Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mikage Reo. The heir of a billionaire company, holder of the Mikage name, the all-around model business student. To the naked eye it could be said that Reo had it all; he had money, status, a starting position on the university soccer team, and every academic achievement he set his mind to. On the other hand, it could be said Reo had too much. His life has been the public's business the moment his parents announced they were having a kid. He was always told he’d have to follow in his father’s footsteps and carry the Mikage name, but to hold a child to that pressure is a heavy burden no matter the status. 

So here he was, currently at his friend Kunigami’s apartment avoiding a much dreaded call from his father. 

“I don’t get it Reo. If you’re avoiding your father's phone call, can’t you just do that in your own apartment? For example putting your phone on do not disturb?” Kunigami questioned as he and Reo sat in the living room watching Modern Family in the background. 

“What, I can’t have moral support now?” Reo jabbed at him. “Besides, I need you to stop me from saying anything stupid.” 

“I doubt you’ll say anything stupid.” Kunigami reassured him, but quickly took it back after seeing the other’s pleased expression from the compliment. “On second thought, I think I’ll listen in.” 

The two continued relaxing on the couch until Reo’s cell phone rang. Both he and Kunigami sat up and Reo paused the TV in order to answer. 

“Reo.” His father’s voice was stern, it could be heard despite the lack of speaker. 

“Hey dad…” 

“I have news son.” Reo let out a sigh of relief he didn’t know he was holding in. He was so sure he was about to be scolded for something he didn’t know about yet, but when his father came with news, more often than not, it was usually harmless. 

Usually. 

Kunigami now realizing the situation doesn’t actually call for any help, got up to make dinner for the two of them seeing as it didn’t seem Reo would be leaving any time soon. Though if that’s the case, he should just invite the rest of their friends over, so he quickly shot the group a text before thinking about what to cook. 

“What’s the news?” Reo asked.

“Reo. You’re my son who’s about to graduate college with the highest honors. You far exceeded your mother and I’s expectations of you.” 

“I’m not following dad.” Reo knew his parents thought well of him, but even this felt like overkill, though it didn’t feel horrible to hear those words from his dad. 

“I’m calling you intelligent and responsible.” 

“Oh, thanks dad, that means a lot; but why the sudden kindness?” 

“Well Reo, despite being intelligent and responsible, you’ve stirred up quite a scandal, son.” 

“A scandal?!?” Reo yelled out. 

Kunigami hadn’t heard what Reo’s father had said but he knew that for his curiosity’s sake, he’d be headed back to the living room to check up on Reo. He’d just order dinner to make up for the lack of cooking. After all, who knows, maybe Reo does need help, especially if a scandal’s involved, yes totally, that’s what it was, it wasn’t just his curiosity. 

Reo, now seeing Kunigami join him again, put his phone on speaker to let him listen to what his father was saying. “Yes son. I was surprised by the news as well, but I’ve been informed that even the brightest of college students get what you guys called ‘shit faced’ every now and then.” 

Oh no. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” To give Reo credit, he wasn’t totally lying. He knew he and Kunigami got plastered at the end of their midterm season, but he doesn’t remember what happened that night at all. 

“Really? Well, that’s no good.” His dad’s tone shifted slightly. “Would you like me to remind you?” 

“If you must…” Reo was dreading whatever would come out of his father’s mouth next. 

“According to what my sources tell me, you and your friends hit the bar and ran into a group of girls all quite smitten by you.” That sounded right. “Unfortunately for you, you shot them all down.” 

“Unfortunately?!?” Reo squawked. "I highly doubt that."

“Yes. Unfortunately. One of the girls you shut down was the heir to Watari Corp.”

Watari Corp as in his father’s biggest competition. “Shit.” Reo was trying to come up with a response in his mind but his father had other plans. “well-”

“I’m not done son.” 

“It gets worse?!?” Reo, already embarrassed, turned to Kunigami for comfort but the other just shrugged as if this was his own fault (it was, but he didn’t need that right now).

“Not only did you reject her, but you drunkenly said you could - and I quote ‘never go out with the likes of her’, while you then proceeded to point her in the direction of another group of men and told her to ‘try her luck with them instead’.”

“You’re lying father. There has to be more to the story! I know I got a bit drunk but even drunk I don’t act like an ass! Ask anyone! Look, I can ask Kunigami right now and confirm with him-”

“That isn’t necessary, Reo. Whether there’s more to the story isn’t important because the damage is done. She’s threatening to leak the story to the press unless you go out with her.” 

“How bad would the damage be if the story got out…” 

“Reo you aren't serious.” His father sighed. “You’d rather be painted an ungrateful ass than go out with a sweet enough looking girl for a couple dates?” 

“She’s not that sweet if she’s blackmailing us with this story dad. Who knows how long I’d have to date her!” 

“Fair point, but son, think about your image.”

“You mean the Mikage image?” He rolled his eyes.

“The Mikage image is your image.” 

He hated that he somewhat agreed with his father at this moment, but the last thing he wanted to do was to pretend to be someone he wasn’t. 

“Reo.” Kunigami whispered. Reo turned to face Kunigami again who was sitting on the couch near him. “Just say you said all that because you have a boyfriend. I mean you swing both ways anyway right?” 

Reo’s frown quickly grew into a grin. “Father! I’ve just been hit with a lifesaving idea.”

“What.” His father spoke unamused. 

“Tell the press I have a boyfriend. Send me the girl's information and I’ll tell her in person that I’m deeply sorry for my actions but that I couldn't accept her offer because my heart belongs to another. We could use this to present the Mikage name as open minded and supportive of all sexual orientations. The first major Japanese company to do so. We’d be one step ahead.” 

“Or we’d lose investors for taking such a stance.” 

“You’d have leverage with overseas supporters though, and you’d gain the respect of the younger generation.” He paused. “Well majority of them anyway.” 

“I don’t know.”

“Aren’t you the one that said we were powerful enough to take any stance we want? Don’t we hold the leverage in any situation? I don’t see why this would be any different father, after all, what good would it be if I go public with a boyfriend anyway, and the world sees no sign of a supporting father.” 

Reo’s father stayed silent for a second. Kunigami hated to admit it, but he respected Reo a lot, more than he’d ever give him credit. “It could work.” His father answered, “But Reo, this means your life is about to be publicized to an extreme you haven’t dealt with before. Are you sure you’re up for this challenge?” 

“Yes sir. I’d be nothing but an idiot if I couldn’t get out of my own scandal myself.” 

“Yourself?” His father teased, “I didn’t know you and Rensuke were considered a single person now.” His father sounded so smug over the phone, it made reo fume. As if on cue, he continued. “Hello Rensuke, thank you for helping out my son with that little comment earlier. Please feel free to stop by anytime you want, but I must warn you, you both whisper horribly.” Kunigami and Reo just stared at the phone in shock for a split second before Reo’s dad spoke up again. “Anyways, I have to run son, so I’ll let you go. I’ll have Ba-Ya send you the girl's information and I’m sure you can take care of the rest from there. Bye.” 

“Bye.” They hung up the phone simultaneously. 

Reo was in shock. “That’s the last time we drink Kunigami. I’m cutting off alcohol until the end of time.” 

“I give you two weeks before you, Yukimiya and Hyoma down a bottle again.”

“Ha ha.” Reo rolled his eyes before he processed what Kunigami had just said. “Wait. Hyoma? What, are you two official now?” 

“You could say that…”

“Kunigami you dog!” 

“Me?! You’re the one that needs to find a boyfriend Mikage.” 

“Shut up I know.” Reo started pacing back and forth in the living room. “You don’t happen to have any single friends right?” 

“My friends are your friends Reo, so you’re on your own.” 

“Fuck off.” 

“By the way-” before Kunigami could finish his thought, there was a knock on the door. Reo just turned to Kunigami with a confused look on his face. “I invited everyone for dinner.”

