Chapter Text
Now with Christmas over, New Years was in range, steadily getting closer.
Ritsu has a problem with that. So he sets out to fix that problem. Unfortunately, Izumi is a victim of the supposed solution.
As mentioned earlier, it happened the day after Christmas had passed; Knights had wrapped up rehearsal, but while everyone else had excused themselves, Ritsu prompted Izumi to stay behind for 'something important.' Needless to say, Izumi didn't like the sound of that at all.
"Secchan, I'll ask for a favor." Humming, he stood in front of Izumi, who was cleaning himself off with a towel, an annoyed look in his eyes.
"Not even a 'can I?' That's more of a demand, then." Izumi shot back immediately, throwing the towel to the side, but decided to remain sitting. "What's in it for me, huh?"
"If you would let me talk for a second, you would find out. Hmm..." Ritsu smiled, gesturing to Izumi, then gesturing to himself. "Let's date."
Right then, Izumi froze. Ritsu stifled a laugh- Izumi didn't think this was very funny, though.
"...Seriously?!" After a moment of being stunned, that was all Izumi could respond with. "Hey, if you want someone to use for your fantasies or something, go to that Isara of yours."
Lips curling into a frown, Ritsu sighed. "You don't know, huh, Secchan?"
"Eh? 'Don't know' what?"
"You're right. In any other circumstances, I would've gone to Maa-kun, buuut..." Ritsu stopped, considering if he should say the next part. He decided he would. "He's taken with Yuu-kun. So that's not an option!"
"Wait. Isara is..." Izumi's eyes slowly widened, realization setting in. "Ah."
"Mhm~ With your Yuu-kun, as well. But don't sound too discouraged, please." Yawning, Ritsu gestured to Izumi again. "So, will you date me now? Come on, it's just for New Years, Secchan."
"You can't say that so casually..." Izumi groaned, placing his hands on his knees.
Now that he thought about it, just for New Years, huh? It wouldn't hurt after all. Plus, Makoto, according to Ritsu's information, was geniunely dating Mao. He couldn't deny it- he felt jealous. Maybe it would be revenge to give Mao a little shock at the sight of Izumi with his childhood best friend...
"...Fine. I'll do it, Kuma-kun. You happy?" Sighing, he stood up, stepping closer to Ritsu.
"Mm. Thanks, Secchan~" Ritsu, in a sing-song tone, responded so simply for something that seemed so big. "Remember, we actually have to act like we love eachother, so I expect you to treat me well~"
"Can't you just call me your boyfriend and leave it at that?" Izumi scoffed at the thought of acting all lovey-dovey just for Ritsu's sake.
"You agreed to this. Besides, it's not like you'll have to act like it all the time, only when we're around other people or someone brings love up!"
"Ugh... You make this sound so easy."
Giggling, Ritsu gave Izumi a soft smile. For some reason, Izumi's heart felt like it changed pace, and he didn't know if it was from despair or something else. He prayed it was from despair.
"Thanks again, Secchan." Ritsu stretched his arms out, letting out a sigh of relief before heading for the door. "See you tomorrow, then~"
As the door slammed closed and the sound of footsteps grew fainter, even more realization had settled in on Izumi's part. He's dating, well, fake dating Ritsu, all the way until New Years.
Izumi desperately hopes it doesn't go farther than that.