Midorima's house.
Midorima's lips twitched slightly, "Takao. Where are you?"
Takao let out a bark of laughter, "So impatient Shin-chan! I'll be there in a sec, just wait!"
Midorima shifted on his feet as he waited by his door, Takao's lucky item in hand. "Hurry. Please." He then hung up.
Takao blew a confused breath from his nose and peddled a bit faster. Since when did Shin-chan say please?
Once Takao arrived he was greeted by Midorima who was standing outside by his mailbox. He seemed to be slightly spaced out as Takao stopped the cart in front of him. "Shin-chan?" He asked as he tilted his head while leaning against the handlebars. Midorima didn't answer so Takao snapped in his face as he laughed, "Hellooo, Shin-chan, is anyone home?"
Midorima snapped out of it and swatted Takao's hand away as he let out a "Tch, you idiot, I was thinking."
Takao hummed as he squinted, "Is that so?"
Midorima swallowed and adjusted his glasses. Takao took note of the light dusting of red on Midorima's cheeks. "Shin-chan, why does your face look like that?" Takao asked while stepping off the bicycle. His eyebrow quirked up in mild curiosity as he raised a hand to touch Midorima's forehead.
Midorima stopped him by grabbing Takao's hand as he muttered, "I'm fine." He held Takao's hand for a moment as he admired the tan, slender fingers.
"Uh, Shin-chan?" Takao laughed nervously as he watched Midorima study his fingers in great detail.
Midorima hummed before turning Takao's hand over and placing kitten bamboo chopsticks in Takao's palm and advising, "Your lucky item for today."
Takao sputtered as he examined the chopsticks while Midorima climbed into the cart. "S-Shin-chan - you just have these?!" Takao asked as he spun around to peer at the back of Midorima's head. "And suddenly when did Shin-chan start giving out gifts?"
Midorima huffed and threw a hand over his shoulder, "We're going to be late."
Takao squinted at Midorima before shrugging and sticking them in the front pocket of his bag before hopping up on the seat and pedaling towards the school. Midorima closed his eyes as the dull headache thudded around in his skull.
---
Once they reached the school Takao was panting like a dog. His legs were wobbly from having to take a detour up a hill to get to school. The bell rang ten minutes ago and Takao could imagine the brooding glare that surely painted Midorima's face as he parked the cart at the bicycle rack. Midorima watched as Takao bent over to catch his breath. He leant into the cart and pulled out Takao's bag before swinging it around his shoulder as well. He decided that he would carry it for him, thus showing affection for Takao.
"Sorry Shin-chan! Didn't know about that detour!" Takao apologized as he stumbled after Midorima who had already started to walk to the school doors. Takao stumbled over his own feet and cried out "WhAAA-" as he stumbled forward. He braced himself for impact as he shielded his face. Midorima grabbed the back of Takao's uniform, stopping his fall before pulling him back on his feet silently. Takao stared at him wide eyed before cheering, "You saved me Shin-chan!"
"Tch," Midorima adjusted his glasses as he cast his eyes downwards. "You're an idiot," he said casually, but a small smile graced his lips as Takao beamed up at him.
"My hero," Takao cooed as he followed Midorima through the doors.
Midorima scowled to himself as he let the door swing shut, nearly knocking Takao right off his feet again. Takao paid no mind as he happily kicked off his shoes to put on his uwabaki. Midorima frowned and silently organized Takao's shoes next to his before he padded towards his locker while Takao babbled about this new restaurant by his house.
---
The teacher had nothing much to say to the two since Midorima pretty much has a spotless record. He eyed Takao who just sheepishly scratched the back of his head while muttering an apology and giving a slight bow.
When lunch rolled around Takao tugged at Midorima's shirt from behind as he spoke, "Hey Shin-chan, eat lunch with me here."
Midorima flipped his notebook shut with a sigh, "You didn't." He turned in his chair to be met with a grinning Takao.
