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Akane cleaned his glasses, doing a great job pretending the pink pests in the room didn’t exist until one used his lap as a step to reach the table, its small hat and little jacket making it stand out from other mokkes.
“Delivery service!” The mokke said, carrying a fancy bottle and waving it in front of Teru with vigor, acting like a kid in their first errant. “Now give me candy!”
“I don’t have any,” Teru admitted, tolerating mokkes but never going out of his way to spoil them. The most he has seen it happen was the exorcist letting one sleep on his head.
The mokke froze, looking betrayed “N-No candy…?”
“No.”
The mokke threw the bottle at Teru’s head and ran off with tears in its eyes, whining about not wanting to work anymore. Teru's reflexes saved him from a bottle in the face, but a decent amount of glittery pink liquid spilled on him. Akane watched with a hint of amusement as the president blinked fast, rubbing his eyes like a disgruntled cat.
"That was uncalled for…" Teru huffed, a strong smell of roses and chocolate surrounding him, as if he was a Valentine poster boy.
"Guess I am not the only one who is tired of your shit." Akane mocked, pondering if he should get him a towel, lest he stain the documents, and widening his eyes when the pink liquid startled glowing, being absorbed into his body.
Teru opened his mouth, perhaps to explain what was going on, or say something annoying, only to freeze when they made eye contact. His cheeks grew pink fast, jaw slack.
Maybe Akane was going insane because he swore Teru’s pupils turned liquid for a split second. Teru shook his head before Akane could be sure, rubbing his forehead and looking normal the next time their eyes met.
“Are you good…?” Akane frowned, not his biggest fan but not wishing for a deadly curse to brainwash or poison him either. No matter how demoniac he could get, they need a competent student council president.
“Yes,” Teru said slowly, looking down at his hands and then back at Akane. “It seems to be some sort of curse.”
“Curse?” Akane tried to find something supernatural on him, marks where the potion was spilled, signs of something weird going on with his eyes, a tic, something, but he looked normal, even that chocolate and roses smell had mostly gone away.
“Not a strong one.” Teru reassured, absently tapping his pencil on the table. “Nor of malicious nature, from what I can tell.”
Well, if Teru said it’s not dangerous then he supposes is not a problem.
Akane nodded, deciding it would be wiser to throw the potion in the trash and keep working as if nothing happened. He felt Teru eyes follow him when he got up but he ignored it, more interested in the bottle covered in cutesy writing. There should have been some potion left, but it seems to have evaporated, or absorbed by the floor, as it had done with Teru.
“Cupid’s Love Shower?” Akane read out loud, not hiding his disbelief. He hoped it was a misleading name, and the curse had nothing to do with love, but the propaganda in the back destroyed any hope he had. “This potion makes you fall in love with the first person you see. May new loves come to life and old ones grow stronger.” Akane frowned harder the more he read the stupid bottle, feeling skeptical "Can you even feel love, president?"
The mental image of Teru being lovey dovey was absurd enough as it is, but being sappy with Akane of all people? That’s laughable.
"Of course I can," Teru said, letting his block of documents fall on the table with a ‘thud’ and smiling at him, his eyes unreadable “Don’t be mean.”
Akane threw Cupid’s empty bottle in the trash and marched back to his seat “Says you.”
Teru zapped him before he could take a seat. Akane yelped, inwardly rolling his eyes at the way the bastard just proved his point, used to his sadistic tendencies at this point.
It's shit like this that made the potion concept sound far-fetched. He would have a blast if the Teru Minamoto brought him flowers and chocolates, happy to be at his beck and call, but there is a far higher chance Teru's love is as sadistic and selfish as its wielder.
Akane paused at the possibility, easily imagining Teru with giant horns and inhuman claws, tying Akane so that struggling became futile and trapping him in his arms, princess style "You're just my type, Aoi~" the imaginary Teru chuckled, his sharp eyes smug and cruel, like a demon after a successful kidnap "Let's get married."
Akane paled, the possibility putting fear in his soul. “P-President?” He called with a tense smile “Do you have any protection against curses?”
“I have exorcist blood, a supernatural curse will have a reduced effect on me." Teru crossed his legs, his eyes amused and his cheeks only a little pink "This love curse is… peculiar, but I did not lie when I called it weak. It won't be a problem."
Akane relaxed, putting back his enchanted glasses. If there is one thing he can trust Teru with, it is his inhuman efficiency.
.
They worked as usual, time passed and their document pile slowly decreased. Akane would have forgotten about the love curse by this point if it wasn’t for the feeling of eyes on him from time to time.
After a while, he caught Teru in the act, raising a brow at the way the bastard smiled innocently, as if this wasn’t the fourth time he stared at Akane for no reason, “Do you like what you see, president?”
Teru blushed, his irises melting into the shape of hearts. Akane’s smirk fell, surprised to see it while wearing his enchanted glasses.
This can’t be good.
He leaned closer, morbidly curious of the unnatural sight.
