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“Shoto~,” a gentle voice chimed through the empty classroom as the wooden door slid open. There, the voice reached a boy with lavender hair buried in a purple hoodie, arms sprawled across the desk. The sunlight from the window reflected onto his white shirt and bare arms, and a low grumble from the only occupied desk resounded.
“Nghh, Shu? Is that you..?” The sleepy boy rose up from his cushion, lazily rubbing his eyes. His vision began adjusting to the light, later recognizing the yellow bundle of hair and dark violet strands trailing down broad shoulders.
Footsteps clacked on wood, the sound nearing closer and closer until a shadow hovered over Shoto’s body. He felt strong but tender hands play with his hair disheveling it even further, and leans into the touch. Shu knelt down, resting his head on his arms and locking his gaze with tired eyes.
“School’s already over, and I just finished my student council meeting,” the honor student had mumbled. “Want to come to the arcade with me? One just recently opened down the street.” That woke Shoto right up.
“Of course, I like hanging out with you.” Shoto and Shu practically had time scheduled for each other at least once a week when they became more close, sometimes coming over to each other’s houses for study sessions or, more often, to play video games. One of Shoto’s favorite things to do in his leisure was precisely that.
“Oh? Do you now?” A sly grin formed on Shu’s expression, but then it softened. “I like spending time with you, too,” Shu replied quietly, and the other knew he meant it.
Shoto’s face flared up. “Sh-Shut up.”
Shu only chuckled softly and continued staring intently at Shoto, causing him to avoid his eyes and fidget with his fingers. God, why does Shu do this to him? Looking for an escape, Shoto cleared his throat. “Oh! Would you look at the time? We should get going if we don’t want the arcade to close. Come on!”
Shoto suddenly got up, startling the other, quickly throwing on his hoodie and grabbing Shu’s wrist rushing out the door. Shu clumsily trailed behind as he tried to match Shoto’s speed, internally smiling to himself as he noticed his reddening ears. The sunlight from the windows reflected on their pale skin, the time feeling like it slowed, as they ran through the echoing halls.
✦
“Let’s play the shooting games first,” Shu suggested. He inserted a few coins into the slot machine, starting up the game. It was a world set during a zombie apocalypse, the players having to kill every zombie in their way and survive until they safely reach the helicopter base. Shoto was not fond of the horror aspect, but he also didn’t want to look like a coward, therefore he opted to show off his aim instead.
“AAAHH! Why are they crawling!? I HATE IT WHEN THEY CRAWL.” Shoto focused the rifle’s crosshair on the zombies on the ground as he screamed. Another zombie emerged in front of him, eliciting yet another shriek from the poor lavender-haired boy.
“Nice, Shoto!” Shu cheered as his friend headshot a couple more zombies flying at them.
“My soul just left my body.” Sheer horror was on Shoto’s face, and he felt all the energy escaping from him.
“Gah! Shoto, watch out!” The usually calm tone became a high-pitched yelp, and Shoto couldn’t hold back his laughter.
Because of the brief distraction, a zombie jumped at the screen, splotches of blood splattering everywhere. After a scream, Shoto let out a heavy exhale of relief as the death screen presented itself, signaling GAME OVER. “Well, we got pretty far, so I deem this a win for both of us!”
“Agree.” Shu smiled as they high-fived, looking pleased with themselves.
The two continued playing more games and competing against each other. Unaware of how much time had passed, laughing, raging, they were just two friends having fun like usual. But today felt a little different. Just a little.
Shu put his hands on his hips. “Oh, earlier I saw a crane game over by the back! How about we test out our luck?”
He took Shoto’s hand in his and intertwined their fingers, gently pulling him along. Traveling through crowds of teenagers and children, the colorful lights emitting from the game machines illuminated the area. They stopped at a row of claw machines lined up neatly, each promising different kinds of prizes to take home. Shu, for one, gravitated toward the machine that contained a bunch of penguin plushies with Shoto following behind.
Everyone knew crane games to be rigged, but Shoto thought it wouldn’t hurt to try, though he did remember the multiple failed attempts and the fits of rage he had on these stupid machines. After Shoto's turn was quickly over, he closely observed Shu, discreetly admiring the way he concentrated all his attention on the penguins in the glass box, carefully adjusting the joystick with precision and accuracy like it was a life or death situation.
Slowly, the flimsy claw whirred to the right, then gradually descended further into the pit of stuffed penguins. One, two, three. The claw rose from the pile, and in its shaky hold was a singular, magnificent-looking penguin. It made its way over the pit, dropping the toy into the darkness.
“Sheesh, am I cracked at this game?” Shu started shamelessly praising himself, wearing a smug catlike look on his face.
“How’d you beat the claw machine in just one try!? I thought these things were rigged.” Despite Shoto’s disbelief, he was visibly beaming at the victorious endeavor.
“Sorcerer magic.” Shu winked, flashing a soft smile. The slightly shorter boy giggled as he squatted down to dig for the plush in the bin, taking it out and holding it up for Shoto to relish in all its glory. “Look, Shoto, isn’t it so cute? It even has yellow feathers for hair and a purple heart on its butt.” Pure joy was written all over Shu’s face, appearing very much like an overjoyed kid receiving a new toy for their birthday.
Shoto couldn’t help but laugh. “Pfft, you dork.” Yes, you indeed are very cute, was what Shoto had wanted to say, except that would actually put him in his grave, and he wouldn’t let himself go first and leave Shu all alone.