Chapter Text

Reo loved his friends. In fact, he took pride in the fact that he had finally built a friend group that didn’t care about his wealth or status. If he had one complaint though? It’d be the fact that not a single one of them could mind their damn business. Hence, the current conversation. 

“If we’re being honest though, Reo could bag anyone he wants, I don’t really see what the issue is here” Bachira shrugged as he dipped his spoon in the ice cream bucket. 

The group (consisting of Reo, Kunigami, Chigiri, Bachira and Yukimiya) had ordered takeout for dinner which later involved Reo ranting about everything that had happened while they ate. Once that was settled, they decided to raid Kunigami’s freezer for any dessert, but when that was a fail, Bachira went on an ice cream run with Chigiri, the two coming back with a pint for each person. 

“Well sure he could get anyone, but the question is, does he want just anyone?” Yukimiya questioned. 

"Finally, a person with reason. Thank you Yukie!” Reo answered. 

“You brought this upon yourself Reo,” Kunigami joined in. “You sure there isn’t anyone you could ask?” 

“My social circle’s limited to the people in this room.” 

“Says Mr. Popular,” Chigiri mocked. “You have lines of people wanting to be your friend, it shouldn’t be that hard.” 

“But they’re all greedy pieces of shit.” Reo whined. “Back me up Yukie, you get it!” 

“Well not to your extreme but yeah, I get it. They’re not people you feel comfortable telling anything too, and I don’t blame you.” 

“See?” Reo looked over at Chigiri who just sighed in defeat.

“Well you know who I could ask?” Bachira popped in. Everyone turned to look at him as he pulled out his phone. “Isagi.” 

“Nope. No way. Isn’t he your boyfriend?!?” Reo gawked at Bachira’s willingness to even share Isagi. 

“I’m not gonna ask Isagi to date you idiot! Isagi’s mine.” Okay that made more sense. “But Isagi basically knows the whole world, and everyone likes him, so I’m sure he knows people.” 

“He would be the one to know who to ask.” Kunigami answered. “What’s he up to right now?” 

“Not much, I think I’m gonna go see him after this.” 

“If he’s free, then just invite him over right now.” Yukimiya suggested. “I kinda wanna see where this goes.” Bachira nodded at that and typed away seeing if Isagi would answer. 

“Well why can’t I just date one of you guys?” Reo asked. 

The room burst into laughter. 

“Reo, who knew you were so funny.” Bachira joked. 

“Sorry hun, I don’t go out with my exes again. You know what they say, once and done.” Yukimiya shrugged.

“We never dated!” Reo exclaimed. To which Yukimiya eyed him. “Okay we dated in first grade, but that doesn’t count!” Reo whined. 

“It does to me. You were my first heartbreak” Yukimiya teased him. “Plus, you and I don’t go together like that.” 

“Reo, I hate to break it to you, but you dating one of us is about as believable as pigs flying.” 

“I hate all of you.” 

Before the conversation continued, Bachira lifted up his phone to show everyone a text from Isagi. “Yoichi’s on his way!”

****

Since the five of them couldn’t figure out who Reo should go out with, they decided to fight over how Reo should hard launch his boyfriend. They were so entranced in their conversations that nobody seemed to notice the knock at the door. So Isagi knocked again, and this time it was Bachira who opened the door.

“Yoichi!!” He pulled him into a hug. “Hurry up,” Bachira dragged him into the kitchen where everyone was gathered, “we’re trying to figure out how to soft launch Reo’s boyfriend to the world!” 

“Hard launch!” Chigiri yelled. “We’re hard launching this relationship! Reo doesn’t need any soft launches.” 

Isagi got along fairly well with everyone but he had to admit he was closest to Bachira and Chigiri from this group, so he had no idea Reo even had a boyfriend, or so he thought. “Reo, you have a boyfriend?” 

Reo tilted his head at the question. “Huh? Of course I don’t, Bachira would’ve told you by now.” 

“My bad my bad,” Bachira interrupted, “I didn’t totally fill him in.” 

The group collectively oh’ed at the response. 

“Well long story short, Reo needs a pretend boyfriend, and you know everyone, so help us find him one.” Chigiri explained.

“Huh??” This didn't clear much up for him. 

After realizing Isagi remained totally lost, they decided to give him a few more details, emphasizing that he was their last hope in finding someone quickly for Reo.

“Well I guess that makes enough sense, but me?!?” Isagi questioned their judgement in this situation.  

“Is there anyone else in here that talks to half the campus?” 

“I’d say Reo does too…” Isagi almost whispered his response. 

“Yeah but he doesn’t count that, so you’re up.” Yukimiya talked, “and give him preferably someone taller, with nice facial structure, compli-“

“Alright quit yapping model. That literally doesn’t matter to me” Reo interrupted. 

Yukimiya eyed him. 

“Okay, maybe it matters a little but this is fake so it doesn’t count!” He answered. Isagi wasn't totally sure if he even knew what Reo's tyoe would be, but from the gist of it he figured he could set Reo up with someone. “So can you help?” 

“I'll try; but first explain to me, what are you looking for?” 

“Someone that’s a guy (obviously), willing to go along with this fake relationship, and not an asshole that wants to use the Mikage name. If he wants money then maybe I could do that, but Id honestly just prefer someone that doesn’t care about the whole status thing.” That seemed pretty reasonable in his mind. 

“Hm, ok, let me name a few people and you guys tell me what you think.” 

“Aryu” Isagi didn’t think Aryu would be Reo’s type, but if he had to think of someone flamboyant enough to be a boyfriend, then maybe.

“No.” Chigiri immediately answered. “Next.” 

“Tokimitsu?” 

“He’s too anxious,” Kunigami reasoned. “Wouldn’t help your stress levels,” he looked over at Reo. 

“Zantetsu.” 

“He’s a little too spaced out for this don’t you think?” Yukimiya answered. “Though if we can’t find anyone else, he’d be alright…” 

“Isagi, you’re literally naming the whole soccer roster.” Reo pointed out. 

“Well do you want my help or not?” 

“Sorry, go on.” 

Isagi let out a small laugh before his next choice, “how about Barou?" He knew this would be a hard no, but he brought it up anyway just to see everyone's reactions. 

“Absolutely not!” Reo immediately shut that one down. “There are few people I know I couldn’t date, and he’s one of them.” 

“Wait, let’s try for someone not on the soccer team, that way it’s not suspicious that a relationship sprung out of nowhere.” Kunigami suggested. 

“Genius.” Reo grinned, “see, this is why you’re the group favorite!” 

“How about Gagamaru?” Isagi continued to suggest.

“I don’t feel like we’d click…” Reo answered. 

The more Isagi kept naming names, the more Reo wanted to crawl into a whole and never come out. The situation was growing to a hopeless state, but his thoughts were quickly cut off by Isagi again. 

“Hm.” Isagi had thought to himself for a moment who reo would appreciate. Someone he could mold into any situation, someone that could adapt to any scenario a Mikage could throw at him, someone that would excel as Reo’s right hand man. 

Realistically, Isagi couldn’t think of anyone. 

However, he knew of one person that might fit the bill. It was a long shot, but from what he knew, this man was really carefree and had the capabilities of fitting Reo's description. So it was worth a shot.

“Hey Reo, do you know Nagi Seishirou?” 

“Who?” 

“You got a picture Isagi?” Chigiri asked. 

“No, but I have his number. We took history together and he’ll text me every now and then.” 

“Do you think he’d do it?” 

“Well you said no to everyone else, so he’s your best shot.” 

“Is he cute?” Chigiri asked.

Thinking back to Yukimiya’s words, Isagi thought about his answer carefully. “He’s intriguing.”

“So he’s ugly.” Chigiri corrected him. 

