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“Do we really have to take this mission? Why can’t they give it to Nanami or Haibara or anyone else?” Suguru hears Satoru complain next to him.
“Because they asked for us, Satoru.” Suguru explains.
“But field expeditions are boring.” Satoru continues to lament.
The driver ignores the pair as Satoru keeps complaining. Suguru wants this conversation to be over.
“I don't know, I'm not really against them.” Suguru mumbles as he turns to look outside.
“Why? You don't do anything, where's the fun in that?”
“Missions are not supposed to be fun, Satoru.” he reprimands.
“Still, why send us and not somebody else?” Satoru keeps asking.
The car stops and the driver turns to tell them they have arrived. Just as the doors at the back open, the driver’s phone goes off. Another mission to go to.
“Thank you,” Suguru says once they get out of the car. “We can return to the school on our own.”
The pair watches the car as it disappears in the busy streets before making their way towards the assigned location.
An abandoned hospital stands before them. It had already been exorcized last week, Suguru and Satoru were sent just to check that no curses lingered in the building.
August is always hot, with Japan’s rainy season having come to an end. Humidity is always a big problem during this time of the year. As they walk around the building and the empty hallways, Suguru can feel his body temperature rise and his clothes stick to his body.
No curses are left in the building, freeing them from a fight that would most likely leave their uniforms dirty with curse remains. That’s how they find themselves walking towards Shibuya station with the intent of going back to Jujutsu High.
Or that’s what Suguru has in mind, at least.
“I’m hungry,” Satoru whines next to him, hands burrowed in the pockets of his pants. “Suguru, let’s go out to eat.” the boy suggests.
Suguru turns to look at him, bored eyes scanning the other's expression.
“We’re already out though,” he teases, smiling when Satoru pouts.
“You know what I meant!” Satoru complains and pushes Suguru’s shoulder without much force, Suguru doesn’t even budge.
“I don’t have much with me,” he warns, raising an eyebrow when Satoru’s pout deepens.
“I can buy it, that’s no problem for the great Gojo Satoru.” Satoru points a finger at himself to emphasize his words “Besides, it’s not like we’re going to eat somewhere fancy.”
“Well then, what do you want to eat?” Suguru asks.
Satoru stops pouting, his lips curl instead into a smile and grabs Suguru by the sleeve of his uniform. Suguru lets himself be guided by Satoru, unaware of where he’s being taken as they walk the busy streets of Shibuya. When they stop, it’s right in front of a fast-food restaurant across Shibuya Station.
It’s not as crowded as they expected it to be once inside. Suguru is able to find a booth while Satoru goes to order their food. Suguru exchanges a few messages with Shoko while he waits for Satoru. He taps his fingers against the table to the rhythm of a song they heard on their way back from the mission.
“Here’s your food,” Satoru’s dainty fingers appear in his line of vision along with their trays of food.
“Thanks,” Suguru closes his phone and puts it aside in favor of bringing his food closer.
Satoru sits in front of him, long legs entangled with Suguru’s as they try to fit them under the table. A comfortable silence settles between them as they both start eating. Suguru’s gaze is fixed on the entrance, giving small bites to his food as he watches people come and go, conversations become louder by the second.
When Suguru turns back to his companion, Satoru seems to have stopped eating and, instead, sits with his face resting on his hands. A smile appears on his face when Suguru looks at him, Satoru tilts his head and Suguru does the same out of habit.
“Suguru,” Satoru calls just to keep the other’s attention on him, “Aren't you hungry?” he asks, pointing at the half-eaten burger Suguru is still holding, Satoru’s own already gone and fries halfway finished.
“Oh,” is all Suguru says, he blinks a few times and takes a new bite before speaking again, “I didn’t notice.”
Suguru goes back to eating, and Satoru takes the opportunity to talk about whatever is that crosses his mind. He talks about the homework he hasn’t started yet that’s due tomorrow and Shoko’s promise to give him her notes on that class. He goes on about a game he saw an ad for the other day after his solo mission and how he really wants to play it.
