Chapter Text
Akane folded Teru's frog hoodie and placed it on his nightstand, right beside Aoi’s yellow bow.
He wasn’t sure if he should give them back, a part of him wanted to keep them, enjoying the idea of having a piece of Aoi and Teru in his room.
(His enchanted glasses will always have a special space in his bedroom desk, even when he no longer uses them, he treasures the gift, but they haven't been worn by Teru, they are not part of the exorcist's life. Hanitarou too, its a dear gift, a sign he is on Aoi's mind, but both gifts lacked the hint of intimacy that comes with getting to take a piece of them home.)
Aoi didn’t call her yellow bow a gift, but she hadn’t given any signs that she want it back when they went to their separate houses, the date using all her social batteries, her dying reserves not enough for a sleepover. He decided to take it as a gift for now and put it on his Hanitarou, the yellow bow acting as an oversized bowtie.
If she ever wants it back or needs an emergency bow, he’ll return it.
Akane guarded his hanitarou and smiled at his window, feeling himself soften at the sight of Aoi staring back at him. He walked to the edge of his balcony, leaning on the railings and yelling “Good night Ao-chan!”
She blushed and nodded, her good night wish far too quiet to be heard from her balcony but the way her lips moved and her cheeks got redder sent the message just fine.
After closing his curtains, Akane picked up his phone and opened his chat with Teru, smiling a little at his last message: the picture of an outdated meme that would make Lemon cringe and a sad emoji when Akane wasn’t impressed by his brand of comedy. At least it was better than his more morbid jokes.
Akane sent him a good night message, making his bed as he waited for a reply and frowning at the lack of it. Teru usually replies right away, so he must still be on patrol.
> Good luck at work.
Akane was tempted to add ‘I love you, stay safe’ but Teru had punched him without mercy the last time he tried to be more open. It’s better not to cross a line, specially while the exorcist is tired from work, so he added a blunt "Don't get your ass kicked."
Akane set his phone down and laid on his bed, still full of energy once the lights were turned off.
There is a dreamlike quality to asking for the impossible and actually getting it, the simple logic of “We all like each other, so let's date each other.” sounded too good to be true, but despite all of his doubts, it actually happened. They got together!
Well, somewhat... It didn't happen quite like he expected.
His strange life had decided to take yet another turn for the absurd, telling him Aoi and Teru are in love with him, yet feel no sparks with each other. It's such a stupid comcept that no matter how many proofs Akane finds, it still feels off. Not possible.
He knows he worked hard to win the war for their affection, he knows he is a good looking guy, but he isn't an idiot, he can tell he is the most unremarkable member in this trio, a joke compared to the otherworldly beauty Teru and Aoi possess. It didn’t make sense that only he caught their eyes.
Akane blushed at the memory of Aoi and Teru subtly sabotaging each other when he had tried to have an individual moment with them, still bewildered by it, but… Not hating it.
(He has always been the one chasing, for as long as he can remember, so it feels nice to be wanted in a tangible way.)
His fantasies about how poly would work usually involved him and Teru fighting for Aoi’s attention, some jealousy he would have to work on cause everytime he image Aoi in Teru's arms he feels comflicted, and the wonderful bonus of being able to gush about the two freely! But allegedly, only allegedly, because Akane would lose his mind otherwise, Teru’s crush on Aoi was a lie, something made solely to mess with him.
If Akane didn’t lay awake at night thinking about kissing Teru under the moonlight he would have killed the boy for it. In what world is claiming to like his lifelong crush a good way to win his heart??
(The way it succeeded in catching Akane’s attention is not important.)
Akane sighed, closing his eyes and trying to get some sleep instead of giving himself a headache. He has a big day tomorrow, he needs to be fully rested to go to his dates. Separate dates. As promised.
(He hopes they can go on a trio date again sometime…
Maybe a home hangout instead of an official date, he can tell Aoi had been taxed quickly so the comfort of her own home should help her handle Teru's high energy.)
.
Akane woke up at his usual 6am. He stretched and changed into his school uniform, heading down for coffee.
Mom and dad must be sleeping, tired from working after hours again, for their bedroom door was shut, but at least they got home to sleep instead of working all night again.
(Akane held back the urge to jump on their bed like a little kid and gush about yesterday’s date to them, not having had a proper talk with his parents in a while,)
He passed through their door with quiet steps instead, understanding they need to sleep.
The fridge was full, so they stocked up the groceries last night.
