Chapter Text
"Yo Reki, drawing somethin' stupid again?"
The red-headed boy sighed softly as he continued his sketch. Despite his classmates being totally against seeing his work, they sure do bother him a lot about it. His pencil shaded in the last bit of his sketch before he decided to address the unwavering presence that was burning a stare into the top of his head. He frowned as he looked up, leaning back and slouching against his chair. He reached down to play with his yellow hoodie string, folding it in between the pads of his fingers.
"What's it to you man," Reki muttered. The bright morning sun glaring through the classroom windows made Reki's amber eyes squint as he spoke. The boy lopsidedly smiled as he raised his hands up defensively. "Hey bro, I was just asking."
Reki rolled his eyes as he watched him take his seat in the desk in front of him, wincing as the metal chair screeched against the tile floor. The brown-headed boy plopped his book-bag down before turning towards Reki once again.
"Is that all you do with your time?" he asked, nodding his head down at the sketchbook. Before Reki could respond, his classmate continued. "Y'know I never see you at parties or anything. You're always just doing that skateboarding stuff or drawing."
Reki's eyebrows pinched in confusion. What was so wrong about that? Spending countless hours doing something he loved seemed way more acceptable then going to some stupid high school party. What even happens at them anyways? For all Reki knew it was just drunk teens making out. Gross.
"I mean, yeah pretty much."
He didn't really understand this whole 8 AM interview session that was going on. Not to mention, he was already having a bad day and it had just begun. Langa came down with some sort of stomach bug, and Reki had to skate to school all by himself. A typical lame Monday morning. As his classroom filled up with more people, the brown haired boy bit back a laugh at Reki's response. In return, Reki raised his eyebrow and waited for him to speak.
"Have you ever had like.." he drifted off and turned his head. You could see the gears turning as he thought about how to word his sentence.
Reki coughed impatiently. What was the point of all this? Can't he just get back to sketching? He had some serious upgrades for his board he wanted to draw out. He smiled to himself as he thought about how he'd show Langa later, imagining the usual praise that would fall out of his mouth. Reki never knew how to handle the stuff he said to him.
The boy finally muttered, "Have you even had a girlfriend before?"
Reki practically recoiled at his question, his nose upturning. What the heck does a freakin' girlfriend have to do with skateboarding? And why did he seem so sure Reki didn't have one? I mean, of course Reki acknowledged the fact that he hadn't gotten much play in the romance field. He was a bench warmer, barley receiving confessions and never even held hands before. But that doesn't mean he wasn't a romantic guy y'know? He thought about dates, and cute things he wanted to do, he considered himself to be a very good future partner for someone. It's just..
Reki Kyan was in love with his best friend.
As bad as it sounds, Reki wasn't really planning on having Langa as his wanted "someone," it just happened. It happened fast and Reki had no control over it. At first when he met Langa, he thought he was just going to be some shut off overly popular jerk. But damn was he wrong. Langa was incredible, honestly unreal and hard to even comprehend. He was the best listener he knew. The nights Langa would come over to his house and Reki would rant for hours, flapping his hands around, changing from topic to topic, and Langa would just listen with a faint smile on his lips. Those small things meant to world to Reki. He knew Langa cared, that was a feeling Reki never wanted to lose. He wanted his best friend by his side forever. To keep sneaking out at 3 AM to go skating, or go pick up chips and soda at the nearest convenient store because Langa always complained about being hungry. No matter what they did together, Reki appreciated it. I guess that's why he promised himself he'd never talk about his feelings. They were complicated anyways, and after almost losing the most important person to him once already, he could never risk that again.
"Hey man, you there?"
The skater snapped out of his thoughts as his classmate waved his hand in front of his face. The green eyed kid looked back at him with a testing, almost mocking smirk, and Reki recalled the last thing that had been said.
"What makes you say that?" Reki asked, folding his arms over his chest and sitting up a bit. The boy shrugged, not dropping that shit eating grin.
"I don't know, you just don't seem like the type to be asked out. The immune the love kinda guy."
Reki let out a harsh breath. If there is one thing about Kyan it's that he hates conflict. Why? Because he can't accept defeat. No matter what, he has to leave being right, even if he's totally not. His mom used to tease him when he was little by saying he would be a great lawyer. This time wasn't any different. Reki was annoyed, and he did what he does best-- putting on a persona.
"Yeah okay man," Reki scoffed. "You don't know shit."
"Excuse me?" the boy says back, not missing a beat. This makes Reki lean forward slightly over the desk, inching closer to the other's face.
"I said you don't know shit," Reki spit out. "Who says i'm not dating someone?"
At this, Reki's subconscious kicked in. What was he saying? Was he going to have to go home and make some fake Instagram profile for a person that doesn't even exist? But right now, all Reki could hear was his classmate's cocky remarks.