Suguru slides his fries in front of Satoru once his own are completely gone, and watches with amusement as his boyfriend stops talking, instead focusing on eating and letting the conversation drift away.
It takes some time, but Suguru finishes his food and begins to gather all of their trash into the tray. Slowly, both teens untangle their legs from beneath the table, Satoru lets out a soft groan as he stretches them. Neither of them make an attempt at conversation after that, and instead occupy themselves with tidying the table in silence.
“I want to go to the bathroom before we leave,” Suguru says as he stands, trying to suppress the need to stretch and yawn after sitting for long.
Satoru nods and takes their trays, getting up as well. Suguru leaves him and makes his way to the bathrooms, knowing Satoru would follow after leaving the trays in their place.
Suguru is walking out of the stall when his eyes catch blue ones watching him from the mirror, Satoru’s glasses sit atop his head and his body rests against the sink. There’s no one besides them in there, the voices outside are muffled behind the closed bathroom doors.
Satoru goes to stand behind Suguru, hands resting on the other’s waist as he lets Suguru wash his hands. He doesn’t say anything and Suguru lets him, finding comfort in the sudden closeness. Their eyes find each other once again and Satoru leans forward, his chapped lips pressing against Suguru’s own.
Anyone could walk right in on them any moment now.
A blush covers Suguru’s cheeks and ears. He’s taken by surprise at the sudden kiss and moves to swat Satoru’s hands away when he feels his lips being captured once again in a short kiss.
“ Satoru ,” Suguru whispers, almost whines, at Satoru’s boldness and the suddenness of it all.
They stand so close their breaths mix together. Unconsciously, Suguru’s eyes drift down to the other’s lips.
“Let’s go,” is all Satoru says before separating himself from Suguru’s warm body, a teasing smile spreads on his lips at Suguru’s reaction.
Suguru thinks he wouldn’t care if someone saw them, if that meant standing as close to Satoru as he was.
As the door opens, all the voices that were previously muffled are now drowning their senses. Kids are running and laughing everywhere while parents look at their kids from their seats. Suguru and Satoru leave the place, the cool air from the aircon a stark contrast to the outside heat that welcomes them as the door behind them closes.
Suguru waits for Satoru to get used to the light, he watches Satoru blink a few times before he eventually adjusts to the light. Meanwhile, Suguru folds his sleeves in hopes of reducing the heat that the uniform brings to his body.
“Should we get going?” Suguru asks, receiving a nod from Satoru.
As they make their way towards the station, something catches Satoru’s attention, making him stop.
“Suguru!” Satoru practically shouts next to him. Suguru hisses at the sudden change in volume.
“Yes, Satoru?” he asks as calmly as possible. A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, it’s impossible to stay mad at Satoru.
“Let’s go there!” Satoru doesn’t even wait for Suguru’s approval, already dragging him towards the place.
Satoru’s fingers press onto Suguru’s exposed skin. Suguru’s wrist burns with the touch, he’s not sure if that is just due to the weather. Everything else disappears for Suguru, his attention solely on the point of contact between him and Satoru. A voice somewhere inside him screams to not let go of the other.
They’re at an arcade, Suguru realizes as they come to a stop at the entrance. From where they stand Suguru can see a few games. They wait outside for a few minutes before being able to go inside. It takes a moment for their eyes to readjust once again to the change in lighting, which proves to be hard with the constant change of the neon lights.
“Where should we go first?” Satoru asks, already walking towards the back of the arcade. He’s looking for a place that’s less crowded.
His hand is still grabbing Suguru’s wrist as he guides them. Satoru’s free hand goes to his glasses, taking them off to get a better look around.
“I don’t know,” Suguru shrugs, looking around for something that might grab his attention, “I haven’t been to an arcade for a long time.”
Suguru feels like he might trip some time now, the lights creating awkward shadows thanks to the games. It makes it harder to walk around but he manages.
