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Nao thought it a little odd when Souta kissed his cheek that early Monday morning. Souta’s lips were warm slightly tingling the spot they touched. Not that he minded, but it was still very odd.
Nao didn’t move until Souta pulled away. He looked up to see the archway of their school. His cheeks flushed.
“What are you doing? Nao asked flustered.
“I couldn’t help myself,” Souta said as a matter of fact.
Nao couldn’t help notice a few people looking their way.
“I made sure no one we know would see,” Souta admitted.
Seriously, Nao thought as he pulled up his collar to cover his face and neck. What is he thinking?
They walked to the shoe lockers. Souta's smug face attracted more stares. Nao was sure more than a few had seen.
“You seriously don’t care if people saw?” Nao spoke in a quiet voice.
“Well yes, but no. I don’t know.” Souta rubbed his head as if it would help him think straight. “I just, well, I couldn’t help it.”
Nao’s heart skipped a beat.
Does he seriously not think? If I were to cave every time I had an urge… Nao thought, his face growing warmer by the second.
“Do you realize how I look right now?”
Souta laughed. “Yeah, like a tomato.”
“You seriously don’t think it’s embarrassing?”
“Is it? I wouldn’t know.”
“What does that mean?”
Souta turned to walk away. Checking there was no one around, Nao grabbed Souta’s shoulders and forced him against the lockers.
“You think you wouldn’t turn red if I kissed you in public?”
“Like I said, I wouldn’t know,” Souta said with a sly look on his face.
It was rare for Souta to flirt. So it drove Nao crazy when he did.
“What did you say?” Nao asked as he moved in closer. “Couldn’t help it?”
Souta’s eyes widened as he realized it wasn’t a bluff.
“Isyea and Ueshima, you're not fighting again are you?”
Their faces turned dark red. Nao turned away while Souta ducked under his arms. Takeo and Keisuke watched them suspiciously.
“No, we definitely weren’t fighting…” Souta said nervously.
“Could have fooled me,” Takeo scoffed. “Anyway, what did you get for…”
Takeo threw his arm around Souta and pulled him into the hall.
As Nao changed his shoes he watched other students slowly gathered around Souta. They linked arms with him, and rubbed his head. It took Souta a few minutes to breakaway.
Always so carefree, moving from one thing to the next. I bet Souta wouldn’t be the only one surprised if I kissed him at school. They have no idea we’re dating. Two girls walked by him, giddy and bashful. No idea.
Nao was a tad bit behind Souta as they entered the class. The first bell had rung and the class slowly took their seats.
Souta was standing by his desk with Takeo, who was talking about girls, blind dates and something about a gōkon.
No idea, Nao thought angrily. He stepped forward.
“So you need to come,” Takeo said. “I have to even out the numbers.”
“No, I can't I told you,” Souta insisted.
“Come on. If you can get Isyea to come we could probably get more girls too.”
“Then I'm definitely not going,” Nao said as he walked up.
“What, why? It’s not like you have plans…”
The second bell rang. Takeo rolled his eyes, turning around to take his seat. The rest of the class was settling in to their seats. Nao didn't move. He wasn’t sure if it was Takeo’s insistence, or the idea of a gōkon, but he didn't like it. He didn't want Souta to be asked to do things like that.
Souta was still standing at his desk, grumbling while searching his backpack. Nao, watching him closely, leaned forward.
X
For a moment Souta wasn’t sure where he was. He felt a hand on his shoulder, lips on his cheek and his face flush all in less than a second. In slow motion he saw heads turn towards him.
With a pat on the head and a “Take proper notes this time,” Nao stepped away from Souta.
Souta saw Takeo’s face had turned pale white. He slowly took in the shocked and surprised expressions of his classmates. Even Keisuke was taken back. He stared at Nao, who had already hidden his face behind a textbook.
What the hell?! Souta’s mind raced as his cheeks burned. Was he that mad that I kissed him outside the gate? Glancing around, he found everyone was still watching him. He plummeted into his seat a loud thud echoing in the silent room.
“Alright, everyone quiet… down?” The sensei walked into the tense room. The students quickly looked forward, their faces eager for more knowledge. He smiled. “I see you are all ready to learn!” turning around, he quickly started his lesson.
Does he really think he can get away with that? If he wants embarrassing, I’ll show him embarrassing! Souta thought with pride.
“What was that about?” Keisuke whispered.
“This means war!” Souta replied.
