Chapter Text
Kuzuryuu Fuyuhiko hates a lot of things.
And one of those things is being called cute.
The ultimate yakuza should be threatening, intimidating, someone who could send people away just by staring at them for one second. And yes, all those years of being exposed to his Yakuza family did help him be all those things. He's more than capable of making people shit their pants when he glares at them. Although, most of the time he doesn't even have to glare at them since they cower just by hearing his surname and his title.
However, it seems that class 77 of Hope Peak's academy has developed an immunity when it comes to the ultimate yakuza. He's downright surrounded by classmates who think he's cute. Worse, he even knows some of them who say he's cute out loud. His gangster title is supposed to be menacing, and yet his classmates modify it and call him "Baby Gangsta"
"You were so cute when you were a baby. It reminds me of the sheep back from my home country" Sonia clapped her hands together as she commented on his baby pictures with a smile. They were assigned by Yukizome-sensei to bring their baby pictures. She said that as a class, this activity will surely bring them together.
Fuyuhiko could only roll his eyes at this, but he complied anyway and how he regretted his decision. He was surrounded by his classmates going on and on about how cute he was when he was a baby. Of course, the majority of it just has to be his female classmates.
Except Peko. She's not really the type to call him cute. She's never the type to call him anything except for that damn title that constantly reminds him of how much his family has damaged Peko's self-identity.
"Ah! Pekoyama looks so cute too~" Yukizome-sensei joined the crowd of classmates that surrounded the both of them now, and Fuyuhiko secretly felt smug at the attention Peko's getting. Of course she's cute; she always has been ever since they were kids. Unfortunately, for some reason, he's incapable of saying it out loud.
Fuyuhiko leaned on his chair , peeking at the photo from his spot. He was completely satisfied with being an observer and keeping quiet in his seat, but that was until Ibuki ruined the moment. He should have known she was going to notice.
"Ibuki thinks peko-chan and kuzuryuu are in the same place in this picture. They both look cute too" Ibuki pointed at the two pictures and Fuyuhiko could hear the mumbles from his classmates.
He needed to stop that somewhat, so he said the first thing that came to mind. "Stop making up bullshit and stop calling me cute."
Yup. That was the best he could come up with his limited time of thinking up a response. He inwardly groaned and failed to ignore the stares on his classmate's faces. Great, now he just looks suspicious.
Thankfully, Peko has him covered. She always does.
"I believe this might be because of the similar structure and pattern for traditional houses. It isn't the same place, but considering that I'm the ultimate swordsman and Kuzuryuu is the ultimate yakuza, we're both exposed to traditional customs that hones our individual talents." Peko explained flawlessly, as if she was reading from a script, even if she just made it up with the limited time that was provided to her. Ooooh's and aaah's filled the classroom since Peko's explanation did make sense after all. Now, they have no reason to be suspicious.
"These two places might not be the same, but it doesn't change the fact that you two are so cute in your individual photos!" Yukizome-sensei exclaimed and patted their heads. She turned to the rest of the class and smiled. "Of course, that goes for all of you as well. My students are all so cute."
When Yukizome-sensei left the classroom, it was Nanami who spoke first.
"Why do you hate being called cute?" Nanami asked in her usual tone, her eyes not leaving the game console.
Fuyuhiko was going to respond to that with his usual it's none of your business dialog, but that damn Saionji beat him to it.
Hiyoko snickered, bringing her fan towards her face as she mocked Fuyuhiko. "Because it hurts his ego. Imagine being the ultimate gangster and having a baby face."
"Keep talking shit and you'll see what happens before you can even say your next sentence." Fuyuhiko threatened her, then glared with his furrowed brows.
It did not have the slightest effect on Hiyoko. Instead, she continued mocking him. "Look at you, all bark and no bite. Just like a dog."
She stopped for a second, but did not take any words back as she grimaced. "Actually, you're more like a cute puppy than a guard dog."
Fuyuhiko was about to say something, but his attention shifted when he noticed the slight change in Peko's facial expression. He was focused in deciphering whatever emotion she subtly showed with her actions. Most of the time, Fuyuhiko could read her despite the lack of change in her facial expressions. He has the advantage of being her childhood friend.
But she's different this time, and Fuyuhiko couldn't help but be curious, and he forgot about fighting Hiyoko until the gremlin cleared her throat and hit him in the head with her fan.(Hiyoko wouldn't admit it, but she hit his head quite softly.
"Are you even listening to me?" Hiyoko hissed and crossed her arms.
