Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Summer had ended as quickly as it began. All of our friends decided to meet up together for our last summer as teenagers. We all decided on the same ramen place Nendo would always drag us to because of the memories we've made there.

"Hey, Aren." Kaido whispered into my ear, "Want to sneak out? I heard the Dark Reunion will be here soon, so we must retreat."

After a chaotic dinner I think we could both agree that we wanted some space from them. We would have brought Saiki with us, but he seemed like he was enjoying himself. Despite not really expressing any emotion.

I stand up, "My parents said they wanted me back home, so I'll see you guys tomorrow at school. Have a good rest of your dinner!"

"I'll have to go assist him to make sure the Dark Reunion-"

My hand slaps over his mouth to shut him up, "Shun's mom told him to go back home too."

By their expressions it seemed like they didn't believe us; rightfully so. We've made excuses to leave so many times before that they knew we were lying just to spend time together. As much as we love our friends, we are "sworn friends" that like our time away from the rest of the group.

"Have fun making out!" Nendo shouts in the restaurant obnoxiously, causing some heads to turn.

Both of us roll our eyes, blushing in embarrassment. Everyone must have heard that loud ogre say that. They'll get the wrong idea about Shun and I. It's nothing like that, we just wanted to enjoy our last day of summer to the fullest.

Together we walked outside, the cool air flowing around us. A cold breeze whips us, leaving Shun to shiver and clatter his teeth. He is weak in every sense of the word, but I found it a great trait. We completed each other in our own ways.

"Shun, you cold?"

"Wh-what? No…" He says while rubbing his arms with his bandages.

I unzip my leather jacket, throwing it over his shoulder, "Stop trying to act all tough. Wear it, I'll be fine."

He hesitates for a moment, but he complies. Draping my jacket over himself, putting the hoodie over his head. Attempting to hide his face completely as it must have been flushed.

"Thanks, Aren." Kaido mumbles while messing with one of the jacket's many zippers.

We walk side by side, making our way into the middle of the woods. There stood our hideout.

"What are we going to do today? Did you want to show me something?"

Shun awkwardly replies with a "yes".

He fumbles around in a few boxes that he's brought from his house. Revealing a notebook with a picture of the both of us on the first day of summer vacation. Us on the grass, stargazing at the first summer night.

"During this summer I've been working on something for us, and I just thought that maybe you'd like to see it…?"

Both of his hands shook with the book in his hands. He passes it to me, directing his attention at the floor. I opened the book, surprised by its contents.

There were pictures from the entire summer all in one note book, with written short summaries below each one. My words dropped off my tongue, I was speechless. Shun, my sworn friend, is amazing.

I encapsulate him in a tight embrace, whispering compliments in his ear.

"You're truly amazing."

"This is amazing."

"I'm so glad to have you as my friend."

"I'll cherish this forever."

"Thank you."

"100 times, thank you."

"I love it."

When I look over at Shun's face I notice he's trying to hide his face again while he attempts to stutter a response. I shut him down by giving a peck on his cheek as thanks. Then I realized what I did.

Both of my hands push Kaidou away, breaking up the hug between us.

What did I just do? Why did I kiss his cheek? I just wanted to thank him, not do THAT.

"Y-You're welcome?"

Flailing my hands around I try to plead my case, "I'm sorry, I never meant to do that. I'll never do that again. That was-"

Shun takes a deep breath, moving his hair out of his face, "It's fine, Aren. No need to freak out about it, okay? I'm also glad that you liked it."

A nervous smile creeps up onto my face, my cheeks turning warm. I really love Shun.

Love?

Chapter Text

First day back at school and there's already a problem. No one else seems to be experiencing it, just me. Since I've walked into school I've felt nervous, awkward, weird. These feelings seem out of control when Shun is near. I hate this.

Shun whispers something to Saiki, their eyes looking in my direction. Now he had secrets with Saiki? I can already tell this year is going to have more drama than the last.

"Um…Aren? Your juice is spilling all over the floor."

When I look down there is a piss like puddle of apple juice under my desk. My juice box in my hand, crumbled to the point where it almost doesn't exist anymore.

Shun hands me a paper towel with a concerned face, "Are you okay?"

"Sure…" I mutter under my breath while wiping the floor.