“This is my first time coming to the arcade,” Satoru confesses. His tone is nonchalant as he keeps walking, unbothered by the constant change of lighting.
The confession makes Suguru stop, and by extension, Satoru stops too. Satoru turns around and Suguru is momentarily lost in vibrant blue eyes.
“You’ve never been to one?” Suguru finally asks, taking a few steps so he’s closer to Satoru.
Satoru shrugs, turning his back to Suguru as he resumes his walking. Suguru follows right behind, closer than before as Satoru’s hand leaves him.
“I spent most of my time learning about my ancestors and what it means to be a part of the Gojo Clan,” Suguru hears him say.
“But you were allowed to go outside, weren’t you?” Suguru asks, intrigued as he listens to Satoru open up about his childhood.
“Sure, but I only went to festivals and anywhere my parents were needed,” Satoru’s voice fades at the end, his eyes wandering to the side where someone just left.
They’re by the racing games. There’s still people around but they still manage to get a game for themselves. Sitting side by side, they choose the track they want to race and the game begins.
Neither of them says anything, focusing on the game until they’re familiarized with it.
“Later,” Satoru continues, startling Suguru. “When I got into Jujutsu High, I just sort of forgot about the outside world.”
Suguru knew Satoru could be an honest person, he learned that when they first met a year ago. That fact didn’t stop him from being shocked by Satoru’s lack of awareness. Suguru feels the corners of his mouth lift in a small smile as he realizes they're experiencing Satoru’s first time at an arcade together.
Without realizing, Suguru’s grip eases against the steering wheel and loses control over the car. Satoru takes the opportunity and drives past Suguru, laughing at his misfortune. They still have one lap left so Suguru tries to take as much of an advantage as he can.
In the end, Satoru ends up winning in first place, with Suguru close behind in second place.
Satoru doesn’t waste time, already in search of a new game to play. Suguru also looks around, his eyes falling on two girls by the dance machines. They’re having fun, that much is evident and it’s reinforced when Suguru hears them laugh at each failed attempt. His attention is brought back when he feels a pull on his arm, Satoru dragging him somewhere, another game most likely.
They come to a stop when Satoru gets them behind one of the walls furthest from the crowd, Suguru turns to look at Satoru, frowning at his weird behavior.
“Satoru, wh-”
Suguru doesn’t get to ask, his lips being captured by Satoru’s in a kiss. Suguru gasps into the kiss, his body pressed between Satoru’s chest and the wall behind him.
“Keep your eyes on me, Suguru.” Satoru says, panting against Suguru’s lips as they separate.
Suguru chuckles, leaning in once again to kiss Satoru. His hands grab Satoru’s uniform tightly, wanting to pull him as close as possible while Satoru’s hands grab his waist just as tight, almost as if he wanted to bruise. The possessiveness in Satoru’s touch has him feeling weak in the knees.
Breathless, Suguru tries to put some distance between them even when Satoru keeps chasing his lips and steals a few short kisses. Satoru’s attention is taken away by something while Suguru keeps trying to push him away.
“I want to go there.” Satoru points to some game behind Suguru, smiling brightly as if he hadn’t just dragged Suguru away to kiss him silly.
“Where?” Suguru asks, his eyes follow where Satoru’s finger is pointing and sees a shooting game.
They have to wait for the other players to finish before getting ready to play. The screen lights up and a small text appears, explaining what the game is about. Each of them chooses a character and presses start.
As games against Satoru usually go, Suguru watches Satoru’s screen light up with a new high score, his screen showing his own good score.
The next game they stop at is a lot more simple than what they have played so far, the screen of the game lights up.
“Space Invaders.” Satoru reads aloud. He turns to look at Suguru, confused.
“You’ll get it in no time.” Suguru assures him, hiding his smile behind his hand.
True to Suguru’s words, it takes only a few minutes for Satoru to understand the game. His fingers move fast, coordinating his shooting and movements across the screen.
