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Opening the car door, Shuichi smiled as Kokichi immediately sprang out into his arms, smiling. Briefly reaching back in, Shuichi grabbed the bag on the floor before paying the taxi driver - looking up at the house in front of them. It was decedent, to be polite about it. Or, as Kokichi put it while squinting up, “Wow - Rantaro really is a rich asshole.”
“Kokichi!”
“I’m just being honest,” he looked up at Shuichi, grinning, “That’s what everyone wants me to do, riiight?”
Shuichi shook his head, “Your lies are… what make you; you”
“Awww, you’re so sweet, Shumai.”
There was a second or two of silence before Kokichi looked back up at the house, “You excited?”
“To see everyone again?” Shuichi asked, “Of course.”
“You aren’t,” Kokichi paused for a second, mouth twisted into one of his slightly creepy smiles, “Worried?”
“No.” Shuichi said firmly, “I know that we haven’t told them about… us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the night.”
“Well, I might just have to tell them,” Kokichi let his smile become a usual, more mischievous one, “Or maybe I’m just lying!”
“You are.”
“Nuh-uh!”
“Kokichi…”
"You gonna arrest me, Mr Detective?”
“How many times do I have to tell you… that’s not what a detective does.”
“Nishishishi, your job’s so boring Shumai,” Kokichi paused for a second, suddenly looking thoughtful, “Y’know, maybe I can finally get everyone to join D.I.C.E!”
“Seriously?”
“Well it’s a party, riiight?” Kokichi grinned, “People are known for making good decisions there.”
Shaking his head, Shuichi began to move towards the door and away from his boyfriend, “I’m just going to leave you outside, you know.”
“M-My Shumai would abandon me?” Kokichi rapidly began gulping, “You’re so mean!!”
“C’mon,” Shuichi said, opening the door and giving him a smile, “Everyone will be waiting.”
“Miu’s probably late,” Kokichi declared, instantly cheering up and skipping to Shuichi’s side, “Have you ever been to Rantaro’s before?”
"I… don’t think so,” Shuichi looked down slightly, smiling at Kokichi’s excitement. “Why don’t you tell me about it?”
After a few minutes' walk (Kokichi hadn’t been kidding when he said Rantaro’s house was enormous) they both came upon the door. As Shuichi reached out to know, Kokichi instinctively grabbed his hand, giving a little tug to get Shuichi to look at him. “We’re not… telling anyone about us, are we?”
“No… not for now,” Shuichi confirmed. It had been a difficult decision, but they had decided against it. Neither of them could pinpoint a specific reason, but they didn’t want their friends to know just yet. Besides, it wouldn’t make that much of a difference - and they could keep it under wraps. Shuichi was fairly sensible, and Kokichi was a skilled liar, when he wanted to be. At this point, Shuichi was fairly certain that Kokichi could announce to everyone they were dating - and almost no-one would believe him. Maybe Rantaro and Gonta would?
Giving Shuichi’s hand a small squeeze before letting go, Kokichi brought his hand up to the door, knocking rapidly and as loud as he could. Almost immediately, Rantaro opened the door, a welcoming smile on his face.
“My beloved!” Kokichi instantly greeted, throwing himself in Rantaro’s arms, “We’ve been waiting out here since yesterday, y’know. I think you’ve given us hypothermia.”
“Really?” Rantaro said, gently putting Kokichi down, “So odd that I didn’t see you when I opened the door to let everyone else in.”
“Maybe everyone else pushed past us,” Kokichi said, cheeks slightly puffed out, “Afterall, people are horrible.”
“Thank you for inviting us,” Shuichi interrupted, internally wincing at the use of ‘us’. They weren’t supposed to be going together after all. But if Rantaro did notice anything, he didn’t say so, instead just knocking and leading them further inside, “No problem. We’re just waiting on Kaito and Maki.”
“Do you have somewhere you can store these?” Shuichi asked, holding up the pack of chuhai Kokichi had made him bring.