The boy laughed bluntly, leaning back and tilting his head to the side as he said, "Oh yeah? Then who's the hiding girl huh? The only person I ever see you around is Hasegawa." He didn't believe him, it was plastered all over his face. Reki narrowed his eyes, anger creeping onto him.
He needed a lie, and he needed one fast. But what could he say?
Cmon. Anything.
And then Reki being Reki, a total impulsive idiot, blurted out the first thing that came into his poor brain.
"That's because Langa is the one I'm dating."
Not only was anger creeping onto him, it must've affected him more than he thought because he did not say that sentence softly. In fact, he practically yelled it. The whole class seemed to stop their usual morning chatter. The air going cold around Reki, and the expression on the green eyed boy's face falling into total shock.
No freakin' way he just said that.
The panic started, staring and looks of pure confusion was surrounding the red head, almost swallowing him whole. The looks read; did they hear that right? But nobody was brave enough to ask until the boy spoke to Reki again, his voice coming out in nothing less than a whisper.
"You.. are dating Langa?"
Over the ringing in Reki's ears he barley heard him. His head snapped to face the boy and his mouth opened, but then immediately shut again. What was he supposed to say? He has just single-handedly topped any of his lies he's told in his life. Even that one time when he broke his mom's vase and blamed it on the AC blowing too hard and knocking it off. This was crazy... Reki was batshit crazy?! If he took back the lie now, the whole school will know his crush on Langa. Then, when Langa comes back he will hear the rumors and Reki's life will be over. That's if his crazy prince fangirls don't get to him first. He let out a shudder at the thought.
But if he kept this act up, maybe he could convince Langa it was a mistake and it was just a heat of the moment thing. That he just didn't have any other option. Langa is an understanding person right? He'd understand .. right? They could even fake a breakup if Langa was up for it, but then panic squeezed his chest as he remembered the most important thing about all of this. The entire school now thinks Langa Hasegawa is gay.
Reki nearly passed out, sweat dripping into his blue headband. How was he going to fix this? The entire class, and the boy was staring at him intently, waiting for an answer and he had no where to run. His mouth was painfully dry, his hands clutching his knees like his life depended on it.
He'll understand.
"Yeah," Reki drew in a sharp breath, like saying that one word had knocked all the air out of his lungs. He watched in slow motion as the class turned and whispered to each other. Some looked angry, while others just turned back to their phones. Reki was brought back to reality when his classmate in front of him let out a nervous laugh.
"Wow man.. I didn't know you were uh.." he muttered, bringing his hand up to try and bat away the world floating in the air between them.
Reki sighed, closing his eyes and frowning. I guess he had no choice but to come out now. '"I'm bisexual," Reki stated, keeping his eyes closed. He didn't think he could handle anymore unwanted staring.
That was until a high pitched voice behind him chimes in, loudly. "I KNEW it!! I knew you and Langa were in love," she practically squealed as her hair bounced with her movements. Reki's eyes weren't only open now, they were almost bulging out of his head. He knew his face had grown into a whole different shade of red, and he let out an embarrassed groan as he rubbed the back of his neck harshly. This couldn't get any worse.
Before anyone else could ask Reki anymore questions, the bell rung and the class went silent as they all found their seats. Reki let out a relived sigh as he fell back into his chair, his whole body feeling like jelly. He didn't pay attention the entire day, the weight of what he had done finally hitting him.
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LANGA 4:02: Reki!! Are you out of school yet, I'm bored.
LANGA 4:25: You were supposed to be out an hour ago. Are you okay?
LANGA 4:30: Are you mad I couldn't go today? It says you're reading my messages :(
LANGA IS TYPING...
Reki was practically going insane watching the messages pop up on his screen. How was he supposed to bring it up? That he has just basically told his whole class he was dating the most wanted boy in school? The 'prince' everyone seemed to drool over. That's not typical after school talk.
Don't get Reki wrong, he wasn't jealous or anything. He knew Langa was handsome, that's for sure, and it was bound that other people were going to notice it too. It was a daily occurrence, eating lunch on the school balcony only to have some girl come up and confess to Langa right in front of him. Again, Reki wasn't jealous. But when he saw these girls give him chocolate, stupid pink gross notes with hearts on them, or just standing there basically confessing their love with no fucks to give. Like how could they stand there and just say all that? He was right there? Did they think about how he felt? He wanted to take everything Langa got and throw it in the trash. Hearing those stupid confessions made his stomach hurt and he always lost his appetite after, giving his bento box to the boy next to him who could eat Joe's entire supply of food if he got his hands on it. But ultimately when Langa awkwardly rejects the ones in question, a small smirk always creeps onto the red heads face.