Suguru watches from the side, body resting against the machine as his eyes fall on Satoru’s smile and determined eyes. He smiles at Satoru once the game is finished, the colors of the screen dance across Satoru’s pale face.
The fleeting thought that Satoru looks cute like that, with his childish smile, crosses Suguru’s mind as he keeps staring.
“Your turn now.” Satoru says as he pushes Suguru towards the console of the game.
“You sure? Don’t you want to play something else?” he asks, smiling at Satoru who now stands where Suguru previously was.
“We’ve got time.” Is what Satoru answers with.
Suguru decides to trust him and focus on the game in front of him. Memories of playing this exact game a long time ago flood his mind. His fingers move automatically across the console. Suguru gets rid of every target that appears in front of him and Satoru cheers for him. Somehow, he ends up beating Satoru’s score and he’s rewarded with the boy hugging him tightly and a kiss on his forehead.
Satoru tries to drag Suguru to a boxing machine after that, though he is stopped by Suguru on their way.
“But Suguru.” Satoru groans, trying his best to not get dragged away by Suguru.
“Νο.” Suguru insists.
“I want to see how strong I am.” Satoru tries to convince Suguru.
“You’re going to break the machine.”
“I could probably pay for a new one, how much do they cost?”
“I don’t know,” Suguru can feel a headache slowly forming in the back of his head, “that’s not something I’m planning on learning any time soon though, so let's go to some other game.”
Suguru tries his best to drag Satoru away as he looks around for some other game that won’t risk them getting kicked out of the arcade.
They play a round of basketball where Suguru loses to Satoru’s perfect score. After that, they take a break to get something to drink.
“Suguru, look!” Satoru calls, pointing excitedly at something.
“What?” Suguru asks. He walks towards Satoru, taking a look at what he’s trying to show him.
“They have slushies!”
“I can see that.” Satoru pouts, making Suguru chuckle.
“Let’s get one.” Satoru insists.
The lady behind the counters smiles when Satoru approaches her. Once he buys one for himself and another one for Suguru, he walks back and gives one of them to Suguru.
“What flavor did you get?” Suguru asks. He takes a sip of his own drink, it tastes like cherry.
“Cherry, same as yours.” Satoru says with a smile. To prove it, Satoru sticks out his tongue, now red by the drink.
Their next stop is at one of the dancing machines.
“You look stupid moving like that.” Satoru says as he laughs, watching the way Suguru tries to step on the right colors.
“You look stupid all the time.” Suguru counters with a smirk that has Satoru letting out an offended squeak.
There’s a limit they are reaching, Satoru says nothing about it, yet Suguru is aware of the signs. It’s the way a frown sits barely there in Satoru’s features, the hand that has tightened around Suguru’s wrist and the quick pace Satoru has as they search for another game to play.
“Is this really fun for you?” Satoru finally asks, turning his head to look at Suguru.
“Well, I don’t particularly like losing,” Suguru begins to say, shrugging before he turns to look at Satoru as well, “but I am having fun playing with you.”
Suguru watches as Satoru’s cheeks darken, he smiles as the other turns his head away, embarrassed as they slowly come to a stop.
“You paid for every game we played.” Satoru states, one of his long fingers jabs at Suguru’s ribs.
“Oh, you noticed?” Suguru jokes as he tries to get the other to stop poking him.
Satoru stops his attention going somewhere else. Suguru notes the change and turns to look at Satoru.
“Satoru?” Suguru asks tentatively.
Satoru turns to look back at him, his smile returning once again on his face as he moves to take Suguru’s arm. Suguru lets himself be maneuvered between the people that’s still playing, he asks Satoru where they’re going but it seems like his words don’t reach the boy.
“Oi, Satoru!” Suguru calls after Satoru tugs harder at his arm.
Satoru stops in front of a line of claw machines, all of them filled with various plushies and other prizes.
“Satoru?” Suguru is not sure how many times he has called him, but a sigh makes it past his lips as Satoru turns to look at him this time.