“Yeah, I’m keeping all the alcohol in a cooling…” Rantaro thought about the word for a second, “In a fancy, glorified icebox. I’ll show you it.”
“It’s not going to have to share with other drinks, is it?” Kokichi put his hand over his heart in mock offence, “But Rantaro - my babies are precious!”
“So precious you let Shuichi carry them?”
“Well…” Kokichi grinned, “I am the Ultimate Supreme leader. Such tasks are below me, but they’re perfect for my underlings!”
“I am not your underling.”
“Silence, peasant.”
But as Kokichi said that, he turned around slightly, giving a softer (if more genuine smile) to Shuichi. “I’ve decided to become benevolent, underling. Give me back my drinks.”
Shuichi resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead just handing them over and trying to contain his laugh as Kokichi almost buckled under the sudden weight. Rantaro was slightly less successful, and a low laugh came from him, before he asked, “You okay?”
“Yep…” Kokichi tried not to sound too strained, “It’s whatevs.”
As they kept walking, there was another knock at the door (much calmer than Kokichi’s). Rantaro turned around, “Ah, that will be Maki and Kaito. I’ll let them in and catch up with you guys, yeah?”
“Leaving us?” Kokichi said, almost trying to move his hand to his heart again before remembering the drinks, “You shall not be forgiven for this, Amami.”
Keeping going, their host just waved them on ahead, leaving Kokichi and Shuichi alone in the corridor. For a second a glint entered Kokichi’s eyes, before he remembered where they were, “Aww, and this lighting is perfect make-out lighting…”
“Kokichi!” Shuichi tried to control his blush, but he felt it flare up anyway.
“Nee-heehee, that was just a lie!” Kokichi grinned again, although he stepped slightly closer for a second. Shuichi could feel his heart beating slightly faster, his cheeks becoming even more red. That slight hitch in his breath as he looked at Kokichi again. Before Kokichi suddenly pulled away, “You’re so easily flustered Shuichi.”
“Hey, Shuichi!”
Immediately, Shuichi spun around to see the final members of their group; Kaito, Maki, and Rantaro. He was caught in a mixture of embarrassment and relief, so opted for a slightly awkward smile in greeting and then, “Hi Kaito, Maki. It’s good to see you guys.”
“Spaceboy, Maki-roll,” Kokichi greeted from behind him, moving slightly slower because of the box, “It’s been so long, almost like you guys don’t appreciate the joy that is my presence.”
“We don’t,” Maki immediately deadpanned, before Kaito elbowed her slightly. She glared at him for a second before (somewhat) amending her declaration by saying, “Fine. We do, but not very often.”
“Awww,” Kokichi shot her a grin, “You’re so horrible.”
“Hey, don’t insult my girlfriend,” Kaito shot back, without too much threat but a sterner face. Kokichi stuck his tongue out, “Bleh. Love, who needs it?”
“Everyone deserves love,” Kaito put in, “I’m sure one day you three will find someone.”
“Us three?” Shuichi questioned, “Why did me and Rantaro get dragged into this?”
“Well, you just,” Kaito seemed almost awkward for a second, “You sometimes have crushes, and then you pine while seeming a bit like a sad puppy. But you actually seem to be doing pretty well now - you seeing someone?”
“Oooh!” Kokichi smiled as well, innocent sparkles in his eyes, “Yeah - are you seeing someone, Shuichi?"
Resisting the urge to stare Kokichi down, or at least roll his eyes, Shuichi took a deep breath before saying, “No.”
“Really?” Kaito had the decency to look sheepish, “My bad, man.”
“Let’s just go already,” said Maki, trying to break the tension while moving forward. Shuichi immediately began to follow her, looking back briefly at Kokichi (who had tried to hoist the drinks up and strained slightly). Kaito and Rantaro followed as well, with all of them smiling as they finally began to hear the small talk of the party already.
“Kaaaito, will you carry these?” Kokichi whined, trying out puppy-dog eyes that made Shuichi’ heart melt slightly.