He pulls out another paper towel and gets on his knees, helping clean my mess. Shun looks up at me with a worried smile on his face, his eyes sparkling with concern. My sworn friend is the most caring person I've ever met.

"You've seemed mad all day, so I'm just curious as to why. Is it because of what happened-"

"No!"

With a loud shout people turned their heads towards Shun and I. If he had said that I kissed him on the cheek out loud, I'd be done for.

Class continues, everyone sitting back in their chairs. When I look over to Shun I see that he's ripped out a piece of paper and begun to write in it. I watch him write a little, erase, think, write, erase, think more. The cycle continues for what feels like hours until he passes it to me.

Sorry for mentioning what happened yesterday. Would you like me to forget about it? - Shun

It's fine, I don't care. - Aren

Our teacher turns around to see me passing the note back to Shun. Both of us look over to each other, nervous at how the teacher will punish us.

The teacher speaks up, "I'm assuming note passing is more important than my class?" They grab the note right out of my hand.

When they went back up to the front of the class they read our note to the entire class aloud, leaving everyone curious as to what had happened between us yesterday, especially Nendo. A devious appeared onto his face as he heard it, laughing hysterically.

"Would you like to share to the class what happened yesterday?"

"No, I would not. I'll make sure to never pass notes in your class again." I say sternly.

Shun looks over at me with apologetic puppy eyes, receiving a light blush from me in response. He's lucky that I like him enough not to be upset at him for passing notes in the first place.

Now my classmates must all think that there is something going on between Shun and I, which there is not. We're sacred friends, not gay. At least as far as I know Shun likes girls.

Over text messages we've decided that I'd walk him to his house every day for now on, to make sure he's protected. I'm aware that he can handle himself, but I just want to make sure he's safe from all the delinquents in the area.

"Are you busy today, Aren? The Jet Black Wings have to protect a certain coffee-."

I chuckle a bit at his antics, "They're closed today 'Jet Black Wings', but we can go visit our other hideout."

Shun estacticly waves his fists up and down, "Really? You said it was too dangerous."

As great as our new hideout is, it's still near where I live. Our hideout is a small abandoned brick house surrounded by weeds which hides it from everyone. During summer we found it, cleaned it up a bit, and drew graffiti on one of its walls.

"We're here, Shun."

We walk into the house walking toward the spray cans, yet they seem to be gone. Looking at each other we sigh, someone must have found this place.

"Looking for this?" A person comes from behind us with the spray cans at hand.

This guy must be picking a fight with me, huh? My sacred friend is here, I must protect him. A hand creeps up around my arm to grip it tightly. He must be terrified-

Suddenly, Shun starts dragging me out of the house to run away. As the wind blew through our hair I looked over to Shun to notice he had something in his hand.

While panting in exhaustion he reveals a can in his hand, "I got one."

A wide grin on his face made my legs go weak. This guy, my friend, knows how to make me weak. All this so we can spend time together? Maybe Shun does love me as much as I love him.

Love?

Chapter Text

"Let's go back to our hideout." Shun tilts his head while facing me with a smile.

The sun was setting as I led the both of us back to our original hideout. Shun, of course, ranted about the Dark Reunion the whole way there while I listened intently. Despite me not truly understanding a word he said, I still find it charming how creative and imaginative he is.

"We're going to write on the inside or outside?"

"Outside, the sunset looks nice tonight."

He hands me our only spray can, motioning for me to use it first. In bold letters I write 'Demon Killer' on the sheet that surrounds our place. After I was finished writing, I tossed it over to Shun, accidentally hitting him on his left arm.

Urgently I went to his side to put my hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry. You okay? Do you need ice or something?"

Shun scoffs in the toughest voice he could bear, "I'm fine."

Reaching down he grabs the spray can, writing with delicate lines. A big 'Jet Black Wings' written under mine. We both step back to look at it, noticing that there seems to be something missing. After thinking for a few seconds he draws something around our tags. A non symmetrical black heart.

My arm snakes around Shun's shoulder while gazing at our creation, our home away from home. A place of comfort and peace made for us to enjoy together. Silence, that was broken by the woodland noises, sinking into each other's touch. The sunset, a nice pink orange, consumed the sky. He put his hand against my chest, my heart began to race.

"Yeah, my arm does kind of hurt," Shun admits, breaking our moment.