“Now it’s my turn to spoil you!” Satoru declares. He lets go of Suguru’s wrist just to point his finger at him.
“Spoil… me?” Suguru asks, confused by such a declaration.
“Yes! I’ll win one of these for you, just watch!” The confidence in Satoru’s tone makes Suguru chuckle.
“You know these games are rigged, right? They’re impossible to win.” Suguru says as he watches Satoru roll up his sleeves, getting ready to play.
“Nothing is impossible for us, we’re the strongest.” Satoru states with confidence. “Besides,” he says as he holds a coin between his fingers, “If I don’t get it on the first try, I still have many more chances in many more machines,” to prove his point, he takes out a small pouch full of coins.
Warmth blooms inside Suguru at the idea of Satoru winning something for him. He feels his cheeks warm up as he sees the determined look in Satoru’s eyes. Suguru makes himself a place behind Satoru and watches as the claw machine comes to life.
“Which one do you want?” Satoru asks as gets used to the handle to control the claw machine.
“How about that one?” Suguru points at a plushie in the far back of the box, one of its feet buried under a few other plushies.
“Easy.”
As Satoru discovers that day, it’s not as easy to win a plushie in one of those machines as he made it out to be about ten minutes ago.
“Again!” Satoru exclaims as he inserts what must be the fifth coin now and takes his glasses off, placing them on top of his head as if that was going to change anything.
Suguru can only watch and laugh from his place. He watches as Satoru fails once again to grab the plushie and instead pushes it between some others.
Satoru groans as he rests his forehead against the cool glass.
“So not even the great Gojo Satoru can beat a claw machine, amazing.” Suguru’s comment only seems to spur Satoru on.
Suguru watches as Satoru gets out more coins, his expression is almost manic. His resolve to win only seems to strengthen.
Nothing else besides them and the game exists inside their bubble, the pair remains oblivious to the people who come and go from the arcade.
It takes a few more tries but Satoru finally manages to grab the plushie. Neither Satoru or Suguru seem to breathe as Satoru slowly moves the claw machine and lets it fall for Suguru to grab.
With the plushie sitting now between his arms, Suguru turns around slowly. Satoru turns around as well, and their eyes meet for a brief second before both break into laughter.
They leave the game alone. Their laughter slowly dies down too.
“That game had no right to be that hard.” Satoru complains as they leave the area.
“I told you, claw machines are rigged.” Suguru says. His tone is light, a bit airy from laughing.
Satoru rolls his eyes before speaking again.
“Well, I think I should get a reward after winning that plushie for you.”
“Oh, you should?” Suguru raises an eyebrow as he stops to look at Satoru “And what reward is it that you want?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Satoru feigns thinking before his smile turns big. He looks right back at Suguru, “What about a kiss?”
Suguru sputters for a moment, he feels his ears warm as Satoru’s smile only grows at seeing him embarrassed.
Suguru looks down and tries to compose himself, his hands tighten around the plushie before he looks up once again. He leans forward and leaves a peck on Satoru’s cheek.
“Thank you, Satoru,” he mutters close to Satoru’s face.
Satoru stays quiet for a few seconds as he processes what has happened.
“Oi! That’s not what I meant.” Satoru says, pouting.
“You asked for a kiss and I gave you one, I don’t see what’s wrong with that,” Suguru laughs as Satoru’s pout turns into a look of disbelief.
“That wasn’t a kiss!” Satoru whines.
“It wasn’t? As far as I know, that is a kiss.” Suguru says, feigning innocence.
“It-! That is a kiss, but that’s not what I meant!” Satoru insists.
“And what is it that you meant, oh great Gojo Satoru?” Suguru mocks.
Satoru takes a step closer, trying to get closer to Suguru who backs away slowly. That only lasts for a few more steps, as Suguru’s back hits another one of the games.
“Satoru, there’s people watching,” Suguru warns in a whisper.
He feels breathless. Satoru’s body cages him against the game, Suguru lifts his head to meet Satoru in the eyes.