Okay yeah, maybe he gets a little jealous. So what? We're talking about the guy he's madly in love with here?
LANGA 4:32: Reki c'mon i'm getting worried. At least let me know you're okay or i'm going to leave this house and find you myself.
Reki laid his head down on his messy desk, pushing a stack of magazines off with his arm. He had to face the possibility that Langa might totally hate him for this. I mean, this wasn't just some 'oh my bad' situation, the whole school thinks he's in a committed gay relationship with him. Reki let out a aggravated noise and shoved his face into his sleeve.
Could Langa be homophobic? Reki had never mentioned his sexuality. It was just something the two of them never brought up, so Reki didn't feel the need to. Plus he didn't want to make things awkward between them and Reki liked how touchy Langa was. He didn't want that to change, or for them to change. Reki frowned against himself. Langa wouldn't be the type to be homophobic though, he just doesn't seem like that guy. But right now, every possibility was eating Reki alive.
BZZZZZ BZZZZZ BZZZZZ
Reki flew back, almost falling out of his chair at the sudden noise coming from his phone. He grabbed it off the floor and stared in horror.
LANGA IS CALLING
"Oh no," Reki breathed out. "No no no shit no please no." He was panicking, gripping his phone with both hands and pacing around his room. He chewed on his bottom lip like he always does when he gets nervous. Langa always scolded him about it though.
Reki flung his head back with a loud and over dramatic groan before hitting answer. He couldn't avoid him, Langa didn't deserve that.
"Reki? Hello?"
The phone speaker cracked a bit, and he sounded a bit far away, but just his voice alone had Reki sitting down at his desk again.
"Hi man, I'm sorry I didn't answer. It's been..a long day. I didn't mean to worry you," Reki shakily said. He heard the sound of rustling blankets on the other side of the line.
"A long day?" his voice was soft, concerned, and Reki swore he was about to die. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Ah, it's okay. You're sick and I'm sure you're tired," Reki said. He was trying to avoid the topic at all costs.
"About that.." He heard the sound of a cabinet door, and then a chip bag opening. Reki grinned to himself, sick or not he still had enough energy to eat.
"Hm?" Reki said, it muffled by his arm he was now laying on.
"Can you maybe come over?"
Reki sat up at that. His eyes widening before he silently screamed into his hands. Come over??? Now?? How was he supposed to face Langa today of all days. Why now??
"Uh.." Reki croaked out, his voice uneven.
"Please, you don't have to stay long. My mom has been out all day and I think I'm dying of boredom," Langa pleaded, finishing off his sentence with a crunch of his chip.
Reki sunk into himself and let out a long sigh. How could he say no to that? This Canadian boy was going to be the death of him.
"Yeah I'll be over, give me 10."
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Reki gripped onto his board as he stood outside Langa's house. This was absolutely not a good idea, yet this was the only place he wanted to be. His mind was fighting with himself. A total red head war going on upstairs.
He jumped as the front door was swung open, revealing a tall, tired looking blue headed boy, who indeed was still holding those chips. He was wearing a tight black long sleeve and black and grey pajama pants. Even in this state, Reki's knees about gave out.
"Hi," was all Langa said, a smile on his face.
"Hey," Reki replied. Langa turned to go back inside, giving Reki the sign to follow him. He kicked off his blue sneakers and propped his skateboard against the wall.
"Y'know what I found out today," Langa said as he walked up the stairs. Reki followed behind him, staring down at his white socks. They made it into Langa's room that was down the hall, but once they were inside and the door shut, Langa turned and something was obviously off. His eyes were direct, piercing almost, as if he has gotten extremely serious all of a sudden. Reki froze, the gaze sending his breath into a screeching halt.
Langa took a couple strides to reach his bed and sat down on the edge. Looking back up at Reki with the same look before he said, "Are you going to ask me what I heard today Reki?"
He was dizzy. How did he find out? He should've told him immediately. God he was a total idiot. Langa probably asked him to come over to yell at him, break up their friendship. He couldn't fix this now, he was about to lose his best friend. The one person he had, all because of his stupid mistake. Before he knew it, tears threatened his eyes as the words poured out faster then he could think.
"Oh my god. Langa I am so sorry. I'm so so so sorry," Reki sobbed, shaking his head. "I was angry and I didn't mean to say it. I wasn't thinking, and it was just a whole big lie, and I don't know how to fix it because I know you don't want everyone to think we are dating and-"
"What?"
Reki blinked away his tears as he saw Langa's figure stand up. What the heck? He just says 'what'? Reki was in the middle of apologizing for the worst thing he's done in his life? The least he could do is let him finish before he dies in his own agony.
"Reki, I don't understand," Langa said. "What do you mean everyone thinks we are dating?"