“Nagi…” that name sounded so familiar to Bachira. For a moment he sat in silence trying to remember where he knew him from. Then it clicked. “He’s not ugly!!” Bachira shouted. He just remembered where he’d seen Nagi. “I think it’s a perfect match babe, let’s set them up!” 

“Hey, remember this is fake!” Reo emphasized, “but if you wanna set it up, I won’t stop you.” 

“Going into this blind, that’s bold.” Kunigami said. 

“Well for Isagi’s sake, if this works out, I’ll pay for one of your date nights.” He motioned his hand back and forth between Isagi and Bachira.

“With what price limit?” Isagi questioned.

“No price limit.” 

Isagi beamed at those words. His and Bachira's anniversary was coming up anyway so this would be perfect. “Man, you better like Nagi.” 

Chapter Text

Nagi Seishiro. Currently he didn’t have any real aspirations in life. As unfortunate as that sounded, he was content with it. In his mind it just meant he didn’t have to be disappointed by the way his life would end up turning out. It could be said he lived on autopilot, waking up, attending class, sleeping through class, yet passing the class; that was his routine. All he knew was that he was somehow really good at history (hence why he picked the major) and that he wanted to eventually make more money to live comfortably in his own home. So maybe he did have a goal, to gain money, but it was an attainable goal, the chance of disappointment was slim to none. 

A small part of him wishes he had a roommate. Life was a bit dull at the moment, I mean he had his friend Barou, but he was always busy with soccer and Nagi himself didn’t even know if they considered each other friends, but interacting with him was always interesting. Then there was Isagi. He liked Isagi, he knew that Isagi could hold a conversation that didn’t require much effort from him, but he wouldn’t call Isagi a close friend either; Isagi was just someone that motivated him in school for a bit. He could say Isagi was his friend though. 

For the most part, Nagi Seishiro kept to himself. 

Now here he was, laying in bed binge watching the latest season of Jujutsu Kaisen when all of a sudden his phone goes off. It was a message notification. 

From Isagi.

"Hey, wanna hang out with me and a couple of my friends?” 

It may be a good idea he thought to himself, but ultimately, he had already chosen what he wanted to do for the night. If there's a next time then it'd be a maybe. 

“Right now? No thanks. Watching TV.”

Isagi was quick to answer. 

“Obviously not right now, how about tomorrow?? We just wanna hang out at my place, you in?.” 

That didn’t sound like a horrible thought. 

“Time?” 

“When are you free?” 

“After 3” 

“Then we can meet at 7, how’s that?” 

“Ok.” 

In hindsight, Nagi should’ve asked him who’d be there, but there was no time for that right now. This was strange though, usually he spent his Friday’s at home right after his discussion lab, talking to Choki (his pet cactus) about his day, but tomorrow would be different, he’d be at Isagi’s with other people. 

“Maybe this is what I need Choki.” 

***

The next morning Reo called Isagi immediately before class to make sure everything went according to plan. He had already gotten the information he needed from Ba-Ya, but without a boyfriend, there's no point in even meeting her. He hopes Isagi got a hold of Nagi, if not, he might have to ask Zantetsu or beg Yukimiya for mercy because god knows the rest of his friends were not options. “So did you ask him?” he asked over the phone. 

“Isn’t that your job?” Isagi answered. 

Reo made a pout which Isagi could practically see despite being on the other side of the phone. “Yeah okay, fair enough. Do you think he’d wanna meet up though?” 

“He already agreed.” Isagi reassured him. 

“Really? I thought you didn’t ask him! This is great! Definitely a good sign.” 

“Reo I didn’t tell him anything about the deal, I just told him to come over later to hangout with friends. The whole boyfriend thing is up to you, so he has no idea what’s going on.” 

"You know what, that's good enough. I'm a pretty convincing person anyway." 

Isagi chuckled at Reo's response. "I don't doubt it, good luck Reo." 

***

Nagi didn’t realize how late seven actually was. Well actually he didn’t consider seven to be late, but usually by seven he’d be back home ready to just stay in for the rest of the weekend. Instead, he was getting ready to hang out with people he wasn't even sure he knew. Hopefully they weren't weird. Though if they were, he wouldn't really care. 

“On my way.” 

He figured he’d text Isagi he was on his way because when they’d study together, Nagi would often forget they had plans and not show up, so Isagi now makes him text every time to ensure Nagi would be there. 

“Sounds good !” 

About twenty minutes passed before he stood outside Isagi’s apartment. 

So he knocked.

Chapter Text

Soccer practice ended at six. 

That meant Isagi had an hour to get home, drop his stuff off and pull something together for his friends… but on second thought, taking a hot shower sounded way nicer right now; he’d just order his friends a pizza or something. 

After settling down at his place, Isagi made sure the place was clean and stocked with snacks because knowing his friends, that’s the first thing they’d ask for. Once everything was good to go, all he had to do was wait for Nagi to text him he was on his way. 

“ On my way .” 

“ Sounds good !” 

Isagi knew Nagi would be the first to arrive. Since practice had just ended, he didn’t expect everyone to come rushing over, which was probably for the best (he didn’t want his place smelling like B.O). 

Soon enough, he heard a knock at the door; though what he wasn’t expecting was for Barou to be at the other end of it instead of Nagi, especially this fast after practice. Though to be fair, they basically lived across the street from each other, so he wasn’t far. From Isagi’s memory, he had only invited everyone that was at Kunigami’s yesterday, plus Nagi, so the question still stood, why was Barou at his place?

“Barou? What’s up?” Maybe someone had invited him, but the only person who’d do that would maybe be Nagi, or it was a long shot but it could’ve been Chigiri too. 

“ I came to pick up that textbook you borrowed from me.” 

“Oh yeah!” That made more sense. “Come in!” Isagi let the other in as he went to retrieve the book from his room. 

Soon enough he came back with the economics textbook at hand. “This the one?” 

“Obviously.” Barou answered as he got up to grab it from Isagi. “Thanks.” 

“Sure!” Isagi smiled. It was then he remembered Nagi would be showing up any minute now, and he realized it may be awkward for Nagi to be left to socialize in a room full of people he didn’t know. It might be best for Barou to stay… “So got any plans tonight?” 

“Not really,” Barou answered. “I think I’m gonna head home and study.” He began walking toward the front door of Isagi’s apartment to leave, but Isagi quickly stopped him. 

“You’re insane.” Isagi deadpanned. “You should join us today!” 

“Who’s us?” the other questioned. It wasn’t unlikely for Isagi to have people over, but it was unlikely for Barou to want to stay.  

“I’m having a few friends come over in a bit, they wanna meet Nagi.” Isagi explained. 

“Huh? Who in the right mind wants to meet that idiot?” Barou questioned, though it seems he was okay with staying longer as he turned around and took a seat on Isagi’s couch. 

“If I told you Mikage Reo wanted to date him would you believe me?”

“The fuck?” Barou indeed didn’t believe him, but now he would definitely stay just to see how it is that Nagi of all people managed to grab the attention of a Mikage. 

Isagi spent the next few minutes explaining what happened yesterday to Barou. The other was mostly taking jabs at Isagi for suggesting Nagi in the first place, but before Isagi could defend Nagi, there was another knock at the door. 

“Speak of the devil.” Isagi got up to open the door, leaving Barou in the living room. 

“Nagi!” 

“Hey.” Was all the other said before walking in. It wasn’t till Isagi closed the door behind him that Nagi realized there wasn’t anyone else here but Barou. “I thought you said a couple friends, Isagi. All I see is a bother” 

“Shut up.” Barou responded, though there was no ill intent in either of their tones. 

“Well practice ended at six, so they’re running a little late.” Isagi reassured him. 

“Oh, okay.” 

Nagi ended up taking a seat on the same couch as Barou. “Who’s coming?”

“Uhhh, you remember Bachira right?” Isagi asked. 

Nagi stared at him blankly as if Isagi could read his mind, but when he realized that wasn’t working, he answered. “Who?” 