“Let them watch.” Satoru whispers before capturing Suguru’s lips in a kiss.
Not for the first time today, Suguru feels as if his world has been reduced to only him and Satoru.
The plushie between them doesn’t allow for their bodies to be pressed fully, though that doesn’t seem to be an issue for Satoru, as he cradles Suguru’s face with such tenderness that has the other boy gasping. Suguru can hear his heartbeat loud against his ears, it drowns every other noise around them and has him pressing as close as possible to Satoru’s body.
They don’t separate after the kiss is over. Instead, they seem to bask in such closeness.
Suguru watches as the neon lights dance around Satoru’s features, how his hair changes colors too and the shadows they create in his face.
“Enjoying the view?” a goofy smile spreads on Satoru’s lips once he catches Suguru staring.
“What view? I think your eyes are getting tired.” a blush spreads through Suguru’s cheeks.
He shoves Satoru away without any strength. Satoru moves, letting the flustered boy have his way with him for the time being.
“I think it’s time we head back, it must be late now,” Suguru mumbles, his face still red. He moves to grab his phone.
The brightness from the screen makes him squint for a moment. A single message from Shoko appears on screen, telling them to be back for dinner. It was sent only a few minutes ago.
The arcade is still packed with people as the pair walks away from the claw machines. Most of them look like students, Suguru can only guess classes are officially over for the day.
“But I don’t want to leave,” Satoru whines. His hands grabbing Suguru’s hand that’s holding the phone in a weak attempt to get him to stay.
“We’ve played just about every game there is here,” Suguru says, trying to convince the other one to leave. “And dinner will start soon, we should really get going.”
“Suguru.” Satoru tries once again, dragging his feet as he walks next to Suguru.
They don’t have trouble leaving the arcade now, as most of the people still lingering are either sitting or playing with the games on the back of the arcade.
“Satoru.” Suguru calls back in that same whiny tone.
This only gains a pout from Satoru.
Outside is not as bright anymore, the blues and whites of the sky and clouds have turned into light oranges and dark pinks, the horizon brings a deep blue that calls for a moonless night.
The streets of Shibuya seem as lively as ever, with people walking in all directions trying to get to their own places as their work hours come to an end.
Satoru’s hand latches onto Suguru’s uniform as if trying to not get separated, while Suguru’s hands clutch the plushie as he moves between all the bodies that surround them until they reach the station. The train arrives and they get in, pushed by the mass of people.
They watch in silence as the train empties with every stop they make. Satoru drags Suguru to sit after a few more stops, letting Suguru rest his head on his shoulder. A protective hand rests against Suguru’s waist, keeping him from falling off his seat.
Suguru’s eyes close momentarily, feeling tired from the day they had. The plushie sits on top of his legs, secure between his arms. Next to him, Satoru watches in silence as Suguru tries not to fall asleep, raising his head whenever he feels his eyes shut for more than a few seconds.
By the time they arrive at their stop, the sky is completely dark with only the stars to keep them company. They walk slowly up the mountain, shoulders brushing as they pass the protection gate. Students continue to linger outside, probably basking in the cold breeze that hits the mountains during summer.
Suguru and Satoru get inside the dorms, leave their shoes at the entrance and continue their walk towards their rooms.
“Satoru, this is my room.” Suguru reprimands when he hears the door closing behind them.
“Clearly.” Satoru replies as he walks the few steps needed to get to Suguru’s bed.
Suguru sighs, leaving the plushie on the desk next to his books. Satoru drags his feet towards the bed, laying on his side as he watches Suguru moving around, taking his uniform jacket off before he walks to the bed too.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lay on my bed with your dirty uniform.” Suguru scolds him. Satoru only waves his hand in dismissal.
“Come here.” Satoru says instead. A pout appears on his lips as he pats the little space that’s left on the bed for Suguru to settle into.