"OoOoOoh but I diiid!" Takao sang as he pulled out two bento boxes from his bag. Midorima rolled his eyes but turned his chair to face Takao's desk. Their knees bumped as Midorima adjusted his position so that his long legs were carefully placed on either side of Takao's. Really, the idiot insists they eat at his desk every day when Midorima would much rather go somewhere that could handle his height.
Midorima rose tired eyebrows up at Takao as he rested his cheek in his palm. He watched as Takao pulled the bento open with pride. "I learned how to do this in home ec the other day - aren't the little octopuses just the cutest?!" Takao beamed as he held out a pair of disposable chopsticks to Midorima.
"Octopi," Midorima corrected. He stared into the box, not feeling particularly hungry as he took the offered chopsticks. He picked up the octopus shaped hotdog before quietly agreeing, "They're cute, I guess."
Takao hummed happily as he bent down to mess with his bag. "I knew Shin-chan would like them. You won't admit it but you like cute things!" He deliberately bumped his knee into Midorima's leg as he spoke.
"If only you knew," Midorima mumbled as he nibbled on the octopus.
"Huummm, did you say something?" Takao asked as he popped back up in his chair with the pair of kitten chopsticks in his hand. Midorima felt his cheeks warm up considerably as he shook his head while adjusting his glasses. He watched as Takao picked up an octopus and plopped the whole thing in his mouth. His cheeks were stuffed as he noticed Midorima's eyes on him. "Wha-?" He asked around his food with a grin.
Midorima blinked. He'd been staring.
Takao swallowed before asking, "Is something on Shin-chan's mind?"
Midorima looked out the window and shook his head. He felt the heat on his cheeks and he did the best he could to hide it as he nibbled on another octopus. Takao frowned as he tilted his head a little while chewing. He noticed how Midorima sagged in his seat a bit with a couple strands of his hair sticking out wildly. He reached out to pat the hair down, startling Midorima as he sputtered, "Wh-what are you doing?"
Takao shrugged as he smoothed Midorima's hair down before answering, "Your hair was a mess."
"Don't-" Midorima scrunched up his nose. His face hurt and that small headache had bloomed into a full-blown migraine. He trailed off as he furrowed his eyebrows at Takao, not really seeing him as he peered through his glasses.
"Shin-chan?" Takao asked, worry lacing his voice as Midorima looked at him with unfocused eyes. He poked Midorima's shoulder gently. "If you don't like the bento, you don't have to eat it."
Midorima let out a weak scoff as he mumbled, "It's not that." He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. The glasses clattered to the table as he rubbed at his face under Takao's watchful gaze. When his hands slid down his face, he looked at Takao with a slight squint as he muttered, "A headache turned migraine."
Takao stared into those emerald eyes. He could swim in those dark greens forever. "Shin-chan's eyes are pretty," He blurted out as a blush dusted his cheeks.
Midorima scrunched up his nose again before pawing at his glasses on the table, "Don't say things you don't mean, Takao." Midorima knew he was flushed. His eyes hurt as the dull throb turned to a sledgehammer battering the insides of his skull.
"I-I -" Takao stuttered as Midorima folded his glasses. His hands were held out nervously as he watched Midorima.
Midorima placed his glasses back on the table before carefully closing up his bento box as he spoke softly, "I'm too nauseous to eat." He pushed it out of the way before crossing his arms over Takao's desk and burying his nose into his arms.
"Shin-chan?" Takao asked as he scoots his bento box to the side. It was nearly teetering on the edge, but Takao was more interested in Midorima's sudden strange behavior. Midorima hummed weakly as he shielded his eyes from the light. He felt Takao's gentle fingers pet at his hair as he murmured, "Shin-chan must really not feel well. Should I go see if the nurse has some medicine?" Midorima's heart swelled and his eyebrows furrowed as he breathed through his nose before nodding. "Okay, I'll be right back Shin." Midorima felt Takao's fingers trail over his shoulder as he stood. He heard his footsteps slowly disappear and he sighed. He wanted Takao's fingers to be back in his hair as they both sunbathed in the schoolroom. He scowled to himself. He only just had his revelation this morning and he'd already longing for Takao like a puppy missing his owner.