“My boyfriend?” 

Nagi thought long and hard about when Isagi mentioned his boyfriend. It was then he remembered seeing someone wait for Isagi outside their history class every friday. “Yellow highlights?” 

“Yeah, him.” 

“Anyone else?” 

“Well there’s Chirigi, Kunigami, Reo, and Yukimiya.” 

“Huh, I dunno any of them. I might just be on my phone.” Nagi pulled out his phone and started playing games. 

“You’re unreal.” Isagi sighed. 

Barou took the initiative and hit Nagi in the back of the head, causing him to drop his phone. 

“Ow, what was that for idiot?” 

“Isagi had the decency to invite you to meet others and you’re gonna play games on your phone?” Quite frankly Barou didn’t care if Nagi socialized or not, but from what Isagi told him, it would make for a more interesting night if Nagi decided to follow Reo’s lead.

“Well I’ll talk if they talk to me, but there’s no one here right now.” Nagi frowned. 

“Whatever, go back to your games.” Isagi handed him back his phone from the floor, “but as soon as someone’s here, I’m watching you.”

“Wow, so scary.” Nagi spoke in such a monotone voice that Isagi was almost offended. 

Before Isagi could even answer, there was another knock at the door. “I cannot catch a break today.” He whispered, but he was actually excited to see what would happen. He opened the door only to be ambushed immediately by his boyfriend, Chigiri and Kunigami waking in soon after. 

“So where is he?” Chigiri asked, not even giving Isagi a second glance. 

“Maybe try not to be so obvious.” Kunigami whispered, though he himself also wanted to know what Nagi looked liked. 

Chigiri nodded as he looked around for another second before landing on Barou, and then he saw the white hair next to Barou. “Hey, what’s your name?” He went up to him, taking a seat beside him. 

“Nagi. You?” 

Chigiri grinned. “Chigiri.” 

“Hey Chigiri, where are Reo and Yukimiya?” Isagi asked as he looked out the front door.

“Oh, they’re finding parking somewhere, so they’re on their way over.” Bachira answered for him as Chigiri was still staring at Nagi. 

Nagi had never seen Chigiri nor the other guy before. However, the one with the pink hair was staring an awful lot, it felt like he was being analyzed. The best course of action would be to break the silence. “And you?” He looked at the one with orange hair who took a seat slightly further away. 

“Kunigami Rensuke.”

Before Nagi could even try and think of starting another conversation, Chigiri asked “So what’s your type Nagi?” 

“Really Hyoma? That’s your opening question?” Kunigami question. 

“Hey, I gotta look out for my boy!”

“I think your boy’s able to judge for himself.” Barou added pointing to the door, and as if on cue, Nagi looks up to see two more people walk through the door. Though in his eyes, only one person stood out. 

Nagi had never been intrigued by other people before. In fact, whenever he was, it was usually due to them trying to start a conversation with him and him not knowing why. This was different though. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to know his name. Isagi had definitely told him his name already but right now he couldn’t remember.

—-----

4 minutes earlier: 

“Yukimiya hurry up.” Reo whined as they got out of the parked car. 

“Hey, I gave you a ride here, I could easily strand you here later.” 

“Fine, fine.” Reo laughed. “I’m kind of nervous, is that normal?” 

“I think it’s okay to be nervous, I mean nothing about this situation is normal.” The two went up the stairs that lead to Isagi’s apartment. 

The closer they got, the more Reo realized he didn’t know how to approach the question. Would Nagi even be someone Reo would want as a boyfriend? What if Nagi felt uncomfortable with this whole idea? It didn’t matter, because the door to Isagi’s place was wide open, so he and Yukimiya had no choice but to immediately walk in. 

That’s when he saw him. 

Nagi was a lot taller than he’d imagined. He also was anything but ugly. In fact, Nagi nearly took Reo’s breath away. He found Nagi immediately intriguing, and now he was hoping Nagi would say yes to his proposal. 

—----

Chigiri turned to see Reo at the door but instantly turned back to see Nagi already staring at the other. If he didn’t know Reo any better, he’d say Reo has a bit of a crush already, but what took him by surprise is the fact that Nagi seemed interested too. 

Once Nagi felt Chigiri’s stare again, he decided to just look back at him and answer his question to move on. “I don’t have a type.” 

“Come on, I’m sure you do.” Chigiri teased. “There’s gotta be something you like.” 

Reo instantly picked up on the conversation and couldn’t help but grab Yukimiya in order to shut the door and go sit with the group. He hadn’t even introduced himself but he wanted to hear Nagi’s answer. 

“Hm.” Nagi couldn’t help but notice the way everyone paused their conversations to listen to his answer. Was he really that interesting? He didn’t think so, but if they wanted some honesty- “I don’t really care for any specifics, if I think you’re pretty then there’s that, but even that isn’t super important to me.” 

“So not even any preferences? You swing all ways?” 

“Oh.” Nagi hadn’t thought of it much, but he was pretty sure he only liked men. “I don’t think I like girls, but again, who am I to say.” 

“You. You’re the one to say.” Isagi jumped in. 

“Hm.” Is all Nagi could say. 

If Nagi had truly answered honestly, he’d say he didn’t care for any specific physical attributes but that he preferred a boyfriend on the nicer side; more importantly he’d want someone that takes care of the small bothersome tasks for him. For example, he hated peeling fruit, if someone ever did that for him, he’d appreciate it more than any bouquet of flowers. Except with his social skills, finding that might be hard.

“Any other questions?” Nagi asked. “Or can I ask?” 

“He’s being surprisingly social.” Barou whispered to Isagi who just nodded in agreement. 

“By all means, go ahead Nagi.” Chigiri grinned. “I like you, I think this could work.” 

Kunigami sighed at Chigiri’s forwardness. 

“What could work?” Nagi now asked. 

“Ignore him.” Reo interrupted. “I think he’s missing a screw today.” He shot Chigiri a glare. 

“Okay.” Nagi wanted to know more about the guy talking to him right now. He didn’t have a reason, but at the very least he’d get a name. “What’s your name?” 

“Reo.” 

“Just Reo?” Nagi didn’t know why he kept asking. 

“Yeah.” He had no idea if Nagi already knew who he was or not, he wouldn’t be surprised, but to his amazement, Nagi went with it. 

“Reo. It suits you.” If that got a small blush out of Reo, he’d never confess to it. 

Nagi on the other hand was proud of himself for at the very least getting a name out of the other. He didn’t care as much about everyone else.
“Reo switch spots with me.” Chigiri spoke as he got up. 

“Huh? Why?” 

“I wanna be closer to Rensuke,” that was a lie. “Come on, Nagi won't bite. Right?” He looked over at Nagi for reassurance. 

“Biting is too much of a hassle.” 

“Well alright then,” Reo moved over to sit next to Nagi on the couch while Chigiri went over to Yukimiya and Kunigami. 

Soon enough everyone broke out into their own conversations again. Kunigami Yukimiya and Bachira left in order to go pick up food for everyone, meanwhile Barou, Chigiri and Isagi debated on whether to go get ice cream or not, leaving Nagi and Reo on their own. 

“Talk to me Reo.” Nagi couldn’t let today be another failed attempt at talking to others. He felt bad that Choki was the only living being that he could ramble too, so maybe this would change things. 

“Okay. What do you wanna know?” To Nagi, it’s amazing that Reo didn’t mind the question at all. 

“I don’t know… What’s your major?” Socializing was hard. 

Reo laughed. He couldn’t lie, he was definitely intimidated by Nagi at first, but the more time he spends with him, the more he realizes that Nagi’s just a little introverted. That was fine by him. 

“That’s the best question you could come up with?” 

“Coming up with questions is hard…” 

“I guess so,” Reo agreed with him, “but if that’s the case, then we can talk about something else.” 

“Reo, do you have a last name?” 

“Yeah, do you have a first name Nagi?” 