Suguru huffs but says no more as he stands next to Satoru, still not getting on the bed. Both of Satoru’s hands reach up, he grabs Suguru’s belt hoops and brings him closer. Suguru’s knees hit the bed frame. Suguru lets himself fall on top of Satoru and laughs when Satoru groans at the added weight. They stay like this for a few minutes, cuddling in silence. Suguru has his head resting against Satoru’s chest. Resting like this, he can hear Satoru’s heartbeat.
Suguru tightens his hold around Satoru’s waist, wanting to be closer even though there wasn’t any more space left between their bodies.
Satoru takes on the task of untying Suguru’s bun. His hands get lost in the now free strands of silky black hair. He gets rid of the knots and scratches at Suguru’s scalp. Suguru becomes putty under Satoru’s ministrations, with sleep slowly seeping into his body once again.
“I had fun today.” Satoru says. Suguru hears him yawn a few seconds later.
Suguru lets out a sleepy hum before speaking.
“Me too…” he mumbles back. A yawn makes it past his lips as well.
Silence falls between them once again, the only thing that could be heard being the cicadas from outside and the few students that still lingered in the dorms.
Satoru leaves Suguru’s hair for a moment only to take off his glasses completely, trying not to jostle Suguru too much as he leaves them on the bedside table.
Suguru presses himself even more to Satoru when he feels the hands leave him. A whine gets caught on his throat before he can voice out the discomfort he feels at the momentary loss.
A loud knock on the door bursts their little bubble of peace. It makes Suguru jolt and sit up while Satoru remains still where he is, his eyes closed and breathing even.
“Dinner’s ready!” Haibara’s voice comes from the other side, enthusiastic as ever.
A sigh leaves Suguru as he slowly gets up once again, pushing Satoru’s arm off of his body in the process. Satoru opens his eyes when he feels Suguru leave and slowly follows him, unintelligible grumbling leaving him.
“Coming!” Suguru says back, loud enough to be heard.
Haibara’s steps can be heard as he leaves the hallway and goes to the diner.
Satoru is the first one to leave the room after that, his glasses forgotten in Suguru's room. Suguru follows him not long after. As he goes to turn off the lights, Suguru’s eyes fall on the abandoned glasses. He takes them with him, hoping to give them back to Satoru before they arrive with the rest for dinner.
As he turns the hallway to leave the dorms, Suguru feels an arm around his shoulders. Satoru was waiting for him.
“You left this.” Suguru says. He extends his hand, waiting for Satoru to grab his glasses.
“Won’t you put them on for me?” Satoru asks, as if his request was only logical. Suguru has learnt not to be bothered by those requests anymore.
“Why would I?”
They stop in front of the common room. The dining hall is only a few doors away now.
“But why wouldn’t you?” Satoru retorts, crossing his arms as he speaks.
“I thought you were already at the dining hall with the rest.” Suguru says, not really answering.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Satoru’s chuckle resonates in the empty hallway.
Suguru shrugs. His hand is still holding the glasses. Slowly, he turns to look at Satoru and carefully puts them on, covering Satoru’s eyes once again.
“I was waiting for you.” Satoru says, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.
Suguru smiles, his cheeks feel warm and his hands ache to touch. He contains himself.
The dining hall is only a few feet away and, once inside, they spot the rest of the group already serving their plates. The first to notice them is Shoko.
“Oh would you look at that,” Shoko says from where she sits. She’s twirling a cigarette between her fingers, “the lovebirds made it back.”
“Senpai!” Haibara greets with a wave of his hand. He makes space for Suguru and Satoru on the table.
Suguru takes place next to Nanami, while Satoru sits with Shoko at the other side of the table. The food is still warm. The few students that still lingered outside are at last seated, the room is filled by various conversations and the clink of silverware against the plates.
“How was the mission?” Nanami asks after everyone’s had their first serve of dinner.
“It was so boring!” Satoru bemoans. “We just had to see if there were curses still lingering around the abandoned hospital that was exorcized last week.”
“Did you find anything?” Haibara asks next, already serving himself a second plate of food.