“Absolutely not.”
“Awww c’mon.”
“Dude, it’s literally about ten steps.”
“My arms are dying, do you want me to die Kaito?”
“You’ll be fine…”
“Shuichi!! Kaito’s being mean to me!”
Getting to the door, Kaito eagerly pushed it open - most of their class immediately greeting all of them. A few steps behind, Kokichi went into the room as well - suddenly speeding up and putting the drinks down onto Rantaro’s counter. Breathing a sigh of relief, he mimed wiping sweat from his brow and then scowled at Kaito, “You’re such a meanie, y’know.”
He didn’t even bother replying, instead opting to smile at Kaede and striking up a conversation with her. For a while, there was just general conversation between everyone - occasionally getting heated, but all fun between friends. Shuichi had gone over to Himiko, and was somewhat enjoying her silence, the two of them sipping out of oddly fancy glasses that Rantaro had got for them. Himiko only moving to get a new snack bowl, which she begrudgingly offered up to Shuichi; even if it was with a small smile.
Eventually, after observing most of the party - his eyes slid back to Kokichi. Currently, his boyfriend had taken out one of the cans they got and was drinking it, talking cheerily to Gonta. Smiling, they talked (rather quietly for Kokichi) for a while before Gonta left to talk to Angie, and Miu sauntered up to take his place.
“Hey crotchrot.”
“Bitch,” Kokichi greeted, just as politely, while maintaining a pleasant smile.
“The hell are you drinking?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“I can just read it off the can, y’know.”
“Omigod, you can read?”
“Tch.” Miu reached over, grabbing a can and reading off it aloud, “Grape flavoured alcohol. What are you, twelve?”
“With your looks,” Kokichi paused, his eyes briefly looking over her, “You’re what, sixty-two?”
“Take that back you gremlin.”
“Nuh-uh.”
“Yes.”
“Nuh-uh.”
Miu rolled her eyes again, missing just how much joy sparked in Kokichi’s expression as she did. “I was gonna ask you to join us in a game, but I don’t think I will.”
Almost immediately, Kokichi smiled, “Non, non. Do go on.”
“Wanna take shots with me?”
“Yes!”
“No,” Shuichi spoke without realising, before trying to backpedal, “Shots are just irresponsible, you know.”
“Don’t be a fuckin’ loser Shuichi.”
Kokichi looked at him, “Want to join?”
“You think he would?” Miu looked him up and down, and then wrinkled her nose slightly. “I mean fine, you wanna join Poo-ichi?”
“I- no,” he shook his head, “Who else is doing this?”
“Me, crotchrot, spacefreak, and his girl,” Miu said, counting everyone off on her fingers. “Kirumi’s judging.”
“Maki agreed to do it?” Shuichi asked, somewhat in disbelief.
“Kaito joined and she called him an idiot, then he challenged her,” she explained, “Cause some fuckin’ losers do shit for people they love. And have shit like insecurities.”
“Well, you should have plenty of insecurities,” Kokichi pointed out, “No-one really likes you, after all.”
“H-heh?” Miu immediately seemed to deflate, glancing around nervously before trying to scowl again, “W-well, you’re pretty ugly too!”
“I’m actually very beautiful,” Kokichi turned slightly, suddenly giving Shuichi a smile that set his heart on fire, “Riiight Shuichi?”
“Why,” Shuichi tried to avert his eyes, “Why are you asking me?”
“Yeah, why are you askin’ him?” Miu demanded, eyes going between the two of them, “You two bone or something?!”
“Of course!” Kokichi said, “Or maybe that was just a lie! Or this was a lie!”
“Whatever,” Miu groaned slightly, “Hey Kirumi - it’s just the four of us doin’ it!”
“Of course,” Kirumi bowed slightly, “I am afraid I did not bring any alcohol with me, Rantaro - I beg your pardon, but may I use one of your tequila bottles?”
Rantaro smiles, “Of course, go wild.”