“President, your-”
Teru punched him in the gut, not holding back. Akane groaned, doubling over and stumbling back, when he glared at Teru his pale eyes were back to normal.
“Don’t tease me, Aoi.” He frowned, still blushing.
“Don’t punch me,” Akane argued, but didn’t put much heat into his reprimand, well aware that it was useless. Teru always does whatever he wants. “And your eyes turned into hearts for a second." He mocked him, pointing at his frowning colleague "After you talked big of your resistance too! Guess this curse is stronger than you, president-”
Teru abruptly got up, the chair creaking violently in the quiet room. Akane's blood went cold, instinctively raising his hands to protect himself, but Teru didn’t zap him for his rudeness, claiming “I need a drink.”
“A drink...?” Akane said slowly, only now noticing how Teru was sweating “Okay... I’ll be finishing here.”
Teru nodded, hesitant to leave but forcing himself to keep walking, slamming the door on the way out.
Akane frowned, his fear of Teru being consumed by this curse and forcing him into some awful marriage creeping back.
(He hopes the president gets a hold of whatever is going on soon, for the sake of both of them.)
.
Teru came back with an iced lemon tea and a strawberry soda, putting both cans on the table and staring at them with a troubled expression instead of acknowledging Akane’s existence.
There are hearts in his eyes.
“President.” Akane greeted, optimistic by the lack of staring but sensing tension in the cursed boy “...Do you feel better?”
“...Yes.” He said softly, his smile sweet, as if to reassure him. “No need to worry, Aoi.”
The bastard never tries to reassure him.
Akane stared, narrowing his eyes at his pink cheeks. "The curse got stronger."
Teru’s smile fell, he rested his hand on his strawberry soda, and considered his options, reluctantly admitting "... I am having difficulty controlling it."
He seems ashamed, it was a nice change of pace. Or it would be if it wasn’t caused by a curse. "Is there a way to exorcise it?”
Teru shook his head, holding on to his sword handle and taking a slow breath. Black and blue llightning sparks ran down his blade, the spiritual energy making Akane’s adrenaline spike, an instinctive warning of danger nearby from his clockkeeper side.
“Aoi.” Teru's calm voice made him straighten his back, expecting something after his light show, and feeling weird at the way Teru’s expression grew gentle “Do I still have hearts in my eyes?”
“Yes.”
Teru nodded, blushing a little but keeping eye contact “It seems it isn’t something I can fight.” He held on tighter to his sword despite his words “I did not sense much power in the potion despite my situation, so I doubt it’s a permanent curse,” His smile got strained, having difficulty admitting “But it will… Get worse for the day.”
Akane sweated, thinking back on the demoniac Teru of his imagination “Will it be a problem?"
"For you?” He chuckled “I doubt it, but you can stop my time if I try anything stupid.”
Akane nodded, conflicted at the idea of treating Teru as a threat.
Akane won’t deny he has been scared in Teru’s presence many times, especially of his punishments, but he never felt panicked to the point of needing to run, none of Teru’s injuries scarred him for longer than a day, none of his mockeries hit him where it hurts.
Something cold on his cheek made Akane jump, focusing on a shiny strawberry soda can.
Teru's chuckled, pushing it his way “Lighten up Aoi.”
Akane frowned, the instinctive suspicion that Teru spiked the drink dying at the soft look in his eyes.
This is weird.
“...Thanks?” Akane reluctantly accepted his gift, feeling awkward at the way Teru blushed when their fingers touched. Akane didn’t comment on it, but he didn't let him prolong the contact either.
Strawberry isn’t his favorite, but the soda was nice. Very refreshing.
Akane could feel Teru’s eyes on him, but when he turned to check, the exorcist was focusing on his own drink.
They drank in silence. It was peaceful, far from the nightmare Akane had expected.
Who would have thought love would make Teru softer?
He smiled to himself, relaxing halfway through his drink and going back to work, maybe the curse isn't that bad.
.
“Do you like boys?” Teru's tone was so casual that it did not break Akane’s concentration.
“I like Ao-chan.” He answered on autopilot, filling out the authorization for the drama club to buy more paint buckets and narrowing his eyes at the absurd budget they were demanding for new costumes.
Do they think the school is drowning in money? Request denied.
“That wasn’t the question, Aoi.”
Akane paused at his weird tone, sparing him a glance and feeling a bit wary of how his smile didn’t reach his eyes.
He tried to think harder about the question, but he didn’t care much about someone's gender. He could tell when a person was attractive, but school idols and magazine models never sparkled enough interest to make his eyes linger, both girls and boys are equally unappealing when his childhood friend crossed his mind. “I only like Ao-chan”
“...That’s creepy.” Teru frowned, mindlessly tapping his pen on a half finished paper.
Akane ignored the comment, passing him a document that needed the student council president's signature “This one needs your permission.”
Teru nodded, picking the document at a weird angle, going out of his way to make their fingers touch, but keeping it brief.
.