“Nothing, just some broken glass and old machines.” Satoru visibly deflates, resting his upper body on the table. Nanami moves Satoru’s plate away from his head without a word, his nose scrunched in disgust.
“So why are you back so late?” Shoko asks, raising an eyebrow at the pair.
“Oh, you know,” Satoru dwells, turning around to look at Shoko. Suguru can tell he is smiling. “Just did some sightseeing around Shibuya.”
Shoko says nothing, though it’s clear she doesn’t believe anything of what Satoru just said. Suguru can feel his cheeks burn, he tries to hide it behind his cup, drinking slowly and avoiding the conversation.
Dinner ends after a few more exchanges. Haibara is the first one to leave followed by Nanami, a muttered goodbye is exchanged as they disappear through the doors. Shoko gets up as well, saying something about needing her smoke of the day as she pats her clothes in search of her lighter, Suguru ends up lending her his own and waves at her when she leaves.
Suguru watches in silence as everyone else slowly leaves. He covers his mouth, hiding a yawn.
“Suguru,” Satoru calls next to him, “have you finished?”
Satoru’s own plate still has some food left. Suguru grabs one of the pieces of fruit the other didn’t eat.
“You’re not going to eat anymore?” Suguru asks instead.
Satoru shakes his head no. Together, they gather all the plates and cups before leaving.
The walk back to their rooms is silent, with only their socked feet against the wooden floor and the occasional yawn breaking it. Satoru has an arm resting low on Suguru’s waist, holding him as close as he can. Suguru holds him similarly, his hand buried in Satoru’s pants’ pocket and his head resting on Satoru’s shoulder.
It’s a bit awkward but they finally make it to the door of Suguru’s room.
“Can I stay the night?” Satoru asks, already stepping inside Suguru’s room.
“Your room is literally next door, Satoru.” Suguru looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
“But I want to stay the night with you.” Satoru explains as he leaves his glasses on the bedside table. He leaves his phone as well, charging it next to Suguru’s.
“Even if I say no you’re going to stay the night.” Suguru rolls his eyes, they’ve had this exact conversation a million times by now.
“You never seem to mind.” is what Satoru says back.
He’s not wrong. Suguru doesn’t mind, doesn’t think he ever will.
Satoru ends up going to his room. Suguru takes that time to change into his pajamas, he folds his uniform neatly and leaves it on his desk chair for tomorrow. Something fluffy catches his attention, the plushie. Suguru doesn’t think much of it when he grabs it, bringing it closer to his chest. The door opens, Satoru steps inside looking ready to fall asleep with his hair even messier and his oversized clothes he sleeps in.
There’s a leftover toothpaste stain close to Satoru’s lips and Suguru is already moving to wipe it off. Satoru blinks a few times, surprised. Both teenagers blush, the moment being too intimate and domestic.
Suguru clears his throat and mumbles something about going to brush his teeth as well before leaving the plushie next to their phones, the bedside table now completely full. Satoru watches him leave hurriedly.
Satoru stretches as his eyes roam the room, a groan escapes his lips as his back cracks. Suguru’s room looks smaller than his own, perhaps because Satoru doesn’t have many things inside his room. He eyes the abandoned plushie, smiling as he wishes he’d won more for Suguru.
By the time Suguru is back, he finds Satoru already laying on the bed, his glasses sitting next to the plushie. Suguru smiles and turns off the lights. He wiggles his way between Satoru’s arms and presses his back against Satoru’s chest.
“You look like a little kid doing that,” Satoru slurs, already close to falling asleep. His hot breath hits the exposed skin of Suguru’s nape, making him shiver.
“Shut up.” Suguru says without any heat. “Just go to sleep, Satoru.”
“Mmm…” Satoru nuzzles against Suguru’s neck. “Night, Suguru.”
“Goodnight, Satoru.”
It doesn’t take long for them to fall asleep, today’s events having taken up most of their energy.
And so, a new summer began.