Now it was Reki's turn to be confused. Is he playing with him? Why was he asking such a stupid question when he was mad at him for this exact reason. "Listen, I know you're mad at me but this isn't funny," Reki said, his voice dry.
"No, I'm honestly confused," Langa said softly, stepping closer. "I was only going to say I was mad at you for eating my leftovers the last time you stayed over. My mom told me this morning."
Reki was going to puke. His chest tightening into a knot, and his fists balled at his sides. How bad could his luck get today. This was not how he wanted Langa to find out, and more tears dropped from his eyes as he lowered his head.
"Reki?" Langa whispered out, reaching out now to place a hand on Reki's shoulder. This only caused Reki to sob, covering his face with his hands and trying to step away from the boy in front of him. But Langa just sweeped Reki into a hug like it was the easiest thing in the world. Like Reki hadn't just told him everyone thinks they are in a relationship because of something he had said. Like it was simple.
Reki bawled into Langa's chest. He's normally not this emotional, but he's not very good at handling embarrassment. And well, this was the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to him. He wanted a hole to appear and suck him up. But Langa being Langa just shushed him, placing a comforting hand on Reki's head, running his long pale fingers through his tangled hair. He stood and waited for Reki to calm down, saving the millions of questions Reki knew he had. Because that's just Langa. He's is gentle, and he's kind, and he somehow always knows what to say to make Reki forget about all of his problems. Reki knew he didn't deserve him, no one did. He was too pure and good for the world, but that made Reki want to keep him by his side even more.
Langa slowly guided them back to his bed, making sure they both didn't trip over anything. Reki kept his face dug into Langa's shirt, taking in the way it smelled like him, but also because he just couldn't bare to look up. They sat down on the edge of the bed and Langa finally tried to push Reki back softly, only causing Reki to let out a defeated whine and nuzzle himself even further into Langa. Both fists coming up to grip onto Langa's shirt.
"Reki, please tell me what's going on," Langa whispered out. "I won't be mad at you I promise."
"Yes you will," replied Reki immediately, his voice vibrating against Langa's chest.
"I could never be mad at you," Langa whispered again, setting his hand on Reki's back. Reki blushed at this, the position they are in hitting him and he lifted himself up, still looking down. He then, with his hands in his lap, explained the whole story to Langa. Every detail, because Reki knew he deserved to know. Yes, he might lose his best friend because of this, and if that happened he knew he'd never forgive himself. But this is the step he had to take because of his actions. He knew that.
After he finished, he let out a sharp breath he had been holding, letting his shoulder sink. It was relieving finally having it out there, but the silence that followed had Reki worked up again. He looked up, meeting Langa's eyes that were already staring at him. They were wide, unreadable, but they didn't seem angry. Reki blinked and broke the eye contact, waiting for a response.
"So.." Langa's voice came out small, nervous almost, and it had Reki looking at him again. "Do you want to fake date? Is that what you're saying?" Reki practically caught fire, waving his hands in front of his face and babbling like crazy.
"What?! No man you don't have to! Oh my god, don't think the whole crying thing was just a guilt trip to make you follow along with this bro.. I'd never. Plus, everyone would think you're gay and that's-"
Langa cut him off swiftly, "I am gay."
Reki blinked. "Huh?" Langa shied away, a pink tone covering his cheeks. The red-head was quick to cover up his statement.
"No! I mean, that's totally fine dude, I like guys too."
Langa's face got a shade darker as he nodded, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He adjusted on the bed, his breathing uneven.
Reki decided this was probably a good time to head out. It was just getting awkward, and he didn't want to stick around if Langa didn't want that. Maybe some space would clear the tension. He hoped so at least. He stood up without a word, the bed creaking a bit as he moved, and walked towards the door. But his body was jerked back suddenly by a hand on his wrist. Langa wasn't looking up, his blue messy hair covering his eyes. He didn't say anything, just held onto Reki with his cold hand, and Reki didn't move. Was he dreaming right now?
"Can you stay?" it was a soft question, Reki almost thought he imagined it God, was he imagining it? Words weren't enough for a response, so Reki slowly walked back over to the bed and plopped down onto his back. He stared at the ceiling, noticing the way Langa's hand hesitated before letting go.
"We can fake date Reki," Langa said, a bit more like his normal self this time. "I don't mind." Reki sat up on his forearms so that he could see the other boy, his mind completely in a daze. What the hell was happening.
"Are you sure? I mean, I don't want you doing this just because of my stupid mistake," Reki muttered.
"No, I want to," Langa stated. "We are together all the time anyway, why don't we make this a fun thing y'know?" Reki smiled slightly. A fun thing huh? Langa made no sense to him sometimes.