Their silence started to lose its peace.
Teru had been casting fewer glances at Akane, which he took it as a good sign until the frenetic sound of crinkling paper filled the room. Teru was making mistake after mistake, forced to switch from pen to pencil and use his eraser for the first time this month.
His pupils are still heart shaped, likely trying his best to suppress the curse and failing miserably.
Akane frowned at Teru, a little worried? wary? weirded out. Teru immediately sensed his gaze, looking up and freezing.
(If this wasn’t all fake, he might have been flattered about having such a strong effect on Teru. )
“I think you nee-” Akane's sentence was cut off by Teru tying him to the ceiling, arms behind his back and ropes uncomfortably digging in his wrists.
Damn it.
“Hey!” Akane protested, having hoped after the brief peace of sharing drinks that this artificial affection would stop Teru from being a dick “Where did that come from?!”
"You are stressing me,” Teru snapped, shameless and cruel as always, but with an unfamiliar edge in his voice “Take responsibility.”
“I am not your stress relief toy!” He squeaked, wiggling around but not getting any closer to freedom “Is not like I asked to be the first person you saw after the poti- Gyaaa!” Akane yelled, “Don’t tighten it!!”
Teru blushed all the way to his ears in the face of his stress, flustered by his struggle.
What the fuck.
“Are you really getting butterflies now?!”
Teru blushed harder at being called out, but was honest. Too honest. “...Your screams are cute.”
“Like hell they are!” Akane protested, trying harder to get out of his bind and cursing at the way it only seemed to tangle him more, the feeling of Teru's eyes on him unwelcome.
He can’t believe some stupid potion made being trapped even worse than usual.
“No need to be dramatic,” Teru said, gently lowering Akane from the ceiling, until he found himself at eye level with a pair of pale hearts.
“Easy to say that when you're the guy controlling the ropes.” Akane sighed, letting him adjust his glasses.
Teru blushed harder, his nose growing as red as his cheeks.
Oh hell no.
He groaned when Teru poked his cheek, hating that his annoyance only made him blush harder, considering it ‘cute’ or some other nonsense.
“Stop poking me.”
“I can't help it!" Teru laughed, "You have such a squishy face."
Akane blushed, offended “I do not!”
Teru poked him again, hesitantly cupping his cheek when Akane glared, shy in a way that contrasted greatly with his intense staring.
Akane sweated, a little wary when the exorcist's gaze strayed towards his lips, sliding his hand down so he was cradling the top of Akane’s head, mindlessly messing with his hair as he contemplated doing something awful. Akane wiggled, unable to run, punch, or block him, but able to turn his head away from him, his voice cold “Don’t do it, Minamoto.”
Teru snapped out of his daze, awkwardly taking his hand away.
“I wasn’t going to kiss you.” Teru lied with a close eyed smile, unconsciously leaking nervous energy on his bracelet, which tightened the ropes until Akane could fell the restraints in his bones. He hissed at the pain, taking in Teru's slight frown and how quickly he loosened the hold with some dread.
How lucid even is the exorcist right now? How much can he control himself? Teru is basically drugged by the potion, it is Akane’s responsibility as the sober one to make sure Teru doesn’t do something he’ll regret once he is back to normal.
“Get your shit together president.” Akane reprimanded “And let me out.”
Teru frowned, staring at him for a moment, taking in his glasses, his face, and his position with more attention than usual.
"...What?"
“Can I…” The exorcist trailed off, changing focus "You can call me Teru."
"No." Akane denied, unmoved by his visible disappointment.
"But we have known each other for ages, Ao."
Akane shivered at the soft way he said the nickname, weirded out "Don’t call me that."
“But I like it.”
“No,” He frowned. “No nicknames.”
“Akane it is then."
That was no good either. “We are not on a first-name basis.”
“Why not?” Teru challenged “Yashiro-san uses your first name and you two don't seem close.”
“Yashiro-san is friendly, but you don’t use people’s first names outside your family.” Akane called him out, usually not caring what people call him, but feeling uneased by this Teru, pretty sure it meant something for the older boy that Akane was not okay with “So drop it.”
Teru flicked his hand, calling his bracelet back to his wrist. Akane felt the pressure around his body disappear, dropping him on the floor without mercy.
“I don’t think I will, Akane,” He said, walking until his shoes got too close to his face.
Akane huffed, his glare growing stronger at Teru's bright smile, his eyes glued on Akane as if he couldn’t look away (as if he didn’t want to)
‘Don’t look at me like that, President’
Akane must have been glaring for longer than usual because Teru grew worried, the blue hearts in his eyes briefly flashing pink as he extended him a hand in a silent apology.
‘Don’t be mad at me’ was unsaid but hung heavy in the air.
He is so… Pitiful. How can someone be so pitiful and so infuriating at the same time?
Akane was tempted to not take his hand, but some misguided sense of respect for the guy trapped under those pink hearts made him hesitate, deep down craving Teru’s respect. To be on his level.