It wasn't long before Midorima heard footsteps pad towards him. "Shin-chan, are you awake?" Takao whispered as he knelt next to his desk with his hand on Midorima's lower back.
Midorima hummed weakly before peaking an eye down at Takao. Takao smiled softly as he explained, "I didn't know what works for you, so I just got everything. The nurse definitely thinks I do drugs now, though."
Midorima let out a breathy laugh at that as he breathed through a grin, "Idiot."
"Yeah, yeah," Takao smiled as he stayed crouched next to Midorima with his hand held open. An array of red, white, and orange pills filled his hand. "Pick your poison," He whispered. Midorima sat up with a minute wince before carefully picking the white pills from Takao's hand. Takao's eyes squinted with a warm smile as he closed his palm and reached for his bag. "I have water, hold on." Takao haphazardly threw the pills in his bag before pulling out his water bottle. He stood with a slight stretch before holding it out to Midorima, making sure it was in his field of view.
Midorima grabbed it slowly. He swallowed the pills down with some water as Takao took his place back in front of him. He quietly put the bento boxes and chopsticks away as Midorima looked at him with tired, unseeing eyes.
"Why don't you put your head back down Shin, you can take a nap. We still have twenty minutes." Takao smiled and patted the desk lightly. Midorima sent Takao a look. "I don't mind," Takao added softly. This sudden drowsiness was annoying, but Midorima didn't have the energy to even protest Takao's caring actions. He crossed his arms on Takao's desk before burying his head in the crook of his elbow. Takao looked down at the pile of green hair before hesitantly dropping his hand into Midorima's hair. When Midorima didn't stir he gently smoothed it over. He repeated his actions, quietly petting at Midorima's hair as he mused to himself Shin-chan's horoscope must have been bad today.
---
"Shin-chan," Takao cooed softly as he gently shook Midorima's arm.
Midorima hummed and nuzzled his nose further into his elbow. His breath felt warm against his face as he slowly regained consciousness.
"It's time to wake up, if teach catches you sleeping, who knows what will happen," Takao teased as he squeezed Midorima's arm. Midorima blinked an irritated eye up at Takao and Takao chuckled, "Listen, I know you're not a morning person, but two strikes in one day is too much for you. What - was your horoscope that bad today?"
Midorima groaned and hid his eyes again as he mumbled against the desk, "The actual worst it's been in months."
"Ahhhh," Takao breathed out as if he understood Midorima's hoodoo voodoo crap, but he never poked too much fun at Midorima since it always seemed to be true for him. Takao didn't know if it was because Midorima believed in it so much that it always seemed to come true. "Well, you have your lucky item, don't you? I'd say I'd let you borrow mine, but no way am I giving back a gift Shin-chan gave to me," Takao rambled on as he tapped his fingers on Midorima's arm. Midorima is not a morning person. Takao knows this all too well, unfortunately. He is trying to literally poke the beast awake.
Midorima stiffened. Of course he has his lucky item. He isn't... wrong... about this. He laughs bitterly in the crook of his elbow. He had no idea how to do this. "Of course," He said as he sat up. He glanced around for his glasses and startled when Takao slipped them onto his nose. Takao grinned at him. His pearly teeth almost sparkling in the light. Midorima cleared his throat. He adjusted his glasses as he muttered, "Thank you."
"Hmm," Takao hummed as he peered at Midorima.
Midorima knew he was blushing as he bit back, "What?"
Takao laughed, "Shin-chan feels better, doesn't he? “And Takao was right. Midorima's migraine was no longer there. There was a peaceful nothingness in his brain alongside a cheesy Takao.
Students started to pile back in the room as Midorima turned his chair back around while muttering, "Shut up." He heard Takao open his mouth to reply as he turned his head to the side, his eyes focused on the shoes of another student walking by as he mumbles, "Thank you, Takao."