“It’s Seishirou.” 

“Seishirou. It suits you.” Reo remembered that line from earlier, and this time it was Nagi who was caught by surprise. 

“Okay, now you.” 

“Ugh, how about you ask me anything else?” He hadn’t thought about a way to tell Nagi he was a Mikage, but in his defense, everyone basically knew by now.

“What? Are you famous or something Reo?” 

“And if I am?” 

“It doesn’t change anything to me, you’re still Reo.” His response was everything Reo had hoped for. 

He had just met Nagi, but already he felt as if they were in their own little world. He didn’t want Zantetsu, and despite his previous efforts, he didn’t want Yukimiya either; no, he wanted Nagi. Nagi Seishirou was his goal. 

“So how familiar are you with Mikage Corp?” 

“The billionaire company?” Nagi questioned. “I know they’re filthy rich, but besides that not a lot.” Nagi might be a little slow at times, but he was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for, so started putting the pieces together. “Are you the guy’s son or something?”

“Yeah.” 

“Cool.” 

That’s it? Reo went through the trouble of hiding who he was, only for Nagi to not care? 

“You know Nagi, don’t change..” Reo couldn’t help but smile. 

“Wasn’t planning on it.” 

Their conversation fell to a short silence before Reo mustered up the courage to finally bring it up to Nagi. “Hey Nagi.” 

“Hm?” 

“Wanna go outside for a bit?”

“Not really, but we can go I suppose.” 

Reo felt guilty for already dragging Nagi away from his comfortable seat, but even if Nagi turned out to be a good friend, he needed to get out of his own mess first. “Great!” Reo got up first and started walking towards the door, “we’re gonna head out for a moment guys.” 

He pretended to ignore the stares he got from his friends (especially Kunigami), but he’d rather deal with stares than his friends listening in on probably the most awkward conversation he’d have with a semi stranger (after all they just met). 

Once the both of them reached the outside of Nagi’s apartment, Reo decided they should go for a walk. The walk was more so to hide the fact that he was nervous and needed to move a bit to get the nerves out. Fortunately for him, Nagi didn’t seem to pick up on that and just went along with it.

Nagi on the other hand had no idea what Reo wanted to do, but so far Reo was interesting, so he couldn’t help but go along. 

The two ended up walking a few blocks with some small talk in between before they reached a small park and Nagi suggested taking a seat on the bench, to which Reo agreed and decided it was time. 

“So Nagi.” 

“Hm?” 

“I know this is really sudden but I have a favor to ask you.” 

“Oh.” Nagi liked Reo as a person, but he wasn’t sure they were at the point of doing each other favors. “What is it?” 

“If I were to ask you to pretend to be my boyfriend, would you say yes?” 

“Pretend?” Could a Mikage not get a partner of their own? “What for?” 

“Look, it’s a long story-” 

Nagi cut him off, “I have time". 

Reo looked at Nagi who stared at him with his full attention, so Reo explained the whole ordeal. He hid no detail in hopes that the other would sympathize with him and say yes. 

“but yeah, I think that’s it.” 

Nagi, despite his careless nature, listened to every word Reo had to say, and as much as he felt for him, he also knew this would probably lead to no good. “I don’t know Reo, it seems like a lot of effort”. 

An ‘i don’t know’ wasn’t a no, so Reo kept trying. “It won’t be a lot, I promise you. I won't drag you to anything you don’t want to, as long as you promise you’ll meet with me and this girl, but even then, I promise you I’ll try not to bother you with anything I don’t need to.” 

The thought of spending more time with Reo was definitely not a bad one, but would he really be up to pretending to date a Mikage? 

“How long would I have to date you for?” He couldn't get Reo's proposal out of his mind. Especially because of all people, it was Nagi he chose. 

“Until she backs off.” 

“What do I get out of this?” 

“Whatever you want. I will be the best fake boyfriend you’ll ever have.” 

“Hm, well if you’ll do most of the work then it shouldn’t be too bad.” Nagi couldn’t help but be curious as to what Reo would be like in this situation. If it isn’t for that long, then it shouldn’t be troublesome. 

“Is that a yes?” Reo’s eyes were practically pleading for a yes with the amount of intent they held while staring at Nagi.

“If you promise me that this relationship won’t derail my life, then yeah, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” Reo's persistence had worn Nagi down. He could only hope he'd made the right choice. 

Reo immediately wrapped his arms around Nagi in a hug; words couldn’t describe the relief he was feeling at this moment. Nagi didn’t expect Reo to hug him, but since they were now ‘dating’, it’s only logical that this kind of stuff would happen.

“I promise you I’ll do my best to keep you happy Nagi.”

"I believe you Reo."  

For the first time, even if it were fake, Nagi felt himself being swept away by a boy he'd just met. 

Chapter Text

Reo Mikage:

Hey Akane! It’s Reo

Look I’m really sorry about everything but I do want to clear things up. Would you be okay with meeting over coffee sometime?

Akane Watari:

Reo. I figured I’d hear from you. 

How’s tomorrow? I can’t wait to see you ;)

Reo Mikage:

I can do tomorrow at three, but don’t get your hopes up. 

Akane Watari:

That’s fine by me, I’ll see you then. 

—---

After asking Nagi to go along with his plan, the two had exchanged numbers and Reo got a good idea of what Nagi’s schedule looked like. 

His plan was simple. Nagi would only have to come get coffee with him and Akane in order to clear up the ‘misunderstanding’. Once that was done, the two of them would just fake being together for a few more days before ultimately ‘breaking up’ in a lowkey manner that wouldn’t interfere with their social lives. 

Reo had originally thought of going public with his relationship, but his father had thought it over and said as long as Akane backed off, then no further action would be necessary, and Reo agreed. It'd be easier on Nagi that way too. However, his father disagreed on the time for the breakup, but to not inconvenience Nagi, Reo convinced his father to let them end sooner rather than later. 

Now all he had to do was inform Nagi to clear his schedule for tomorrow, though based on what Reo knew, that wouldn’t be an issue for the other. 

—----

Reo: 

Hey, tomorrow at 3 Akane agreed to meet with us, is that ok?

Nagi: 

Yeah

Reo:

Great! Thank you again, if you want anything at all tomorrow it’s my treat 

Nagi: 

Thanks 

—----

The next day:

Reo and Nagi decided to meet about an hour before they had to meet Akane. It was important to Reo that he and Nagi were on the same page on what their stories would be and how they’d act. So currently Reo and Nagi sat in Reo’s car waiting in the parking lot. 

“Okay, just to clarify, if she asks how we met-”

“We say it’s through mutual friends,” Nagi finished the thought as he sipped on an iced tea that Reo had brought him as a thank you. 

“Yeah, and if at any point she doesn’t believe us we just-”

“Crank up the PDA.” Nagi finished again. “I think I get it Reo.”

“Well you say you get it, but I still can’t tell if you do.” Reo leaned back into the driver's seat as he let out a sigh, to which Nagi took that as a sign to prove he did understand Reo. 

Despite not being in the presence of anyone but themselves, Nagi lifted himself from the passenger seat and leaned closer to Reo, using his right hand to grab his jaw as if he were about to kiss the other, only to stop himself millimeters away from him. 

“Don’t worry Reo, I got it.” 

“Okay, I guess you have the hang of it.” Reo smiled into his touch. 

Nagi soon let go and relaxed into the car seat again. He didn’t really have many questions, but they still had time to kill; maybe it was time to get to know each other. Reo was clearly thinking the same thing as he soon struck up a conversation with Nagi that was unrelated to the Akane situation. 

“If I hadn’t dragged you into this, what would you be doing right now Nagi?” 

“Probably talking to Choki.” 

“Who’s Choki?” 

“My pet cactus.”

Reo couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “I want to say I’m surprised you chose a cactus as a pet, but I can't imagine you having any other pet.” 