Akane looked at those unnaturally gentle eyes and sighed, holding on to his hand “Stop using my name.”
“Make me, Akane.” Teru challenged, squeezing his hand and dragging him closer.
Akane stumbled, putting a hand on his chest to keep his balance. He narrowed his eyes, able to tell from the familiar glint in Teru’s eyes that he would do whatever he damn pleases in the end, and freezing at the feeling of Teru’s hand on his waist, the heart in his eyes getting closer, calmly taking him in, appreciating the view.
An alarm blasted in his brain, his instinct to argue turning into one to flee.
“I don’t think I will.” Akane snatched his hand away and took a step back, sweating even with the easy way Teru let him go.
Teru didn’t look surprised, taking in his attitude with fond amusement “Great, A-ka-ne~”
He cringed.
...It's fine, it’s only for today. Maybe tomorrow? But someone in his exorcist clan must know how to fix this, it will be dealt with when Teru gets home.
It's fine.
“Finish your work,” He changed the subject. The sooner they finish it, the sooner they'll be out of here “If you can’t do that you'll have no redeeming qualities”
“You’re so mean to me, Akane.”
Akane huffed at the way his eyes had gotten soft again, hating it. “Shut up, president.”
.
“Akane.”
“What?” He asked, getting no reply.
“Akane~” Teru said again.
Akane frowned, taking in the dazed look in his eyes “...What? ”
“I just wanted to say your name.” He admitted, going for his usual brand of shameless behavior but not quite able to keep eye contact, visibly giggly.
That’s weirdly adorable of him. It creeped him out.
Teru leaned closer, resting his chin on his palm “I like your name.”
Akane elbowed him, usually not minding his disrespect towards his personal space, but more aware of it with hearts in his eyes “No you don’t, it’s the potion talking.”
Teru eyes crinkled.
.
“Do you have plans after school, Akane?”
“I’ll walk Ao-chan home.”
Teru frowned.
This time he seemed hurt.
Akane spared him a look but didn't do anything, hoping he would get the message.
.
Teru did not get the message, still staring too much, getting a bit closer so they touched shoulders. His eyes are soft, honest to god happy to be close to Akane.
It was starting to make him uncomfortable. He knew, on some level, that it wasn’t Teru’s fault, but maybe, just maybe, if he reminded him of what they are it would make the potion powers weaker.
“I thought you hated anything supernatural president.” Akane forced himself to say, hating his temporary clock keeper status, hating to talk about himself as if he wasn’t fully human, but aware Teru hated it even more. “You shouldn’t be staring at me like that, you know.”
(Part of him was a little curious if the potion was strong enough to warp his views on supernaturals. If it was, he doesn’t know what he would do, brainwashing sounds terrifying.)
“I hate supernaturals, but you are human, Akane.” Teru crossed his legs, sounding a bit amused, even more fond “Only your power is supernatural. It’s not the same.”
Akane stared at him in disbelief, resisting the urge to break something.
That’s extremely annoying. He hates whatever this potion is doing to Teru's head.
“Bullshit, you treat me like a pest.”
"I don't." Teru frowned, “Akane, have I ever not called you by name?”
Hum…? What does his name have to do with anything?
Still, Akane thought about it, realizing Teru never call supernaturals by name. It’s always ‘I don’t trust No.7’ this, and ‘No.2 fell on my trap' that. When he talks about Mirai and Kako he calls them No.1, but he never calls Akane by his seat number, going out of his way to separate him from the other clock keepers.
“You don’t.” Akane looked at him weirdly. It’s basic decency to call someone by name, but considering how little of Teru is normal, perhaps he should have given it more thought “If you don’t see me as a supernatural… Then why don’t you treat me like a person?”
Teru startled “I do.”
Akane frowned at how certain and confused he sounded “President… You only set up traps for me. You don’t hurt anyone else.”
“...Because you’re special,” Teru said with palpable awkwardness, a small blush on his cheeks. Akane realized having this conversation while he was cursed to love him may not be a very smart idea.
Teru must have noticed the suspicious nature of their situation too, scratching his head and trying to explain himself. It was weird, he usually changed subjects “I told you I don’t hate you before. Did you not believe me?”
“Not really.” Akane admitted, having been forced to hear Teru compare him to a roach of all things when he explained himself, trapped to the ceiling like more of a toy than a person. Truly, he had no reason to believe Teru was being honest about not hating him.
(But now… He can’t help but notice Teru only called him a half-roach once, wearing a smile while doing so. Was he teasing? What kind of out of touch idiot considers bullying something as playful as teasing??)
“Well… I value you. Always did, I feel… Calm, near you.” Teru raised his hand, awkwardly changing ideas and resting it on his thigh, his expression hard to read “Do you hate me Aoi?”
Yes.