So when Nao was walking to their next period, Souta ran up to his side and swiftly kissed his cheek in the middle of the hallway where anyone could see.
“See you in class,” Souta’s voice broke and he swiftly ran away.
Nao stared after him for a moment before a mischievous smile slid across his face.
Souta was busy working on a project with several girls when Nao roughly kissed his cheek, rubbed his head and said, “I'll see you in a bit babe.”
Souta pecked Nao on the cheek in the middle of class while he was handing out papers and the sensei's back was turned.
Nao surprised Souta with a kiss to each cheek when at their lockers.
“Seriously, what the hell is going on between you two?” Keisuke asked while they changed for soccer practice.
“I have to one up him,” Souta muttered, ignoring the question. “If it's a challenge he wants then I have to win.”
Keisuke rolled eyes leading the way into the gym.
Souta's thoughts were muddled. He tried hard not to see the looks from his teammates as he walked by. He was sure they had all heard the rumors and it didn’t take a scientist to figure out it was about them. Nao was standing mid court, discussing strategy with the Captain and Vice Captain of the team.
“Might as well prove them right,” Souta muttered as he walked up to Nao with as much confidence as he could muster.
X
Nao felt there were very few people who would listen to him as intently as the soccer team’s captains. Discussing strategy, suggesting plays and having positive feedback reminded Nao of his worth. The soccer team was one of the first places he felt he finally belonged. So he wasn’t exactly happy when Souta suddenly jumped on his back, arms tight around his shoulders, lips firmly on his cheek.
“Good luck at practice darling," Souta said running off to the far side of the gym.
Tsubasa whistled. “So the rumors are true, eh?”
“Rumors?” Nao’s voice was mono tone, the shock of what just happened settling in.
“Yeah, that you two were having some weird challenge to embarrass each other or something,” Akeda said uninterested. “Just don’t let it affect practice and I won’t care.” He blew his whistle and called the team in.
Nao frowned. That's not how I want them to see it.
“How you gonna top that Nao?” Tsubasa said nudging his shoulder.
“How indeed,” Nao answered.
Souta was in shuffling very slowly towards the rest of the team, blushing from ear to ear. He knew Souta and how simple he could be when his mind was focused. To him, this may have been merely a challenge, but Nao wanted so much more from it.
If everyone knows, I don’t need to worry as much. I could care less about who wins. Not that I plan on making it easy for him.
Nao was lost in thought of his next move. Practice sped by. Then showering, changing and the walk to Souta’s home.
It was already late in the evening, so dinner had been prepared. Souta’s mother invited Nao in and they all sat at the dining room table. The food was homemade, as Nao expected. Souta’s family was warm and welcoming as always. At times Nao felt they accepted him as a part of it.
Table grew quiet as they all ate their meals. Nao watched Souta, unable to look away. His soft face and warm cheeks. The urge grew. With shinning eyes, Nao planted a soft but subtle peck on Souta’s cheek.
X
If the room went quiet Souta had no way of knowing. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. Blushing, he turned towards Nao. His eyes and smiled were soft and warm. His heart melted at the idea of the handsome boy next to him wanting to be more intimate. A shock of gratefulness overwhelmed him, surpassing any amount of embarrassment he felt.
Nao’s warm look of affection faded to one of worry. He leaned forward and whispered into Souta’s ear, “I thought you told them.”
Souta instantly snapped back to reality. The dinner table was utterly silent. His siblings stared in shock, his dad smiled lightly, and his mom’s face was blank.
Souta sharply inhaled. I’m not ready for this.
Souta’s mom glanced between the two if them. "I didn't know you were so open about your relationship.
She knew?
As though reading his thoughts, she smiled and nodded. His dad chuckled as relief washed over them. Souta was so relieved that his didn’t notice his little brother trembling in his chair. He burst with energy jumping on to his chair.
“Does this mean he's your boyfriend, Souta?” Riku asked. “How long have you been together? Do you kiss often? Does Himura know?" He shook, bubbling with excitement.
“Of course Himura knows,” Iori grumbled. “It’s probably because of him Souta even managed to get a date.”
“Wait,” Souta slammed his hand on the table, “what does that mean?!”
“It means what I said!” Iori said clicking her tongue out at him.
Their mother gave them both a threatening look and they instantly stopped.
Nao smiled warmly and grabbed Souta’s hand under the table.
Well at least he’s as relieved and I am, Souta thought as he continued his meal.