“Thank you.” Reaching briefly into cupboards and drawing out glasses and alcohol uncannily quickly, Kirumi quickly filled up four shots and placed them on the table in front of everyone. With a grin, Kaito and Miu both walked up to the table, hands taking the glass while waiting for the others. Kokichi skipped up as well with equal enthusiasm, taking his glass and shooting a grin at Maki, “Scared?”
“Of course not,” with that, Maki walked up to the table; moving up it and grabbing the shot before drinking it quickly and without flinching. Following suit, the rest of them quickly drank their shots - slamming the glasses down with varying levels of firmness.
Looking around and grinning, Miu declared, “Round two!”
Almost instantly, the glasses were filled up again - and almost instantly the four downed them. Shuichi could see them all get progressively, if not dangerously, drunk. On the fifth one, where both Kaiot and Kokichi managed to miss the table when trying to put their shot glasses down, Kaede stepped in frowning, “Right. Everyone’s drunk now, please stop.”
“You scared, titlessss?” Miu asked, laughing slightly.
“Yeah, c’mon Kayayday!” Kokichi almost whined, “Me and Maki-roll are finally bonding, right Maki-roll?”
With the declaration, he clung onto her arm slightly, grinning cheerily up at her. Moving quickly, Maki removed her arm from his grip before moving steps away to evade his grasp. Staring at her for a second, Kokichi looked almost like a kick puppy before he began to gulp, eyes quickly filling with crocodile tears.
“Makiiii - you’re sooooo mean!” His tears rolled remarkably fast, and he threw himself into the nearest person's (Kaito’s) arms, trying to bury his face in Kaito’s jacket.
“Shut the fuck up Kokichi!” Miu said loudly, “And why the hell are you getting all handsy with gel-hair? Don’t tell me he’s fuckin’ you and Maki?”
Kokichi wiped round almost immediately, “Next time, Miu, keep your dumbass thoughts in your dirty mouth, you got that?”
He waited a second as she nodded before he smiled again, eyes continually straying to the kitchen table. Finally extracting himself from Kaito’s grip, he instead skipped around to one of the table’s chairs, trying almost unsteadily to get up onto it. With a surprising amount of grace and elegance for a drunk person, Kokichi climbed up onto the table, surveying everyone.
Kirumi immediately positioned herself behind him, arms open in case he should fall, before asking, “Kokichi, what are you doing?”
“Silence, peasant,” Kokichi declared dramatically, looking around, “Dear and esteemed friends-”
“Well, he’s definitely fuckin’ drunk.”
“Shut up Miu,” Kokichi sniffed haughtily, his eyes suddenly going to Shuichi, “ I have an announcement.”
All at once, understanding hit Shuichi like a bullet; but before he could say anything to stop this, Kokichi continued to talk.
“As I said, gentlemen, ladies; listen to what I have to tell you. Me and Shuichi are dating!”
“Excuse me?”
“What?”
“He’s lying!”
Everyone began talking at once, generally refuting it - as Shuichi just stayed still, cheeks slowly becoming more and more red. The only ones who weren’t talking were Kirumi, Maki, and Rantaro - all of whom were looking critically at Shuichi. Eventually, Tenko’s voice rose above the rest, “You’re lying - Shuichi would never date someone like you.”
“I have proof!” Kokichi said dramatically, beginning to walk towards Shuichi. Unfortunately, being so focused on… Shuichi’s face, Kokichi continued to walk forward - and not onto the chairs, instead onto air. Beginning to fall, there was a second of worry in his face before Shuichi moved forward immediately - catching him in his arms.
Kokichi simply grinned, “See - and now my final proof!”
And then, leaning forward slightly, Kokichi pressed his lips to Shuichi in a kiss. Like always, fireworks exploded in Shuichi’s chest, both incredibly happy and embarrassed. For a second, he let himself lean into it - almost taken away by bliss and happiness. Then the reality of everything crashed down again, and he gently pushed Kokichi off looking up at everyone.
“Surprise?”