Fuyuhiko blinked and diverted his attention from Peko to respond. He didn't want anyone to think he was staring at Peko or anything, because he really wasn't. "Ha? And why exactly do I need to listen to your bullshit? You're just wasting my time."
The rest of the class sighed. They were more or less used to the banter of their two classmates. It's technically part of their daily routine, and just like always, the bell will be the one to put an end to it if not Yukizome-sensei or Nanami.
This time, Yukizome-sensei isn't present, and Nanami is way too invested in her game, knowing that Fuyuhiko and Hiyoko wouldn't really start a serious fight, which only leaves the bell to stop the pointless argument of the ultimate yakuza and traditional dancer.
Fortunately, it arrived sooner than expected, and the class was dismissed. Everyone went back to their respective seats to arrange their bags and go home. Eventually, there was no one left in the classroom except for Nanami, who made sure to turn off the lights and close the classroom doors. She's the representative for a reason.
Fuyuhiko left the room first, followed by Peko, but they made sure to go home together. They met up behind the building, where there weren't many people to witness them. Well, even if people do manage to see them, Peko can just make up an excuse and lie that they just bumped into each other. When they met up behind the building, they fell into routine and started heading back to their house together.
There was a comfortable silence that surrounded the two of them. It was only broken when they passed by the fountain and recognized a familiar face.
"Hey, isn't that Nanami?" Fuyuhiko asked and squinted his eyes, trying to get a better view. "And... is that a reserve course student?" He continued, though there wasn't any malice in his voice.
"Yes, it seems so." She answered with a nod. She pursed her lips and decided to add another reply. "It seems like the name of the student is Hinata Hajime."
Fuyuhiko stopped his tracks and looked at Peko. "How did you know this?"
He didn't want Peko to respond because he suspected she'd confirm his suspicions—that she's just doing her job to protect Fuyuhiko, which includes knowing the general background of every Hope Peak's Academy student and staff member.However, the moment she responded to Fuyuhiko, he felt glad that he bothered to ask. He hated it when he was wrong, but this time it didn't bug him.
"Nanami mentions him often when we interact," Peko recalled. It was clear that there was no difference in her delivery. It's still the same cold tone that she always uses in normal conversation. There's no semblance of a smile in her facial expression anywhere, but Fuyuhiko knows even if she's incapable of showing it.
"Well. They look like they're having fun." He mumbled, and Peko agreed with a nod. At that point, he knew what Peko felt, and on behalf of the emotions Peko doesn't allow herself to express, Fuyuhiko smiled for her.
They continued walking in silence, and they were just a few meters away when Peko stopped in her tracks. She glanced at the bushes because her instinct caught something moving from there, and by reflex, she grabbed on to her shinai immediately. Fuyuhiko noticed the sudden shift in Peko's attitude and moved closer to her, his hands extended, preparing to grab her arm to prevent the same scenario that he has witnessed throughout his entire life. Peko Pekoyama heading straight towards danger just to protect the young master. As much as he appreciates Peko's presence, he's sick of the fact that his existence is the reason why she can't have a normal life.
"Young master, you should run. Let me take care of this." Peko suggested as she stood in a stance Fuyuhiko knows all too well.
In response, Fuyuhiko furrowed his brows and complained. "No. There is no way in hell I'm leaving you here."
Peko internally sighed and was about to say something, but whatever it was in the bushes revealed itself before she could say anything else.
It turns out there was nothing to be wary of.
"Fucking hell." Fuyuhiko groaned and smacked his face on his palm. They were cautious for nothing. It's just a harmless creature, a cute little puppy. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Peko gradually withdraw her shinai and soften in the presence of the creature. Fuyuhiko allowed himself to let out a small chuckle at Peko's sudden change in behavior and approached the puppy in front of them.
His steps were soft so as not to scare the puppy away. He also used his rare, hushed voice as he attempted to calm down the now growling creature. "Easy now....easy..."
Peko blinked, trying to comprehend what he was doing. "Young Mas-"
He glanced at Peko and made a shushing gesture as he gently walked closer to the puppy. It seemed to have calmed down, and Fuyuhiko took it as a sign to carry the dog, scratching the spot behind the ears.
"Here you go." Fuyuhiko extended his arms and moved the dog closer to Peko. Unfortunately, it started to growl as soon as it felt the swordwoman's presence. Peko tried not to show any disappointment when the puppy growled at her, and she successfully concealed any emotions underneath her tough facade.