Just like that, we make our way back inside to fetch some ice from the cooler we had installed this summer. Since it was so hot we needed something to keep cold drinks in. Shun sat down on the couch with his arm on the arm rest.

"Tell me earlier next time, you're going to have a bruise."

Shun rolls his eyes, "Actually, the Jet Black Wings-"

A wince emits from him as I put the ice on the now red spot, shutting him up. My hand goes through his hair, breaking each knot and split end. His red eyes kept eye contact with my own. My hand goes from his hair down to his cheek, cupping it while rubbing it gently with my thumb.

"A-aren?" Shun stutters with a beet red face.

Shock and nervousness in his eyes, yet also a desire for more. With a kiss on the forehead I pulled away from whatever embrace we had indulged ourselves in.

"I love-"

"I think I'm all better now!" He stands up, walking outside.

What am I doing? Why did I almost confess that I loved him? I'm not gay, I'm an ex delinquent! Then why am I feeling this way? Am I gay?

When going outside to meet up with Shun, I find him taking a picture of what we've done. We attempted to speak to each other, but our words swept like the breeze.

Heart clenching, palms sweating, body heat rising. I've never felt this way with someone before. Is this what love feels like?

Love?

Chapter Text

"What Is Love!" Teruhashi announced the new romance movie we'd all be watching together.

Movie nights had become more prominent as they hadn't spent much time with Shun or I this summer. This time Chiyo and Teruhashi picked the movie we'd watched, but none of the guys seemed excited. The only exception being me.

This seemed like the perfect movie for me based on the title alone. Maybe this would help me with my problems I've been having? Shun sits beside me on the couch, pulling my blanket over his legs. We've gotten so used to each other that we didn't even need to speak before doing something, we'd just know.

Shun leans to whisper into my ear as the movie begins, "Are we going to leave this hangout too?"

Normally I'd agree in a heartbeat, but today was different. We were sitting in such close proximity that our knees were touching, leaving a tingly warm feeling in my leg. The movie also seemed like it would actually be interesting for once. Staying here to watch this movie the full way through might not be terrible.

"No, let's stay."

After the first 30 minutes of the movie everyone seemed to be staring at us, wondering when we'd leave. My eyes shot daggers at them, making them go back to looking at the movie. Shun's hand that laid next to mine brushed against me. Is he asking for what I think he's asking for?

With a spark of confidence, I take his hand into mine. I didn't dare look at him in embarrassment at how I was acting. My sacred friend was now the one I was secretly holding hands with under a blanket. Our friends surrounded us, not suspecting a thing. If the lights weren't off everyone would notice my face going entirely bright red.

My thumb rubbing his hand as the movie continues to play. As I had previously thought, the movie did help with my confusion of what love is. At the end of the movie while the credits rolled I ran to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

I am in love with Shun?

Tears began to fall from my eyes which filled me with shame. Shun isn't gay, he sees me as his friend. He'd never fall for someone like me anyway. What am I even thinking? I'll never let him or my friends find out. If they did then who knows how they'd react.

'Are you okay?' I hear a monotone voice ask through the door.

Using the sleeve of my hoodie, I wipe my eyes, attempting to cover up my sniffles. The person knocks on the door once more, reminding me that they were still there.

"Can we talk outside?"

'Sure.'

After numerous splashes of water to my face I walked outside of the house. Saiki laid against the porch, face turning in my direction. Of course it was Saiki.

Saiki looked around as he was trying to find the right words to say, 'What's…wrong?'

Now that I think about it, I've never heard Saiki attempt to comfort someone. Apparently he tried to once and a while, or so I heard. I can't believe it's actually true.

"Nothing really, so don't worry about me. Go back to everyone else and have fun with them." I mutter in a somber tone.

Saiki audibly sighs, 'Good grief. Tell me what's wrong or I will go join them.'

This probably will be my only chance to talk about it, and I doubt that Saiki would even care, "I think I may lo-like someone?"

'Okay.'

"I doubt they like me back though since I'm not really his-HER type."

'If you really like them, then ask them if they like you back.'

I start messing with my hoodie string, "It's not that simple because…Saiki I'm-"

The front door swings open, Shun being the cause of it.

"That's where you two are! Hairo said to go back inside so we can all play games together." Shun says as the both of us walk toward the door.