“Wanna meet Choki?” 

“Can I?” 

“Sure, she’d probably like you.” 

“I mean I’d hope so.” 

The two kept talking about little things, from childhood pets to favorite foods. It’s here that Reo learned Nagi liked lemon tea (which Reo noted as he got him peach tea this time), that his favorite hobby is playing video games, and that he lived alone. 

Nagi also learned a lot about Reo. He learned that Reo’s also in love with soccer (he still didn’t get what was special about it), that Reo didn’t like sweet potatoes, and that for a rich guy, Reo just liked the simple things in life.

The two found themselves entrapped in their own conversation again that they almost didn’t notice it was time to meet Akane inside the cafe. 

“Come on Nagi, it’s time.” 

Once the two made it inside, they sat in a small booth within eyesight of the entrance so that Akane would be able to spot them soon and vice versa. 

Akane ended up walking in about three minutes later and immediately spotted Reo, but made a sour face at the sight of Nagi. She quickly fixed her facial expression, ordered a coffee and sat across from the other two. 

“I didn’t realize you were bringing a friend, Mikage.” She gave Nagi an ingenuine smile that rubbed him the wrong way. 

“Actually that’s what I wanted to talk to you about Akane.” Reo began to try and fix his dilemma. “That night when we met, I was really drunk, and that isn’t an excuse for the way I acted towards you, but I wanted to tell you I didn’t reject you because I didn't like you-”

Nagi wasn’t sure how he felt about Reo’s wording. 

“- I think you’re lovely Akane.” Reo’s words made Akane blush. 

“Go on.” She smiled at Reo in an attempt to charm him again. 

“And I didn’t mean to be so rude when we interacted. I don’t really remember what I said to you, but from what I was told, I should’ve never acted that way towards you; so again I’m sorry, but I stand by my answer. I can’t go out with you.” 

“And why’s that?” 

“Well I can’t be with you because it wouldn’t be fair to you, I don’t have the same feelings towards you. In fact, that day I was waiting for my boyfriend to come get me.” He looked at Nagi. 

“Boyfriend?!?” Akane almost spilled her coffee. 

“Yes, I’m sorry but I’m already taken by Seishirou here.” Akane was so in shock she turned to look at Nagi as if she were looking for confirmation, and Nagi felt as if his only option was to confirm her thoughts.

“Yeah.” Nagi spoke up, wrapping an arm around Reo. “I’m his boyfriend.”

“I see.” 

“I think it’s within our best interests if we just let the night go and move on.” 

“Mikage, as much as I respect your relationship, I can’t help but feel as if you’re not being honest.” She had noticed how natural the two looked together, but if Mikage really had a partner before their interaction, she would have known. She had eyes everywhere and had never been informed of Mikage being in a relationship.

“What reason do I have to lie?” 

“We both know you’ve never been spotted anywhere with him, so why should I believe you? Could it be you’re using him in order to get out of trouble?” 

Reo was prepared for a situation like this. “Akane. You and I both know how daunting it is to have your life on display all the time, and while I like Nagi more than anyone else in this world, I can’t help but want to hide our relationship from the media. After all, I don’t want to bother Nagi with all this publicity. You should know how that feels.” 

Akane understood, but at the same time, she didn’t want all her efforts to go to waste. “Well if that’s the case, who’s to say the relationship won’t be leaked by mistake?” Akane smiled, “I think it’s highly probable that someone may accidentally let it slip that Mikage-san is taken by a boy with zero status at that.” She paused. “Though I suppose if you want to keep your relationship a secret, we could pretend to go out if you wanna hide whatever this is.” She pointed back and forth between Nagi and Reo. 

Nagi had had enough, he already disliked this Akane girl. While he hadn’t known Reo for very long, he knew Reo wouldn’t want to do something that low. He also knew Reo could very much handle himself, in fact, he wouldn’t be surprised if Reo had a plan to shut everything down at this very moment, but he couldn’t help but want to do more in this little time they had together. 

“Akane was it?” Nagi spoke up, which made Reo turn in surprise to look directly at Nagi. 

“Yes?” 

“I think it’s time you let Reo go.” 

“What, are you scared he’ll fall for me in the process? I’m only trying to do your relationship a favor…” She had forgotten his name already. 

“Nagi. It’s Nagi to you.” 

“Nagi, I’m only trying to help you out here.”

Nagi sighed before continuing to speak. “Well I don’t consider you competition. Quite frankly, you don’t come close to a threat. So I believe Reo apologized to you and that’s that, but if it bothers you that much, I’ll just go public with our relationship myself. There’s no need to burden you with a fake relationship Akane. Besides, you wouldn’t want the public finding out you couldn’t land a real boyfriend, would you?”

“Seishirou…” Reo whispered, as if a cue for him to stop, but Nagi was already forming his next thought. 

“Unless you want to be seen as the Watari heir that either broke up Mikage corp’s first openly gay relationship, or you want to be known as the heir that couldn’t keep a Mikage because he’d be caught with me.” 

Akane’s expression dropped as she stared down Nagi. She wasn’t sure what to say, she wasn’t expecting Nagi to be so forward with her. When she had first gotten here, he almost seemed careless about the whole situation, but this was different. “I see.” 

Reo had no idea what was gonna come after this. What he did know was now he and Nagi had to go public, because if word of this conversation got out and Reo indeed didn’t have Nagi by his side, then he’d look like an even bigger jerk to Akane. He truly didn’t want to hurt her, so his biggest priority was making sure no one felt betrayed in this situation.

“Akane I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I may already have, but as Nagi said, it would be unwise for us to be seen together from now on. Is there anything else you want to talk about?” 

“I don’t think so Mikage, I think you're right. From now on, let’s be on good terms. No stories leaked, and no bad press for either of us.” She took a deep breath and stood up to leave. “I won't force you to go public either, you both seem to care about each other very much.  A lot more than I initially thought.” 

Akane left the cafe with her head held high, she thought she knew what the outcome of today would be, but seeing Nagi react like that at the thought of Reo’s suffering made her rethink her choices. She wanted to date Mikage solely for business purposes but if this is the path Mikage chose, she had to respect that for the moment. 

On the other hand, this was the best outcome Reo could’ve hoped for. It meant he didn’t have to bother Nagi for much longer and they could go back to being friends. Reo liked Nagi, he thought Nagi was unlike anyone he’d ever met before, so he didn’t want to lose him by bothering him with his issue for longer than intended. 

“Alright Nagi, we should head out too." 

Nagi nodded and followed Reo to his car. Once the two settled in, Reo began driving to Nagi's apartment in order to drop him off, but he had a few things to get off his chest first. 

"I don't know what happened back there, but you didn't have to do that Nagi. I could've handled it." 

"Are you upset that I said something?" Nagi looked over to analyze Reo's facial expression. He noticed Reo didn't seem upset, but he also didn't seem happy with him. 

"No. God no." Reo clarified. "It just took me by surprise that you were so willing to defend me", he smiled. "It was sweet of you to think of me". 

"Well I didn't want you dating anyone else, that'd be more trouble for you anyway." 

The thought of dating anyone else had never even crossed Reo's mind. He was solely focused on how Nagi felt throughout the whole day. When Akane had brought up the possibility of leaking their 'relationship', Reo himself didn't mind the thought, but he knew Nagi wanted this to be a simple situation so he was working on coming up with ways to get Akane off his case. 

"You don't have to worry about me Nagi, I'd much rather you be happy. I dragged you into this mess in the first place." 

"Yeah, but getting to know you hasn't been so bad." 

"Is that your way of saying we're friends?" 

"Mhm."

------

The rest of the car ride was only a few minutes before Reo arrived at Nagi's apartment. Neither of them really wanted to say bye, but Nagi figured he should get out of the car sooner rather than later in order to not bother Reo. 

"You still need to let me meet Choki one of these days." Reo called out as Nagi got out of the car. Nagi turned around to look at Reo as soon as he heard him. 