It’s not as cut and dry as his hate for supernaturals, he has a lot of conflicting feelings regarding Teru, and unfortunately, not all of them are negative, (there may be admiration and respect for the guy, deep down, somewhere that he would rather not think about) but overall there is no denying how much of a pain in the ass Teru is, the glasses he was given and their casual chats about their loved ones not compensating for the mountain of stress Teru brings him.
“Yes.” Akane said, seeing no point in lying.
Teru’s smile did not shake, but the hearts in his eyes trembled. “...I see.”
Teru got back to his documents, dropping the subject.
.
The quiet extended way more than usual, and Akane got nervous after finishing three documents without interference. He glanced at Teru, sweating at the situation: The president was extremely tense, the heart in his eyes pink, his fists and jaw clenched as if he was in the middle of a battle. Judging by the way he didn't even touch his papers, Akane doubts this is a battle he is winning.
“Presi-”
Teru jumped at his voice, eyes wide and cheeks red. He was sweating.
He looks ill.
Well, shit. That’s definitely not good.
“President,” He softened his voice, “You should go home.” It felt weird to say this and mean it “I can finish it for you”.
“Akane…” He sounded so gentle, looking at him with bright eyes and holding on to his own chest as if overwhelmed.
It’s wrong, not like his Teru at all.
Akane hates it.
“I’m a little slower but I can work, I’ll finish it just fine.” Teru lied, the heart in his eyes an unnerving pastel pink “...I’ll miss you.”
‘No you won’t.’ Akane thought, but unfortunately, he could tell the drugged boy would.
“You shouldn’t.” He said instead, grabbing his elbow and sweating at the way Teru got bright pink, looking away. It was weird, Akane doesn't think he'd ever get used to it “You’re useless near me, just look at yourself.”
“That’s not true, don’t be mean.” Teru sounded petulant “I can work. I was just… distracted.”
“That’s the crux of the problem.” Akane rolled his eyes at his sad puppy look. His handsome face may bring the school to its knees, but Akane was mostly put off by it.
Teru sighed, staring at Akane with a dazed look.
“You are distracted again.” He called him out, dragging him off his chair and pushing him to the door “Go home, heal up. I’ll still be here when you’re back.”
“Akane.” He protested, making a show of digging his heels on the ground but still being moved. Teru was strong enough to stop him, so the exorcist wasn’t really fighting him.
“Get out, president.”
Teru kicked the door shut when Akane opened it, his smile changing to the suspiciously innocent one Akane knows, “No need for that Akane, I already know how to break the curse.”
“Then why haven’t you fixed it yet?”
“I need your help.”
Akane didn't trust him, disliking the way he smiled and disliking how long it had taken him to share this supposed way to fix everything.
Teru blushed a little at his piercing stare but his smile stayed the same, sounding far too confident “If you kiss me, it may break the curse.”
“What.” He deadpanned, as baffled by the idea as he was by the way Teru eyed him, nothing about his heart-shaped eyes was playful. Akane raised his voice “I am not kissing you.”
“That's cruel Akane.” Teru said, “If you can stop it, you should. It actually hurts a little.”
It hurts him...?
“It won’t work.” Akane insisted, more forceful “If it hurts, you really should go home.”
“We won’t know it unless we try it.” Teru challenged, taking a step closer “Or do you want me to stay like this?”
“I want you to go home to heal up,” Akane glared, “Pay attention!”
“Going home would be useless, I need to go to the shrine."
“Then go to this damn shrine!”
“...I can’t let them know I was cursed. I am supposed to kill curses.” Teru pouted, far too close “It's embarrassing, just kiss me.”
“No” Akane narrowed his eyes, taking a step back “Go to the shrine, or deal with it.”
Teru lost his smile, pensive.
It should be a good sign, but he got even closer and Akane really didn’t like the way he grabbed his tie.
“Pres-”
He was pushed without mercy, trapped between Teru's body and the door. The exorcist blushed at his startled look but he didn’t seem satisfied.
Fuck, fuck, fuck he had feared something like this!
The bastard always gets what he wants, it was only a matter of time before his ‘love’ got infected by his selfish nature. Teru stared at him, cheeks rosy and eyes dark. Akane was pretty sure he was going to get a kiss by force, those heart shaped eyes determined. “Akane.”
It usually wasn’t worth it to fight Teru when he wants something, but this isn’t something as stupid as extra work or an injured body, Akane refuses to have his first kiss stolen, having promised himself to share it with Aoi ever since they were little kids doing picnics on the playground.
So when Teru grabbed his shoulder, his hold tight enough to trap him, Akane punched him, panicking by the effortless way Teru caught his fist.
“I just want to-” Teru tried to talk but Akane didn’t want to hear it, kicking him in the stomach, not holding back.
Teru stumbled, the pink hearts briefly flashing blue as he clenched his jaw, trying hard to look annoyed as he grabbed his injured stomach but unable to hide his hurt.
Akane glared at him, not affected. It’s not like he ever led him on.
It’s not like the real Teru wants to kiss him.
“You’ll thank me when the potion wears off.” Akane said.