Thankfully it doesn't seem like Shun heard what I almost told Saiki. I'm not sure that I am gay, yet I was willing to tell Saiki right then and there. That would have been bad if I had accidentally told both of them. They'd probably think I'm a freak or that I have a crush on one of them: which is true.

Shun tilts his head to speak to me as we close the door, "Are you okay? What was Saiki talking to you about? You don't have to tell me, I'm just worried about you."

"I'm okay, Shun. No need to worry about me." I weakly smile at him.

"Now that we're alone, can I ask you something?" Shun hangs his head down low.

"Yep, shoot."

Shun leans into my ear, "C-can we do that again sometime?"

My body froze in place, it was as if Shun knew what I had wanted to hear. Shun backs away from ear, a prominent blush across his pale skin. He wanted to hold hands with me more! Whether it was in a friendly or romantic way, I didn't care. All I wanted was him no matter what. If I have to conceal my feelings for him, then I will. Anything for my sacred friend and crush…

"I'd love to."

Shun Kaidou.

Chapter Text

I'm in love with Shun Kaidou.

After watching the movie I've noticed the tell-tale signs that I've been in love with him. How lovestruck I have been all this time without any of us picking up on it. How could I have known though? Just days ago I was sure that I was straight, never really thinking twice about it. Now I knew the signs of actual love, and that's how I acted towards Shun.

1.Body Language

Per usual, Shun sits right beside me at lunch. Our friends are all sitting at the table with us. When greeting each other I tilt my head in his direction as a greeting. Shun mimicked me and did the same motion.

2. Shy Looks

The memory of last night's movie night came flooding back into our mind as I watched his face change. Shun gives me a look of embarrassment, I smile sheepishly trying to wash away my rising cheeks. There were too many people nearby, later we could talk about what it meant for us. Not relationship wise, just in terms of boundaries.

3. Eye Contact

We slowly ease back into our normal conversations. Shun blabbs about The Dark Reunion while I gaze at him in a trance. His head shifts to meet my eyes with his. His red eyes put me under a spell as I cannot look away. Those contacts must have been expensive with that extra feature.

4. Touchy Subject

Nendo does something ridiculous, yet this time we actually find humor in it. The entire lunch table erupts into laughter, excluding Saiki. There was a faint smile on his face though, so Nendo took that as a win. While laughing my hand goes onto Shun's thigh, slapping it in a playful manner. When he looks to see what I was doing, I pull away my hand.

5. Taking The Initiative

Our hideout may be amazing, yet running away to the same place makes me not interested in leaving our friends anymore. Maybe I could ask him if he'd be willing to go to a coffee shop with me. That'd seem like a date though, and I wouldn't want him getting the wrong idea. Later we can decide where we will go together.

"Next time we hang out, let's not go to our hideout. We're always there, and I'm growing bored of it."

6. Two Way Traffic

It's been a long time since Shun had gone on a full blown rant about The Dark Reunion. In an odd way, I was missing it. His chuunibyou ways were cute-I mean cool. The only time he truly talked was when it was about it, so I was interested in it as long as he spoke.

"It's been a while since The Dark Reunion striked, huh? Mind telling me why that is?"

7. Just Like You

Our conversation shifted back to going out somewhere new. I knew the streets better than him because of my past, so I knew some good places people go to. There was one place in particular that I've always wanted to go to.

"How about a theme park? There's one near where I live that's abandoned."

Shun shutters, "A-abandoned? Sure…"

"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe." My hand slaps against my mouth, in shock of what I had just said. As smooth as it was, I hoped nobody heard.

8. Projecting Fun

Both sides of his mouth turned upward, a glad look in his face.

"Thank you, Aren. I think the Jet Black Wings can handle themselves quite well though. I might be the one protecting YOU."

His smile being infectious, I smile in response. Shun's aware he said a whole lot of bull, but in a way I trust him with my life. He doesn't need powers to be able to protect me. A smile stays on our faces for the rest of lunch.

9. Fidgeting As Flirting

As we leave the lunchroom we walk side by side. With the packed hallways keeping us close, our arms brush against each other's as we try to get through. A student shoves Shun's entire body against me, almost knocking me down to the ground. I take control and grab onto his arm, my heart beating out of my chest. Hopefully he can't feel how hot and sweaty my hands are. We've never been touchy with each other at school.