Unbeknownst to her, Fuyuhiko could see right through it.
"What do you want me to do with this puppy, young master?" Peko slightly tilted her head to the right, showing confusion.
Fuyuhiko didn't answer immediately. He just turned his head and avoided eye contact with Peko. "I don't know, shit. What the hell do you want to do with-"
He didn't get to finish what he was saying because the puppy started barking, its sharp white teeth visible as it squirmed from Fuyuhiko's grasp. Without any choice left, he crouched down and placed the puppy on the ground. The puppy calmed down after that, but it still felt threatened in Peko's presence, so it ran away.
Peko Pekoyama didn't feel bothered. She definitely didn't feel anything at all. After all, she was merely a tool, and she's pretty much used to animals running away from her. It's nothing new. On the other hand, Fuyuhiko crossed his arms and let out a string of incoherent noises.
"Goddamnit. We'll get them next time." Fuyuhiko cursed without looking at Peko. He didn't want to look at the girl because he could already sense the disappointment she was feeling, even if she didn't show it.
Peko nodded and walked behind him, the comfortable silence returning to the usual atmosphere. Surprisingly, it was broken by Peko, and her decision confused her when she opened her mouth. "Young master, may I ask something?" she called out, which made Fuyuhiko suddenly turn in her direction.
"Yeah?" He raised a brow, his tone softer than he expected it to be since it's not everyday that Peko initiates a conversation. Moreso, ask a question.
Peko cleared her throat, hesitant to continue yet doing it anyway because Fuyuhiko stared at her patiently. "Do you hate cute things?" She inquired, and the moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
A few seconds have passed, and Fuyuhiko still hasn't answered, his mouth slightly agape and eyes wide.
Peko contemplated and bowed her head to apologize. "I apologize for the unnecessary question, young master."
As soon as Fuyuhiko heard her apology, he snapped out of his daze and managed to respond. "Raise your head, you did nothing wrong."
Peko did as she was ordered to do and heard Fuyuhiko's answer. Although it was only a mumble, Peko heard it clearly. "I don't like them..I don't hate them either. It's neutral. Nothing worth mentioning."
The answer didn't seem complete, so Peko decided to wait just in case there was something else. However, Fuyuhiko didn't continue and just avoided eye contact while tapping his foot rapidly. She recognized that habit—it's something he does when he's hiding something.
Peko decided not to pry any further, even if she wasn't totally content with Fuyuhiko's answer. When that thought entered her mind, she shook her head and mentally scolded herself. She's not supposed to complain about the young master's answer. She's just a tool.
If she was not a tool, then maybe she could have added another question. Unfortunately, that is not appropriate for someone like her, so she kept her mouth shut. At least, she was sure she kept her mouth shut, but for some reason, it's as if Fuyuhiko read her mind and answered an unspoken question.
"That being said, if anyone ever dares call me cute, They'll see just what the ultimate yakuza is capable of doing. I'll fucking make sure they'll regret it." He swore and continued walking, with Peko following from behind him.
The truth is, Fuyuhiko did have a neutral relationship with cute things. Once upon a time, when they were kids, he was really fond of cute things because it never failed to make Peko smile. Ever since they were kids, Fuyuhiko has admired Peko's smile. A smile suits her perfectly.
That's why, he always showed her cute stuff just so he could catch a glimpse of her precious smile. And when that smile appears, the cute things Fuyuhiko showed her might as well go to hell because they simply cannot compare to what Peko shows Fuyuhiko—her smile.
Unfortunately, Fuyuhiko hasn't seen that smile in literal years. They have always been together, and yet that smile he has been searching for never appeared again. The last time he ever saw it was when they were kids.
It's the incident that changed both of them. At that time, Fuyuhiko wanted to show Peko something that would surely make her smile, and it really did. He remembers it so vividly—the way her hair moved with the breeze, the way the sunset provided the perfect scenery that goes along with her radiant smile.
He couldn't forget that, and he wishes that he would never forget because, right after that, they were never the same.
They were kidnapped.
And while they both survived unharmed thanks to Peko, everything has changed. They were no longer the kids back then. In Peko's understanding, now there's just the "young master" and the "tool."
Despite everything, Fuyuhiko still treats her as a dear friend and someone equal to him. That will never change.
Still, even if it's very unlikely, Fuyuhiko hopes that Peko treasures him more than just as a young master but also as a friend.
If she can't do it right now, then he'll just have to wait.
He'll wait as long as it takes.