Teru stared at him. The pink of his eyes even more unnatural than his pale eyes “You're blaming the potion again?” He chuckled, sounding amused but not looking amused, “You think that I am being possessed, Akane?” He covered his face with his hand, making it hard to read his mood. “No wonder you’re so cold today.”
“I am not being cold, I’m being honest.” Akane sweated. Teru feels like a time bomb. “I don’t know how much of yourself is still in there, but these feelings are artif-”
“These ‘feelings’ have been around for two years.” Teru narrowed his eyes. “Don’t patronize me Akane.”
Akane shut up, feeling static in his brain. “…Two years?”
That’s a lie.
It got to be a lie.
Teru may not hate him, but the whole ‘I hurt you because you’re special’ talk is bullshit. There is no way.
Right…?
(He can’t be sure.
The possibility, no matter how small, that he has been in love for two years makes everything feel off, like his perception of Teru was only a blurry shadow of the real boy.)
The exorcist froze, opening and closing his mouth, turning his back towards Akane to avoid eye contact and scratching his cheek “...I guess that’s one way to confess.”
Akane sweated at how genuine he sounded.
‘The feeling isn’t his, it's a curse.’
And even if it was real, his answer would be the same. He simply can’t imagine himself dating the president, and to eventually marry him...?
It sounds like a nightmare.
“My heart belongs to another, I feel nothing for you.” Akane went straight to the point, not wanting to give him any false hope. He expected some sense of malicious satisfaction at being the one to hurt him, to have most of the control, but it didn’t feel good to see Teru flinch, far more vulnerable than he ever should be.
“I know,” His voice got tiny, avoiding eye contact.
“I’m sorry, president.”
Teru didn’t say anything, and Akane would have accepted the silent request to put an end to this issue if it wasn’t for the very quiet “Shit.. . ” Teru mumbled.
Akane was not used to Teru cursing, much less sounding so frustrated and…delicate… of all things.
It would be stupid to ask if he is okay, but he doesn’t know how to comfort him. He doesn’t even know if he should try to be nice while Teru is so lovesick.
His conflict went out the window when he realized Teru’s eyes were shiny.
“Are you… crying?”
He knew Teru would be sad but not this sad. Even with the understanding he isn’t in his right mind right now, the idea of Teru crying is deeply uncomfortable.
Teru tensed up, hiding his teary eyes behind his arm and wrapping his magic bracelet around Akane. For the first time since they met, the beads covered his mouth, making it so Akane couldn’t speak.
Akane groaned when he was dangled on the ceiling again today, getting an upside-down view of Teru covering his eyes with his arm. It was awkward, to know he is the reason the school prince is so miserable, but Akane was mostly…confused. Overwhelmed even.
Teru said he had been in love for two years and now he is in tears.
Akane tried to ask him about it but it was hard to articulate anything with a rope between his teeth.
With no better options available, Akane decided to look away out of respect, counting the books on the student council shelf to pass the time as best he could while upside down and resigning himself to wait for Teru to let him go.
Again.
It was probably for the best this time, he still has no idea how to comfort this lovesick version of Teru without making things worse.
“...It's because of Akane-san." Teru said, sounding calm again.
‘You are a shit option even with her out of the picture.’ Akane tried to say but he literally couldn't at the moment, so he hoped his tired look delivered the message.
"You love her so much, I have never seen a love like yours." Teru smiled weakly, and Akane could not tell if he was bitter, awed, or angry, the pink heart in his puffy eyes putting him on edge.
Akane sweated when Teru loosened the hold on his ropes, making Akane fall to his eye level
"I wonder if the potion would even work on you.” There was a dangerous glint in his eyes, hard to read “I can't imagine you chasing anyone else."
'If there was any potion left, I would have used it on you.'
Akane shivered, feeling uncomfortable when Teru took the rope out of his mouth, leaning far too close to do so. He could feel his breath. “Personal space, president.”
Teru narrowed his eyes, taking his glasses away.
"I said personal space." He wiggled when Teru got closer, cursing because he can't fucking run like this, and he can't get himself unstuck either, the magic ropes devoid of knots. "Don't kiss me. I am serious."
Why does Teru's urge to kiss him seem to grow stronger when he is hanging upside down anyways? There is something wrong with this guy.
“Why not?” Teru said far too softly.
Akane froze at the way he cupped his cheek, panicking. He tried to lean away, his pathetic attempt to get some distance eventually bringing him closer, like a pendulum. They are so close.
Damn it.
"You know why." Akane said, relieved Teru took his hands from his face.
Teru frowned. “You hate me.”
... Maybe 'hate' has been a strong word, dislike might be more accurate, or even 'you frustrate me', but the last thing he wants in this situation is to encourage him. “Somewhat.”
Teru laughed, catching him by surprise.
That probably isn't a good sign.
Akane sweated at the way Teru twirled the rope on his finger, his smirk far too sharp, cheeks rosy "Are you scared of me?"
At the moment? Yes, but he didn't want to admit it.