10. Butterflies

My grip begins to loosen from Shun's arm. Without thinking I put his hand into mine to be sure we don't lose each other in the crowd of people. Shun made me feel a lot of ways, there was a new one this time. My stomach filled up with a nauseating feeling as if it'd come out and take flight at any moment. Almost like a butterfly.

The grip onto my hand tightens as the hallway clears up. Why would he want to stay like this if he knew what was on the line? People may make assumptions about our relationship with each other. If we stayed like this, surely someone would catch us. Which someone did.

'Kuboyasu?'

Chapter Text

*phone rings*

The room was consumed by darkness. Sprawled onto his bed, a groan escapes his lips. Shun's hand slaps around in an attempt to silence his phone on his nightstand. Mind filled with thoughts of his sacred friend Aren; of what had happened yesterday. Holding his own hand in front of him, Shun wondered how it'd feel if they were to hold hands again.

All day, no studying had been done. Focusing felt like an impossible task now. Maybe answering Aren's call was what he needed. Taking that chance wasn't something he would risk though.

"Shun!" Someone whisper shouts from outside.

Was his ears playing tricks on him? That voice belonged to Aren, and he knew it. Why was he at his house in the middle of the night? Up on his feet, Shun ran to his window. A purple haired figure wearing all black stood in front of him. His smile shines despite it being late; Aren's infectious smile.

"What are you doing here?!"

"I need some groceries. Would you like to join me?"

On Shun's nightstand an alarm clock read 12 pm. If he were to be caught sneaking out at night he'd be in deep trouble. Possibly being grounded for weeks on end. Was hanging out with Aren worth all that hassle?

He sighs in defeat, "Sure."

Looking down to the grass, a wave of anxiety washed over Shun. The window seemed higher up than usual. He picks up his phone and shoves it into his pocket. Shun's eyes trail down his body–he is in his pajamas. He didn't wear anything bad, but going out with his friend in pajamas seemed embarrassing. These worries were short lived as a pebble came flying through his window. That was his sign to hurry up.

After throwing a pebble through his window, Aren began to aimlessly scroll through his phone. Aren's eyes scanned all the missed calls forwarded to Shun. Maybe he should have given him space; he knew that he needed it. His instincts said otherwise, so hopefully his instincts weren't wrong.

*thud*

Shun fell before his feet, looking up at him. He wasn't wearing his contacts; Aren took notice of that immediately. Instead, his hands gripped onto a pair of glasses; the frame pure black.

"Can you please help me up?" Shun shakily mutters.

One hand stretched to grab his hand, the other to hold his body up. With one strong pull Shun was in his arms. Both of their bodies against each other as they stared into each other's eyes. A desire to get closer, but a fear of getting rejected. Aren being the first to pull away pats him on the head.

"Let's get going, Shun."

Street lights flash above the two, leaving them enough light to gaze at each other. Shun wore his glasses for the first time in front of Aren. Even if he wouldn't admit it, he found him wearing glasses cute.

Aren points to a worn down supermarket,
"Here."

Weeds grown from every corner of the entrance; anything glass being shattered or scratched. Shun didn't like to judge, but this place was a dump. He gave him the benefit of the doubt, continuing to walk alongside his friend. If there were something to go wrong, he would protect them.

There weren't many cars in the parking lot; the lack of people did not surprise Shun. His hand dragged across every aisle to touch and feel the store's products. Aren stays close by, grabbing everything he needs. He bends down to get a can of beans that reside near Shun. Stopped in his tracks–they both made eye contact.

Aren points toward a can of his favorite beans right next to Shun's legs. He nods in response and meets him on the floor as they kneel. At the same time they both reach out for the beans, their hands brushing against each other.

"I've got the beans, Shun."

Shun's head sways side to side, "I'll get it for you."

In the purely bean aisle they cause a fight to see who will be the one to pick the bean up. Their hands were against each other's body: pushing, shoving, and grabbing the beans. Shun and Aren's quarrel sends Shun's glasses flying to the shelf. Aren picks it up for him, sighing to himself at what they'd gotten into. With the black framed glasses at hand, he slips them onto his face.

Brown glossy eyes look up at Aren in admiration. For some reason this action didn't seem friendly, it felt romantic. The thought instantly gets shaken off as they are just friends–sacred friends. No deeper meaning, just strictly platonic. Despite that, Shun leaned in without thinking. Mimicking his motions–Aren did too.