Akane smiled at the brand new raspberries package, eating a handful as he prepared his school bento and cleaned up the supermarket plastic bags off the counter, crumbling them together and heading out. He took a moment to appreciate the rising sun, its faint light painting his backyard walls golden and orange hues, treating the world like a canvas. There is a certain beauty even in the little things when he has a nice taste in his mouth and a sleeping angel as a neighbor.
An angel he’ll ice skate with today.
He blushed a little as he threw the trash out, sure today will be a good day.
.
He checked his phone to see if Teru replied to his good night message, he did not, but he did send a picture of a cat under a street lamp with the caption “he scratches”, followed by a sticker of a sad dog with pathetic watery eyes.
It was sent at 2 am.
“He is so dumb.” Akane snorted to his empty kitchen, informing Teru of that and grabbing his coffee mug. He headed towards his balcony and enjoyed the breeze on his face, mindlessly taking a sip as he switched to Aoi’s number.
Ever since they started dating, it was routine to call her in the morning. He never gets tired of watching her shake the sleep off her face, feeling his cheeks grow warm at the sight of her bed hair and half open eyes, always picking up the phone and peeking from her window to let him talk.
She used to hide behind her curtain at first, but now she can keep eye contact, only slightly hiding behind her potted plants. He could talk with her for hours, watching all her little expressions change as she woke up.
“...I need to get ready, Akane-kun.”
“Alright,” He said, smiling more softly “I’ll wait for you at the front gate.”
His girlfriend returned his smile with a small but gentle one, walking off her balcony and closing her curtains to get dressed.
She is so cute.
Akane hummed, content. He grabbed his schoolbag and paused at the frog hoodie on his nightstand.
Should he return it? It’s better to ask.
(He wants to hear Teru’s voice.)
“Aoi…?” Teru picked up the phone on the third ring, audibly sleepy. Guess he wasn't a morning person either.
“Good morning, Teru.” Akane said, walking down the stairs.
There was a small pause at the first name usage, and Akane would like to believe Teru was blushing “Akane… heh heh…” He chuckled, definitively not fully awake. “Good morning, Akane.”
“Are you still in bed?” He frowned, failing to ignore the way his heart skipped a beat from hearing Teru's joy directly in his ear, his voice laced with a sleepy fondness that made Akane jump two stairs steps at a time, fully energized “It’s almost time for school.”
“...I’m up, I’m up.” Teru lied, the faint sound of sliding sheets giving him away “I’ll eat Kou’s breakfast and be at school in no time...”
“Okay. Do you want your hoodie back?”
“Noooooooo," he stretched the word out, "Keep it, it looks better on you.”
Oh
Akane’s eyes sparkled, unable to remember the last time Teru praised someone’s appearance that wasn't his own.
“You think I look better than you?” Akane teased, his smirk sharp as he opened his front gate, waiting for Aoi “Never thought I'd see the day. Are you sick?”
“Am not.” Teru yawned “It’s just the hoodie. I am still the prettier one.” He defended himself, and Akane could tell he was wearing that slight frown he got when he wanted to hurt him. Thankfully he can't get zapped through the phone “...Do you think I'm handsome?”
“Yes, I have eyes.” Akane raised a brow, even when he didn't have a crush he never denied that.
“Good. You're cute.”
Heh...
“Cute?” He questioned, feeling a weird twist in his stomach at the compliment.
“It's what I meant with the hoodie.” If he wasn't so familiar with the president, he would say he sounded sheepish “...I look cooler than you, but you look cuter in it.”
Akane would beg to differ, finding the blond dangerously cute, able to make him melt on the spot even when he knows his sweet smile is a trap, but he didn't fight the compliment, happy Teru views him so hightly.
(It seems Teru is less guarded when he is sleepy. Akane made a mental note to call him in the morning more.)
Aoi's front gate opened. She looked adorable in the school uniform, her beautiful hair cascading down her back today, loose and shiny. She played with it, the way her delicate finger fidget with the strands a tad nervous, almost self-conscious.
She was still wearing the sunflower bracelet Akane gave her, the illustrated flowers tangling with the rope of Teru's protective amulet.
“You look great.” Akane reassured, unconsciously softening his voice “Stunning.”
‘I love you' he mentally added, having been trying to filter his affection, be more tactful ever since her insecurities became clearer, but still loving her as easily as he breathed.
Aoi kept playing with her hair, but she spared him a cute smile.
“I know!” Teru sounded giggly, he could almost picture the sparkles surrounding him, which was unfairly adorable. The guy really is weak to praise, no matter how many he hears.
“Yeah, yeah, you too, dumbass.” Akane snorted. Aoi tilted her head, staring at his phone with some amusement and some annoyance, likely preferring to have Akane for herself in the mornings.