Shu pouted, and Shoto didn’t realize how long he was staring. Were Shu’s lashes always this pretty? But he didn’t know he was leaning too close until he was met with bright violet irises looking up at him. Shu was gazing back into indigo ones, and he smiled. Shoto subconsciously let the other place the stuffed animal in his hands, their fingers brushing for a split second.
“It’s yours,” Shu murmured, his eyes shifting to the ground. Shoto coughed, deciding to take a closer inspection at the penguin in his care. Strangely, the plush reminded him of Shu. Shoto could feel a smile growing on his face, and a warmth spread over his cheeks. He couldn’t possibly be given such a gift.
“I shouldn’t take this, you’re the one who won it, after all,” Shoto abashedly refused, taking Shu’s palms and planting the plush in them.
Shu noticed the reluctance in Shoto’s eyes. “And as the one who won it, I want to give it to you. Just think of it as thanks for spending time with me today,” Shu insisted, gently pushing the plush back into Shoto’s chest. “B-Besides, I won it for you. And I’ll win you even more if you want.” Shoto blinked at that statement.
“Stop. You’re making me flustered. And I spend time with you because I want to, but fine, if you say so,” Shoto huffed, trying to hide his deepening blush with his sleeve. He wanted to keep it, anyway. It was a nice feeling that Shu would be willing to win him these crane game prizes. Plus, the penguin can keep him company when Shu’s not around.
“Mm, it’s getting a bit late, and the arcade’s about to close,” Shu mentioned. “Do you have a ride home, Shoto? Sorry, I probably should’ve asked beforehand.”
Ah, right. Shoto’s parents were working late today. They wouldn’t get home until almost midnight. In other words, he didn’t have a ride. Damnit.
“Uh, about that.”
Shu just shook his head and grinned. “I can give you a ride, don’t worry.”
✦
“W-Whoa! Slow- Slow down, Shu!” Shoto was clinging onto Shu’s shoulders for dear life. Fortunately, his penguin plush was safely secured in his backpack.
“Be careful, we’re on a motorbike! Remember to wrap your arms around my waist if you can!” Shu yelled above the howling wind, trying to steady the swaying of his vehicle.
Shoto was on a motorcycle. Shu’s motorcycle. Apparently, Shu already had it parked right next to a convenience store near the arcade building. They had bought a few snacks and shared a pack of yakisoba noodles before taking off. They zoomed through the intersections and flashing traffic lights, weaving in between several cars like in the action films. Praying for his life, Shoto slowly slid his hands down the body he was pressed against, snaking his arms around Shu’s slender waist. Shu leaned forward for more balance, causing the other to lean down with him.
This wasn’t the first time Shoto rode on Shu’s motorcycle, but he still wasn’t used to the surreal experience. Shu only got the motorcycle a few months ago! Could you blame a guy for being scared almost half to death?
He could see Shu’s dark strands of hair peeking out from his helmet, and as he stared he became increasingly aware of their proximity. Especially more so when Shu’s gaze briefly caught a glimpse at him. Caught off guard, Shoto felt his ears starting to burn out of embarrassment. He buried his face in Shu’s neck, tightened his grip, and stayed like that for the whole ride.
The view became more familiar, as they passed by Shoto’s local convenience stores and then into his district.
After what seemed like a mere few minutes, Shu stopped the vehicle in front of a house before taking off his helmet and hopping to the ground. His hair flowed in the night breeze, the crescent moon casting a glow above his figure. Shoto almost tripped stepping off the motorcycle. He looked ethereal.
“Thanks for always taking me home when you’re not busy, Shu.” Shoto rubbed his neck. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”
The other waved his hands in protest. “Not at all, it’s not troublesome if it’s for you.”
“Okay. Also- uh,” Shoto scratched his cheek, “I had a lot of fun today. I really like the penguin. It sort of looks like you, too.”
The longer-haired boy widened his eyes in surprise momentarily, before regarding the other with a look akin to fondness. “I’m glad you like it. Ah, and tell me what you name the little guy later.” At the sound of a ding, Shu briefly took out his phone, wincing at his notifications. “Oh no, I’d better get going now, my sisters are gonna scold me,” he hurriedly said, shoving his phone back into his pocket.
“Right. You’re right. Be careful on the way home.”
Shu nodded with a gentle smile and waved goodbye to his friend, turning around and stepping toward his motorcycle.
“I love ya, Shu.”
And for a moment, there was pure silence. Shoto held his breath and wanted to crawl into a hole. This is a normal thing for him to say. A friendly goodbye, that’s all it was. And Shu always said bye back. But why did he feel such an indescribable emotion blooming in his chest when he heard the next few words?
The other boy stopped. As Shu’s back was facing Shoto, he quietly whispered beneath his breath, and Shoto could almost barely hear it had he not been so attentive.
“… Love you, Shou.”
Shu mounted his motorcycle—the way his face pinkened and pressed his lips didn’t go unnoticed—and drove off, leaving behind a cloud of smoke. Shoto was left dumbfounded. Choking out a strangled breath, he scrambled to his bedroom with flushed cheeks and a tingly stomach.
After taking a warm shower and changing into his comfortable pajamas, Shoto quickly grabbed the plush from his bag and flopped onto the bed, kicking his feet like a high school girl who just confessed to her crush.
He replayed the scene in his head over and over again just to watch his own nickname being uttered from those pretty lips. He felt a throbbing sensation in his chest. His heart was doing backflips.
“He said it back,” he beamed. Was… Shu finally catching on? Curling into a ball, Shoto pulled in the penguin plush snuggled to his thumping chest, a sense of comfort enveloping him as he drifted away to his dreams.
“Good night, Shubert.”