"I am wary." Akane narrowed his eyes, sweating "You should go to a shrine, and make sure the curse is taken care of."
If the curse keeps getting stronger Akane will end up being forced into a kiss by the end of the week. Just thinking about it makes him want to get the hell out of here.
“I don’t want to go alone.”
“If you take me out of here, I’ll come with you.”
Teru smiled, loosening the rope and making Akane fall straight into his arms.
Akane yelped, feeling like an idiot at the way Teru smirked.
Akane wiggled and cursed, no longer attached to the ceiling but still tangled up, freezing at the fond look in Teru’s eyes: So proud of himself, but too gentle to be called smug. "President." He said slowly, growing uncomfortable "Let me down. Now."
"Don't want to." Teru held him closer.
Akane sighed at how childish he sounded, getting annoyed. “President.”
Teru ignored him, adjusting the hold so it was a more comfortable princess carry, and smiling.
Akane clenched his fists as best he could, sounding more serious "Minamoto."
Teru froze, "Akane."
"Let me go."
“No.” Teru held him tighter, losing his blush “You already hate me, it’s not like I have anything to lose.”
Akane sweated, but Teru didn't start abusing his power as expected, he just… Stared at him. A mix of anger and frustration on his face, hurt and fondness as well, but Akane would rather not think about that.
Akane frowned, trying to get out of the ropes by himself with more urgency and glaring once he felt them grow tighter, the situation starting to make him uneasy.
(He doubts Teru will kidnap him like some monster after seeing him fight against his desires instead of mindlessly taking what he wants, but his weird behavior makes Akane uncertain of what he’ll do, only knowing that the exorcist wants him.
It’s nerve wracking.)
"Akane…"
Akane stopped his frenetic attempts to escape, the tender yearning making him blush a little, the back of his neck sweaty, aware of how warm his hold is. He isn’t even panicking anymore, this is awkward as fuck. He subconsciously softened his voice at how pink the hearts in his eyes have gotten “Can you let me down?”
Teru's shoulders sagged, he seemed so tired, it made his gentle tone and honest eyes impossible to look away from "...Is there anything I can do to make you love me?”
“No.” Akane admitted with some level of sympathy, not liking how sincere this felt.
('These feelings have been around for two years' Teru’s voice rang in his head and it set a strange weight in his stomach.)
Teru didn’t do anything for a moment, needing Akane to raise his trapped hand as best he could while tangled up and bring him back to reality “President? Let me down.” He said “Come on, you’re being pathetic.”
“Right…” Teru looked away, awkwardly letting him down so he was kneeling on the floor and making the sign to unbound him. Akane sighed at the sweet taste of freedom, blinking when Teru helped him up and straightened his clothes.
Akane coughed, embarrassed by the treatment. He can't remember when was the last time anyone fretted over him like that, but despite it not being too unpleasant, he still lightly slapped his hand away when Teru tried to lovingly tuck his fringe behind his ear, realizing he was just trying to prolong the physical contact as much as possible. “Enough, president.”
Teru gave him space with a small smile. Akane stared at him, starting to feel pretty down about this situation. He wants it to be over already.
"...Let's go to the shrine, we don’t need to wait it out."
Teru nodded, holding his chest with a blush again when Akane patted his shoulder.
(It made him feel itchy, Akane decided not to touch him again until the curse was dealt with)
.
He sent Aoi a message, not sure how to explain the situation without involving supernaturals so he lied to her about student council affairs, feeling bad about it and apologizing for being unable to walk her home today.
She read as soon as he sent it, but it took a while for her to reply. Akane had resigned himself for no replies, already finishing packing and out of the council room when his phone made a sound:
> Don’t work too hard <3
Akane softened, his day immediately getting better at her sweet message. He put a heart emoji on it and replied.
I will be out as soon as I can, no need to worry Ao-chan!! <
He waited a little after Aoi viewed but after no reply or emoji was added, he guarded his phone, surprised to catch Teru looking at him with a closed off face. It was so different from his usual curiosity, willing to ask questions about his and Aoi’s life for nearly an hour with a childish interest in his eyes.
He can’t believe he misses something about his Teru.
Akane’s smile dimmed, strapping his bag on his shoulder "Let's go, president."
Teru nodded, opening the door for him and slamming it in his face when Akane was foolish enough to trust him.
“For fucks sake president.” He groaned, rubbing his smashed nose.
“I can kiss it better.”
He sounded salty.
Akane glared. “I can punch yours.”
"I would like to see you try" He said, walking ahead. Akane rolled his eyes, following him.
.
They took the long way to get here, Teru seemed reluctant to reach the shrine (or leave Akane’s side, though he would rather not think about that), eying every cafe, arcade, and store on the street.
He almost dragged Akane into a game shop, pouting when Akane refused but comforting himself with a chocolate capsule from a street gacha machine, keeping the toy and breaking the chocolate in half to give some to Akane. Anyone in school would be swooning at his sweet smile, but Akane felt uneasy, staring at the bar oozing caramel and molten chocolate, which is too sugary for him, and not knowing what to do.