Akane blushed at the idea, used to her possessive nature but still finding it cute.
“Me too…?” Teru asked, connecting the dots in his sleepy head and losing his enthusiasm “You were talking to Aoi-san.” He could picture his pout just as easily as he could picture the way his eyes got wider with interest, his tone changing, “Why didn’t you tell me she is with you? Hi, Aoi-san! Good morning!!”
Akane winced at his scream directly in his ear, putting his phone away and switching to speaker mode "Don’t scream! And she only walked down now, we are heading to school.”
“Good morning Teru-senpai <3” Aoi offered the phone a smile and a small wave. She is so sweet, her smile hits him straight in the heart even when she wasn’t focusing on him.
“How are you Aoi-san?!"
Akane glared at his phone "Don't scream!"
"And I saw your message." Teru continued, thankfully lowering his voice.
"I'm good." Aoi said slowly, her smile tentative "...And I noticed."
"I know the food stand you talked about.” He said, “It’s near a cat coffee! We should check it out.”
“The cat coffee...? I dont know, cats don’t usually like me.” Aoi said, her smile growing awkward, but genuine. “Hum… Didn’t a cat scratch you last night Teru-senpai?”
He sent that cat picture to her too?
That’s nice, he thought Aoi would appreciate the picture more than him.
…Teru better not annoy Aoi with outdated or morbid jokes though.
“Am I invited to this cat coffee?” Akane asked, having not gotten any messages about it last night.
“Not at all!” Teru sounded way too happy to exclude him. “It will be a best friends only night.”
His girlfriend sweated, glancing at her bell bracelet with an exasperated kind of fondness. She didn’t argue though, didn't try to concince him to invite Akane to hang out with them either. In fact, her mood lifted the second she noticed Akane frown, her twinkling eyes and Teru's obnoxious words messing with his head.
“Aoi is my best friend, hands off.” Akane snapped at his phone, feeling his eye twitch at the way Teru laughed. Bastard rarely took him seriously.
“Not for long!” Teru declared, still laughing.
Why did he like him again?
“You’re planning your hang out through my phone.” Akane reminded, rubbing his head in exasperation, “If you’ll exclude me, at least have some tact…”
“It's not a secret,” Teru said, not seeing the problem. Unfortunately, Akane believes he is being genuine.
“Do you not want us to be friends, Akane-kun?” Aoi said, wearing an innocent smile that hid her more mischievous streak, her loose hair bouncing when she tilted her head.
‘Yes, but not closer friends than you’re with me!’ He thought, making a sour face. That sounded lame. It made him feel lame.
Judging by the way Aoi’s eyes crinkled, she already knows what's on his mind.
A more mature part of him, the one that just wants Aoi and Teru to be as happy as possible, tried to make him ignore the annoying feeling, understanding it’s always good to have more friends, that both of them are a little lonely and it's a good thing they are hanging out. Teru is patient and gentle with Aoi, as she deserves, and they do have similar interests in zombie movies.
Teru’s personality is awful though, even on his best behavior he always slips a little, with his wild ideas, selfish streaks, and neverending energy.
...He is too much for Aoi, he doesn’t know if he trusts him unsupervised. Not with Aoi.
“I guess... I don’t know if he is the best option though,” Akane admitted, crossing his arms and pointing his cellphone’s screen down.
“I take offense to that!” Teru said. There was faint yelling from the other side of the phone and Teru sighed, though he sounded happy “I’ll talk with you two later, Kou doesn’t like phones on the table.”
“Tell Minamoto-kun I said hi.” Aoi said politely.
“Help him clean the dishes.” Akane added, unimpressed that Teru waits for Kou to clean all the dishes when he already cooks them wonderful meals. Teru needs to get used to basic chores too, there is more to life than his job and if Akane ever gets married, it won’t be to a slob.
“Really, Akane-”
“Do it. And tell Minamoto-kouhai I said hi too.”
Teru got pouty “I will, bye bye.”
The call ended, the street becoming quiet, almost peaceful. It was as if Teru’s voice alone occupied space, he really is one hell of a presence.
“Teru-senpai is rather lively in the morning.” Aoi commented, cupping her cheek.
“He is lively all day.” Akane said, getting a pensive nod in return, as if she didn’t quite agree, but wasn’t sure how to speak her mind.
Akane waited.
“...He is more giggly when he is tired.” Aoi said.
Akane blinked, replaying how Teru laughed in a malicious manner when he tied Akane up, assigning him as his stress relief toy, and how he complained loudly when he claimed to be tired, giggling in a sweet manner when he tripped him.