"Do you want to meet Choki now?" Nagi asked. He wouldn't mind spending the rest of the day with Reo.

"I can't today but next time okay?" Reo didn't want to admit it, but he could technically stay with Nagi, but he also wanted a reason to come visit Nagi another day. A reason unrelated to their pretend relationship. 

"Sounds good, bye Reo." 

"Bye Nagi." 

Chapter Text

The drive home was lonely without Nagi, which felt odd to Reo seeing as that was never the case with his other friends. It was probably due to the friendship being new, but nonetheless in order to not be distracted by his own thoughts, he just turned up the music and headed back to his apartment. 

He got home, texted Nagi that he made it back safely, made food, and now it was time to relax.

His go to routine on a free day like this was setting his phone on do not disturb (with the exception of calls from his close friends and parents), and he usually picked up a book to read but today he felt like going on a run. Maybe one of his friends would even want to go train. He ended up getting ready to go but decided to  to call Yukimiya or Chigiri to see if they’d tag along, but before he could, his phone started ringing. It was a phone call, a call from his father. 

“Hello?” 

“Reo. How are you kid?” 

“I’m alright, I got home a bit ago so I think I’m gonna go train for a bit. Everything okay?” It wasn’t that his father never checked up on him, it was more so his father only tended to check up on him whenever he thought Reo might be in trouble, which he wasn’t. 

“Huh, you’re taking this really well son, I was scared that you’d be overwhelmed.” 

“Why would I be overwhelmed?” Reo thought about any possibility, “did you do something I haven’t seen on the news yet?” 

Reo’s father sighed. “You’ve been offline haven’t you.” 

“Yeah, why?” The more his father didn’t answer, the more irritated Reo became. 

“Have any of your friends called you to check up on you?” 

“No, they haven’t, and I’d really appreciate it if you told me what was going on.” Reo became more agitated the more time passed by. 

“Well I’m not really good at this stuff, especially because you can get a bit… emotional at times.”

“What the hell dad, you’re making no sense!”

“Sorry Reo, look I just wanted to make sure you weren’t stressed right now but I do have to head to a meeting right no-” There were voices in the background of the phone call, and before he knew it his father was saying his goodbye. “Oh, that’s my cue. I have to go but I’ll check in with you later son, I’m sure you’ll be fine though”, and he hung up. 

Before Reo could even process the weirdest phone call he’s had with his father, sure enough, he opened his texts and his phone was bombarded from the group chat he made with his friends. 

Chigiri: Reo I thought you and Nagi weren’t gonna go public anymore

Kunigami: A date in public is bold

Chigiri: Nagi’s acting skills are also so on point, he looks like he wants to get as far away from Akane as possible

Yukimiya: I will say your fit was atrocious Reo. Who told you that looked good?

Bachira: Wow Reo! Your coffee date with Nagi is now all people want to talk about

Reo: tf are you guys talking about? Nagi and I didn’t go public 

What photos?

Chigiri:  oh shit, you don’t know?

Bachira: HOW HAVE YOU NOT SEEN?!?

Yukimiya: Reo, there’s photos of you and Nagi all over the internet right now.

As he read that, Reo immediately hit the call button and prayed his friends were free right now.

“Well well well.” Chigiri was the first to join. 

“Chigiri, what the hell?! Where the fuck are these photos?”

“Social media.” As Chigiri said that, the rest of his friends joined and Reo immediately went on every platform he knew of and sure enough, that was him and Nagi. 

“Heir to the Mikage Corporation hiding secret lover? 

Bachelor Mikage Reo off the market but not by who you think it is

Who is this mystery boyfriend the Mikage Corporation has been hiding?

Selfish Mikage Reo turns down sweet Akane Watari for a nameless nobody??” 

Title after title, all of these companies had Reo and Nagi photographed leaving together from the cafe and even managed to get a photo of them talking with Akane. 

“What the hell guys?”

“I mean you guys look cute together at least!” Bachira tried to reassure him. 

“He’s right, plus wasn’t this essentially what you were going to do anyway? I swear the original plan was to go public with Nagi for a bit.” 

“I mean yeah, but in our own time and with my own statement! These articles are putting words in my mouth. I mean Selfish Mikage Reo turns down Akane for nameless nobody!? Come on, I would not do that.” 

“True. You turned her down for literally nobody.” Kunigami recalled, which got a laugh from everyone but Reo.

“Ha ha. Very funny Kunigami.” 

“Thanks I tried.” 

“So what now?” Yukimiya asked. 

“I don’t have a choice but to own up to it.” 

“Well what’s Nagi thinking ?” Chigiri asked. 

“I doubt he knows, I mean Reo didn’t even know what was going on.” 

“You could’ve called and told me sooner!” Reo answered. 

“I tried, it went to voicemail.” Yukimiya shrugged.

That’s right, his father called him. So his father knew. “Shit. My father warned me about being overwhelmed but I thought it was for something stupid.”

“You’re saying this isn’t stupid?” Chigiri questioned. 

“Shut up.” 

“Me personally, I’d text Nagi right now and figure out what you both wanna do.” Chigiri suggested. 

The rest of the group agreed and Reo had no choice but to agree they were right. “Guys, I feel bad putting him in this position.” 

“If it makes you feel better, it doesn’t look like he hates you” Kunigami spoke. 

“I know, I know.” 

They talked for a few more minutes but eventually they left the call in order to let Reo get ahold of Nagi. 

—----

Reo: 

Have you been online recently?

Nagi: 

I was playing games so not really 

Reo: 

You still playing games? 

Nagi: 

Just finished, I’m kinda hungry now

Reo:

If you let me come over right now I’ll bring food 

Nagi: 

Ok, I’ll leave the door unlocked, let yourself in. 

Chapter Text

Reo quickly rushed over to Nagi’s. Though he could’ve just talked it out over the phone, he figured they should talk in person in order to work out the smaller details of their new plan, visiting Nagi was just a bonus.

So now here he was, climbing up the stairs to Nagi’s apartment with a bag of takeout in his hand. 

Once he reached the door, he remembered Nagi mentioned it’d be unlocked so he let himself in. 

This was the first time Reo had seen the inside of Nagi’s apartment. It was surprisingly a lot cleaner than he’d imagined, and also big for a college student’s apartment, but at the same time, it also felt a little underwhelming. Nagi was a minimalist, at least that’s what it seemed like to Reo. However it suited him. Now for the big question, where was Nagi? 

“Hello?? Nagi??” 

“Reo!” He heard shuffling come from one of the rooms and then the door opened. Nagi came out and walked into the kitchen where Reo stood by the counter. 

“Got your food.” 

“Thanks.” Nagi said before going over to grab it. “Welcome to my home.”

“Thank you for having me, and it’s no problem. Sorry for coming so late by the way.” 

“Don’t be sorry.” Is all Nagi said before sitting by the counter and beginning to eat. “I would’ve said no if it was a hassle, and you brought me food.”

Reo didn’t know how to start the conversation. He was hit with a wave of deja vu remembering the first time he asked Nagi to even join this plan. What did he do then again? Take him on a walk, that’s right… but that won’t work here. 

“So, did you go on social media at all?” 

“Hm, a bit.” Nagi answered. 

“And?” 

“It’s the usual, just gaming updates.”
Maybe it was a little narcissistic, but Reo figured Nagi would’ve at least run into the photos by now. I mean they were the subject of the photos after all, but at the same time, Reo wasn’t as well known as his father. “That’s it?” 

“Was I supposed to see anything else? Did you send me something?” 

“No, I guess not.” Reo was realizing he’d have to explain to Nagi everything that just happened. “Can I ask you something though?” 

“Ok.” 