Takao feels a hot rush flood his cheeks as Midorima faces the front of the room. He shifts in his chair restlessly as a smile pulls at his lips while he laughs a breathy, "You're welcome."
---
The next day Midorima wakes up with a jolt. He slept horribly and his head felt quite foggy as he stumbled to the bathroom. He threw some cold water on his face as he gripped at the sink.
"Honey?" His mother called from the hallway as he breathed a long, hard breath through his nose. "Is everything alright?"
Midorima heard her footsteps approaching and he quickly dried his face as she knocked on the door, "Sweetie, you just startled me is all. You slept in way longer than usual."
Midorima blinked at himself in the mirror before opening the door. "Mom, what time is it?"
His mother smiled up at him, "Oh honey, it's nearly one in the afternoon! Why don't you have some breakfast with your friend -"
"What?" Midorima interrupted.
He looked down at his mother. Her green hair was wrapped up neatly in a bun as she gleamed, "Takao is here! Actually, he's been her-"
Midorima stumbled past her. His fingers traced along the walls as he followed the familiar path to the dining room. When he entered the room, he saw a blurry Takao playing on his phone. He looked up at Midorima with a smile while Midorima asked, "What are you doing here?" His heart palpitated. Takao came into full vision as he stepped closer to the boy. He was wearing dark shorts and a pale pink t-shirt. His bare toes were perched on the floor as he sat in the chair. Takao was relatively smaller than most of his family - minus his mother - so he just barely reached the floor.
"Whaaa Shin-chan!" Takao whined with a pout as he threw himself at Midorima, "Did you forget we were supposed to hangout today?"
Midorima blindly caught Takao in his arms. The shorter boy rested his chin on Midorima's chest as he jutted his lower lip at Midorima. Midorima's grip loosened on Takao and he held his arms away from Takao's back as he scoffed, "No." Yes. Yes, one hundred percent yes. "Let go."
Takao pulled away to squint accusingly up at Midorima. "You forgot. You break my heart Shin-chan!" Takao cried loudly.
Midorima heard his mother laugh as she walked in the room, "Oh you boys. But honestly Shintaro, even I remember and I wasn't even invited on your little trip."
Midorima rubbed at his forehead in confusion. Something had to be wrong. He blinked as his mother set two plates of eggs and toast on the table before encouraging, "Eat up, boys."
Takao happily took a plate while beaming, "Thank you Mrs. Midorima!"
Midorima sat down quietly next to Takao. He still didn't have his glasses and his hair was a mess not to mention he was still in his pajamas but nonetheless he quietly started to eat. He was racking his brain for a couple minutes until it finally snapped that he agreed to go to the zoo so Takao would shut up about it. He remembered yesterday, his very lame attempts at being affectionate. If anything, Takao was better at it. He took care of Midorima, after all.
Takao giggled to himself causing Midorima to eye him suspiciously. "Wh..at... Takao?" He asked.
Takao scrunched up his nose before admitting, "I know you're not a morning person, but you still look awful cute when you wake up." He then took a proud bite of toast as Midorima choked on his eggs.
"Wh - wh - you can't just -" Midorima coughed, "You can't just say things like that," He hissed quietly.
His ears felt warm as Takao smirked at him. "Shin-chan secretly likes my compliments! Now eat up! Got a lot of walking to do!" Takao encouraged happily.
Midorima grumbled around his fork quietly, "...Yes."
When they were done eating, Midorima quickly changed while listening to his horoscope.
"Whaa! Today's an interesting day! Cancers - bad luck again! Your lucky item is the same as yesterday, someone or something you care deeply about!"
Midorima groaned to himself as he buttoned up a gray striped shirt. He rolled the sleeves up past his elbows before dutifully tucking his shirt loosely into the dark shorts. He slapped a watch on and slipped his phone and wallet into his pocket before heading out. Oha-asa was never wrong, but it was extremely odd for his luck to be that bad two days in a row let alone he have the same lucky item two days in a row. He wondered, briefly, if the planets were punishing him. Takao stood by the front door chatting up his mother when he greeted Midorima with a grin. "You look great Shin-chan but -" Takao started with a huff of laughter.