She might be right.
It made Akane’s ribs tighten around his heart, aware Aoi is an observant girl, the smartest in the world, but unaware she knew Teru that well. That with their lack of shared classes or clubs...
(The idea she knows a side of Teru that he might not was strange.)
“Do you talk with Teru a lot?” He asked as casually as he could.
“Maybe <3”
Akane pouted, a bit bothered but finding it hard to feel too bad when she was having so much fun.
His mood lifted after they crossed the streets and she grew nervous, shyly raising a hand when their eyes met. She needed to close her eyes to keep her hand near his, but she was still able to make the offer instead of hiding, far more confident than usual. Akane softened, accepting her hand and feeling his heart melt a little at her rosy cheeks.
If he slowed down to spend more time walking alone with her, Aoi did not comment on it, quietly matching his slow pace.
.
Aoi let go when they got close to school, most students already know they are dating, but Aoi wasn’t a big on pda, especially when they have an audience of acquainces. Akane let her be, already delighted to walk by her side to class.
“If it isn’t my favorite Aois!” Teru smiled at them from the end of the hall, a few students stopped in their tracks to admire how he walked but the president kept his eyes on them. It soured his mood, this pile of crazy fans.
Did Teru not tell anyone he has a lover now? Or are these lovesick students physically unable to not stumble over their own feet when they look at the school prince?
"Hi," Akane waved, finding it easier to push his annoyance aside when Teru reachd his side "Did you run here?"
"No, I just live close."
When they reached his classroom, Teru gave him an expectant look. Akane sweated, finding it cute but also suspicious “...What?”
“Won’t you walk me to class too?”
“...Your class is on the other side of the school.”
“So you wouldn’t cross the school for me?” Teru frowned, turning to Aoi and lowering himself to bridge their height difference, looking like a kicked puppy “Aoi-san, he doesn't love me.”
Akane stared, baffled by his big sad eyes. This boy has no shame. Absolutely zero.
“My my, how worrying,” Aoi said, cupping her own cheek.
Akane rolled his eyes in an exaggerated manner, putting his bag on his desk and hoping Teru couldn't tell how weak he was to his pout “I’ll walk you too, you big baby.” He switched to a sweet smile when he turned towards Aoi, unconsciously softening his voice "I'll be right back Ao-chan!"
Teru grabbed his hand, his hold firm but gentle "Let's go!" He raised his free hand “Yip yip!”
Akane blushed a little, his smile turning smug at the way people's eyes widened, clearly wishing they were the ones Teru would hold hands with.
Ha! Sucks to be them. The only one that gets to take Teru's other hand is a very special girl. Everyone else better not dare, for their own good.
.
During class, Akane was excited about the ice skating date.
He tried to only focus on the teacher's lecture and do his class representative duties, but he caught himself smiling like an idiot a few times, thinking about them holding hands on the ice. Spining each other slowly. Sharing warm drinks.…
He sneaked glances at Aoi, delighted to see her subtly glancing at him a few times, likely also thinking about their date.
She is so cute!!
“Akane-kun,” Nene said from the seat behind his, her smile a little amused but mostly awkward “Love is a beautiful thing, and I am very happy for you and Aoi!! But..." Her eyes lost their light "Can you tone down with the floating hearts? I can’t see the blackboard.”
.
When Aoi saw Hanitarou's oversized bowtie her eyes crinkled and her smile widened a tiny tiny bit. So Akane gladly let it stay there.
.
It was a busy day in the student council, so not much changed.
Their chairs were a little closer, their shoulders three inches away, and Teru put his brand new dinosaur shaped eraser on the the table, keeping it close, despite never making any mistakes to need an eraser within his reach.
Akane smiled a little, glad his present was appreciated.
He listened to Teru talk about his siblings, and chuckled when he mentioned Tiara misses him.
“Maybe we can visit your home again.”
"That would be nice." Teru chirped, eyes softening.
So pretty.
.
“I wish I could go ice skating too.” Teru commented, putting more documents aside, their duties for the day near their end “Sounds fun.”
“Bet you would be awful at it.” Akane commented, sparing his unamused look a cocky smirk “But I’ll let you hold my hand.”
Teru kicked his shin, it was light for Teru’s standard, not hurting much. Akane kicked him back, noticing how Teru's smile had softened and feeling warm.
His phone buzzed and Akane checked Aoi's message.
> Meet you at the gate <3
Yes!
He finished the remaining paperwork at record speed, flashing Teru a giggly smile “See you tomorrow Teru!”