He ended up gaving it back to the president, not as comfortable accepting it as he had been accepting his soda.
.
They were wasting time. He needs to get Teru to focus.
"Stop messing around, we should head straight to your shrine." Akane said, grabbing his wrist and trying to ignore the way Teru blushed hard, only focusing on the dazed way he followed his lead.
Teru gave him a strange look and adjusted his hold until Akane was grabbing his hand. Akane tried to shake it off but Teru didn’t let him.
Give him an inch and the bastard will take a whole mile.
“Hey,” He frowned, trying to shake him off with more vigor and jumping when Teru held on tighter.
"We are holding hands" He declared, with the same confidence as a kid that can't get what they want, so they made it everyone's problem.
Akane tried to shake him off again, huffing at the way Teru didn't budge, determined to be a pain in the ass.
Fine. Fine.
Just to get him to the stupid shrine.
.
When they reached the shrine entrance Akane didn't waste time, shoving him in front of a priest "He has been cursed. Fix it."
"Minamoto-sama?" The priest's eyes widened and Teru smiled cutely.
The two were guided to a room deep into the shrine and Akane barely had time to say 'hi' to the old man glaring at them before being kicked out.
“Your presence will just make it worse boy, ” He huffed, shooing him away “Go wait outside.”
Rude.
Teru frowned, also finding it rude. It would be no good if he walked out in the middle of whatever exorcism needs to be done, so Akane said “Behave! I’ll be by the entrance.”
.
Akane stared at the shrine garden, taking a photo of a beautiful purple bellflower, and sending it to Aoi.
Reminded me of you! <
The message was read instantaneously, but it took some time for her to add a heart emoji to the photo.
Akane smiled, feeling better and deciding to take more pictures for her. This time of the whole garden, feeling a mix of giggliness and nervousness as he sent it.
We should visit a garden together <
He got another insta read but no reply. No emoji either.
He was still waiting for her message, mindlessly trying to search for more flowers, maybe ask if the temple had some seeds he could gift her, when he heard a door open.
"Get out, ungrateful brat!" The priest's voice caught Akane's attention.
"I hope not to see you tonight either, old man!" Teru laughed, ignoring how the priest huffed and slamed the door shut.
Akane immediately looked at Teru's pale eyes, relieved by the lack of hearts in them.
“President.”
Teru jumped.
“Aka-” He paused, quickly correcting himself “Aoi? No need to walk me back to school.”
Something about Teru’s smile felt off.
“We need to talk.” Akane cut to the chase, his suspicion that Teru genuinely likes him growing stronger at the way his smile twitched.
If Teru really had a crush on him for two years, he needs to give him a proper rejection. It would be uncomfortable but he can’t just… pretend to be oblivious to it, it would be unfair, and make their student council duties awkward.
They need to figure something out, be on the same page. Better to start from the basic “Do you have a crush on me?”
“No.” He avoided eye contact, hesitating but admitting "I like Akane-san.”
Akane felt his brain go blank. His growing suspicion crashed as his brain turned into static.
“Ao-chan…?”
No.
No no no no no no no no anything but that! Teru can't have a crush on her!
But it made too much sense, why else would he be so happy to hear Akane gush about her? Who wouldn’t have a crush on Aoi??
“You’re joking.” Akane said, begged, not wanting Teru of all people to try to court Aoi, he is the one person Akane isn’t strong enough to beat up if he tries anything, and while part of him knows Teru won’t be forceful with her like he is with him, Akane can’t guarantee she won’t fall for his charm like everyone else at school.
Fuck
“I’ve been in love with her for two years.” Teru added another bomb, scratching the back of his neck (which Akane felt a hint of unease from, relating the habit with his cursed self) and turned his back on him, trying his hardest to walk away from this conversation “The curse made me mix up the feelings. Ha ha…”
Akane felt dead inside, aware Aoi has high standards but unable to deny Teru is the very best at everything she has ever shown interest in recently: He is smart, athletic, diligent, and apparently romantic too. Teru being the prettiest boy in school did not make Akane feel very confident either.
His imagination of a demoniac Teru carrying Aoi in a beautiful wedding dress suddenly changed into Teru staring at Aoi with soft eyes as he promised to do anything to make her love him, tucking her fringe behind her ear and hitting her with Cupid’s arrow.
It filled Akane with an ugly and conflicting emotion, wanting Aoi to be happy more than anything, but not with someone as unbearable as Teru.
(...It hurts to think of Aoi marrying anyone that isn’t him. He doesn't like this ugly feeling but he can't help it.
He can tell Teru would be a dedicated lover who can protect her, but he doesn't want to attend her wedding as a best man, he wants her to smile his way.)
When Akane got over himself, needing more details before having a crisis, Teru was already at the shrine entrance, truly running away.
"Hey!" He ran after him "Wait up!"