When they finally finished eating and clearing the table Souta quickly ushered Nao upstairs. He closed his door tightly leaning against it for good measure.
I don't know why I expected them act any better than last time, Souta thought frustrated with himself. Every time they just get worse.
Souta glared at Nao. He sat on his bed, staring up in anticipation. He sighed, his glare slipping into a light smile.
It ls like he knows how to make me forget I was mad, Souta thought. Good thing I turned the lights on when we got back,
Souta turned the light off and sat next to him. The glow seemed brighter than usual. Nao’s hand found its way into Souta’s. They both squeezed, their fingers intertwined.
“What do you think tomorrow will be like?” Souta asked.
“Just like today, I guess,” Nao replied.
Souta’s brow furrowed. “I meant with the other kids at school!”
“I know what you meant.”
They stared at each other in the dense darkness. Souta felt fingers grace the back of his neck pulling him forward into a gentle kiss.
X
Even now he’s still blushing, Nao thought as he ran his hands along Souta’s burning cheeks. It had been several minutes and even in the darkness Nao could make out the tint of his cheeks and the burning in his eyes. A day spent kissing his cheek is nothing to this.
A ting of guilt over came him as he remembered the reason for this bazaar day. He pulled away softly. Souta wore a look of confusion and disappointment.
“I was upset you were asked to a gōkon.” Nao said in a low voice.
“What?!” Souta said his cheeks somehow growing redder.
“You started it,” Nao said annoyed he needed to explain. “And when I walked into class hearing Takeo demand you go, I just felt like it would be better if they all knew.”
Souta pouted. “We should have talked about telling everyone first don’t you think?”
“Yeah…” Nao muttered. At least he’s not mad.
“Well, I guess they all know now.” Souta sighed and continued to stare at the ceiling.
Nao held his hand squeezing only slightly. Whatever happens we will be together, Nao thought. He tried to gather the courage to say those words to Souta, but fell back on to the bed instead watching the ceiling until the stars lost their light.
It was at school gate the next morning that Souta finally said something. “Um, s-so yesterday was a tie. Maybe we can call it a truce." He couldn’t help but notice a few heads turning their way.
I thought he would bring it up sooner. Nao continued into the courtyard. “A truce? Oh, no. I won.”
“I don’t think so,” Souta said annoyed. “What you did was cheat.”
“Cheat?” Nao chuckled. “How did I cheat?”
“Seriously?” Souta said a little louder. “How am I supposed to one up that? It’s not like I can surprise you in front of your Dad when he’s never home.”
For someone not wanting attention he's sure attracting a lot. Nao grinned.
“Oh, I am sure you could think of something. In front of the captains was pretty bad though.”
“See, you don’t want to keep going either. Let’s just call a truce.”
Nao held hid chin as if lost in thought. “It is embarrassing in the moment, but overall I think I’ve enjoyed our challenge.”
Souta grabbed Nao’s shoulder holding him back. “You seriously think I could one up that?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Nao repeated Souta’s words from the day before. He smiled ruthlessly continuing to walk forward.
That will probably be all the teasing I get away with today. Nao thought satisfied.
“You don’t think I could?” Souta yelled after him.
Nao stopped. He looked Souta over, confused about why he was creating a scene. “It’s not if you could, I think you never would.”
There was a determination in Souta’s eyes as he walked towards him. Those who hadn't been watching seemed to stop and stare at them. Nao’s breath quickened.
What is he doing? He’s not seriously…
Souta grab Nao’s cheeks and pulled him forward. Nao’s eyes were wide in shock, but only for a second. His hands found the way to Souta’s shoulders. Nao leaned forward slightly causing Souta to dip back as their kiss deepened, their lips hesitant to part.
“S-see…” Souta stuttered.
“And yet you ended up in my arms,” Nao responded, smiling wickedly.
“A-alright, alright…” Souta pushed Nao back so he could stand up straight. “We’re even.”
The students around them were either stunned in place or running away with red faces.
“Oh no, that definitely one upped me,” Nao said in a flirtatious tone.
“What?” Souta suddenly sounded desperate. “No we agreed to stop.”
“I didn't agree to anything. Besides, you’re the one who challenged me. That was what, at least 20 people that saw us?”
“What? Wait. Nao!”
Grabbing his hand, Nao dragged Souta forward through the many watching eyes.
I’ll have to ask him later why he really wanted to kiss me in front of so many people. For now I’m just grateful I can be by his side.
They entered the school red faced and smiling, completely unprepared for the day ahead of them.