"What?" Midorima asked as he adjusted his glasses.
Takao shook his head before reaching up and fussing over Midorima's hair, "You can't go out with bedhead, silly."
Midorima's mother chuckled as she slipped away. Midorima stood still. Takao was close. He was too close. Midorima watched the concentration on Takao's face as his fingers brushed at his hair. Midorima bit back a purr as he noticed the very faint freckle on Takao's forehead. He wants to kiss it. Instead, he wraps his arms around Takao's waist, startling the other boy as he mumbles, "Enough. Sorry for oversleeping."
The hug was brief. It was over before Takao could even return the favor, but he rose his eyebrows as excited energy coursed through his veins. "Let's go!" He cheered as he threw open the door.
Sun warmed Midorima's skin as they stepped outside while Takao spoke, "It's so nice out!" He smiled up at the sun with his hands outstretched. He spun around to face Midorima as he walked backwards down the sidewalk. "I think we picked the perfect day!" A warm breeze pushed at Takao's hair and Midorima swallowed hard as Takao glowed in front of him. He was beautiful as the wind tickled his hair and tugged as his clothing playfully.
Midorima felt a smile pull at his lips as he silently agreed. Takao fell into step next to Midorima before speaking, "So, you must feel better today if you're actually out with me, Shin-chan." Takao looked around them. Birds fluttered past as they stopped at a crosswalk.
Midorima adjusted his glasses. "It was just a migraine, Takao."
Takao shrugged as he thought out loud, "Sure, but I've never seen Shin-chan so..." He trailed off as he searched for the right word before perking up as he held up a finger, "Unlucky!"
Midorima's eyes widened.
Takao's lucky item!
He grabbed Takao's wrist and started to tug Takao to the closest convenience store while Takao let out a confused, "Sh-Shin-chan?" Takao stumbled after Midorima. His long strides pulled Takao quickly as Midorima zoomed through the door of the store. A ding rang out and Midorima looked around while he muttered to himself, "Where's..." Takao scrunched his nose up in confusion at Midorima's side. Midorima's eyes scanned the aisle signs quickly before he spotted what he was looking for. He pulled Takao by the wrist still and Takao followed silently. Sometimes Midorima did things like this and Takao just let him do it. Midorima is one of the oddest people Takao knows. Takao stood patiently next to Midorima as he stared at the shelves. He scanned them quickly before grabbing what he needs. Before Takao even realized what Midorima grabbed, he was being dragged to the register.
"Did you find everything okay?" The short girl at the register asked as Midorima dropped his item on the counter. He nodded and she smiled at the two. Her eyes dropped to where Midorima gripped at Takao's wrist briefly before she said, "That'll be 218 yen please." Takao rose an eyebrow at her as Midorima placed exact cash on the counter before pulling him out of the store.
"Shin-chan what's going on?" Takao finally whined as they stopped by a small park.
Midorima let go of Takao's wrist before instructing, "Hold out your hand."
Takao huffed with a pout but obeyed.
Midorima quietly tied a green string bracelet around Takao's wrist while speaking, "Your lucky item."
Takao's eyes widened, "Oh Shin-chan, is this going to be a new habit of yours?"
Midorima's long fingers tied a perfect knot as he nodded, "Yes."
Takao sighed as he looked at the bracelet, "Shin you know I don't care about my luck."
"I do," Midorima replied instantly as he straightened up.
'Well," Takao ran his fingers over the braided string with a smile, "If it's Shin-chan worrying about it, then I will allow it."
"I'm not-" Midorima scoffed as he turned away with a blush. He pressed his finger to his glasses.
Takao smirked as they started walking towards their destination again. He teased from Midorima's side, "Shin-chan worries about meee."
Midorima tried to frown, but a smile tugged at his lips as he laughed through his nose before he shoved Takao gently, "Shut up."