“Would you be okay with maybe staying together a little longer?” There was a moment of silence between them and before Nagi could even give his answer, Reo’s nerves kicked in and decided he needed to explain himself. “Someone took photos of us at that cafe and decided to confirm our relationship to the public. However I totally understand if you want out, I honestly didn’t think people would be this nosy, especially about my life, but again it would be great if you stayed. Even just a week-”

“Sure.” 

“That’s it?!?” Reo gawked. Nagi was surprisingly very cooperative. 

“When you first asked me to do this, we planned to go public anyway, so I don’t really mind.” 

“Oh.” Reo grinned at the other as he was heavily relieved of any stress he carried. With Nagi by his side, he felt at ease.“You’re truly amazing Nagi.” 

And those words made Nagi look up with wide eyes at the other. The phrase was so simple, and yet he’d never had it spoken to him before. What did Reo see in him? He wanted to know. Up until now, Nagi wasn’t doing anything special, all he was doing was whatever he thought suited the situation best. 

Reo noticed the slight reaction that Nagi had. If he weren’t blinded by his own adoration of the other, maybe he would have noticed the way Nagi looked at him in awe, or the way Nagi probably didn’t even realize he was slightly blushing. “Oh, how’s the food by the way?” 

“Good.” Nagi answered. “I didn’t have to cook, so it’s good.” 

“You cook?” 

“Eh.” 

“Define ‘eh’.” 

“I can make food, but I'd rather not. It’s too time consuming, but following a recipe isn’t hard, if not I just eat jellies.” 

Reo couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “How are you not dead??” 

“I dunno.” Nagi finished his food and threw his trash away, and maybe it was the lack of awareness but he was sure he didn’t see Reo eat anything. “You’re not hungry Reo?” 

“I ate before coming here, but I’ll probably want something in like an hour or two.” In Reo’s mind, he only needed like an hour with Nagi to plan out what to do, then he’d just head home.

“Oh, then let me know and I’ll make you something.” That wasn’t what Reo expected. 

“Are you implying you want me to stay longer?”

“Did you not want to?” Reo definitely wanted to, he just didn’t realize that was an option. 

“Well since you offered, I think I’ll stay”, he grinned. “It works out since I want to talk about a few more details for these next few weeks.”

“Okay.” Nagi never had people over, so to have Reo want to stay meant he was doing something right. “Can we go to the couch though, sitting on these stools is a pain.” 

“It’s your apartment Nagi, we can go wherever you want.” 

“Right.” Was he supposed to know that? Well he did now. “Let’s go then.” 

Nagi settled into the couch and grabbed the remote to put something on in the background while Reo followed soon after. Quickly Reo realized Nagi was not one to shy way from becoming one with the couch. It was adorable in hindsight but in that moment all Reo could think about was deciding how to move forward. 

“We watching a movie?” 

“Yeah, here I’ll let you pick.” 

“Me? Oh I don’t care Nagi, I was hoping we could talk details instead.” 

Nagi ended up just turning off the tv because picking out a movie would be a bother, he’d rather just talk to Reo anyway. “What’s up?” 

“Well now that we’re ‘official’, we should probably start going out and being spotted together outside of our friend groups.” 

“So like what we’re doing now.” 

“Yeah! But more public.” Reo agreed. “We also might have to make a statement-” Nagi frowned at the thought of doing more work, “but I’ll take care of that, don’t worry”

“Oh, okay.” With Reo, Nagi really didn’t have to do much. He was wondering whether Reo treated everyone like this. “What else?” 

“Well I think we can just start there, we just have to look like a couple from now on.” 

Nagi [unlike Reo], had never really had a crush on anyone, let alone dated anyone in the past, so while he knew what a couple should look like, he didn’t really know how to execute it.”What do you want me to do?” 

“Just act like my boyfriend, you know?” 

He didn’t know.

The next 30 minutes consisted of the two of them making up a plan. They decided between the two of them that slight PDA would probably be needed. Reo also convinced Nagi (though Nagi would’ve been onboard anyway) to go out at least once a week on “dates” in order to fully sell their relationship. 

Reo had also decided he’d make a statement by the end of the night confirming their relationship. If they were ever asked about the story of their relationship, [which they probably would be], they agreed to say they met through mutual friends from the soccer team after a game. Nagi would tell Barou and Isagi to go along with it while Reo would tell the rest of his friends, but apart from them, no one would know that their relationship was fake. In the eyes of everyone else, they were truly together. 

“So much information…” Nagi sighed. 

“I know, I’m sorry Nagi.” 

“Don’t be sorry, It’s not your fault.” 

Since the moment they met, Reo was never not amazed by Nagi. He was handling this extremely well, probably a lot better than he would have had the tables been turned.”Okay then, let’s work on that statement.” 

—-----------

Reo Mikage: 

@mikagereo 

I would like to address the photos you’ve all been seeing floating around. Yes, I am in a relationship and I have been for a while. His name is Nagi, and I would prefer you all to let us live our relationship out in peace. I hope you all learn to not bad mouth him because he is my partner, and while that may be shocking to some of you, it’s the reality. To further clarify, there is no bad blood between Watari and I. In fact, we are both adults and would like you to treat us as such. 

—----------

“This looks fine, right?” Reo turned to Nagi and showed him the phone as they still sat on the couch. 

“Mhm, I think so.” Nagi leaned into Reo’s shoulder to take a better look. It was here he noticed this was a lot more comfortable than just sitting normally, so he stayed there. “This is fine right?” 

Reo, being already used to affectionate friends, didn’t think twice about it. “Yeah, we’re technically dating now so you don’t even have to ask.” and Nagi took that as his cue to get even closer. 

“So now what?” 

“I don’t know…”

“Well what do you do for fun?” Nagi asked. It was unusual for him to try and get to know someone, but leaning on Reo already made him so comfortable so he didn’t want to necessarily move. It’d be easier to just keep talking. 

“Hm?” Well It had finally dawned on them that they still didn’t know much about each other apart from whatever they talked about in the car. “I usually keep busy with school, the soccer team, and trying to help out my parents whenever they need me, but I already told you that. You? Anything other than video games?” 

“No.”  Nagi didn’t have any other hobbies if he were honest. “Do you play any?”

“Not really…”

“You should, it’s fun.” 

“Really? I’ve never tried.” 

“Wha?” 

Nagi never wanted to leave his couch when it was comfortable, but this time was different, this time he had an idea. 

Two hours had passed since Nagi dragged reo into his room to play video games on his pc and reo was… well he wasn’t horrible. He started him off with a basic shooter game, had him complete the basic training level and then had reo play against randoms. 

“I almost won, did you see that!!”

“Not bad for your first day reo”

“Are you sure you don’t wanna play Nagi? I feel bad taking up your space”

“Don’t be sorry.” 

“One more round then?” 

“You got it boss.”

“Alright, just let me know if I’m bothering you-“

“You’re not a bother” Nagi was happy Reo wanted to learn more about his hobby, even if it was just video games. 

“oh! Give me more pointers while you’re at it, I’m sure I got it now.” 

“I think so too.”

This time Nagi did as reo said, got up from his bed where he was watching reo and leaned over from behind him, placing his head on Reo’s shoulder.

“Hmm your aim was a little too far to the right on that one.” 

Reo was surprisingly really good at adapting to what Nagi would say. Whenever Nagi corrected something, reo executed it flawlessly the next time. It wasn’t long before

“I WON!” 

“You did it reo”

Reo turned over to Nagi with a smile and Nagi couldn’t help but admire him.

“You did good reo. That was so cool. You were able to pull off anything I said, like… like a chameleon” Nagi was proud of that comparison. 

“Like a chameleon…” Reo was unsure how he felt about that nickname just yet. “That’s good right?”

“Yes. Wanna go another round?”

Reo was about to angree until he realized it was already really late. “I think it’s time I actually get going Nagi.” 

It was strange. Reo’s the one choosing to leave, but at the same time he didn’t want too. 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, I have some homework to finish before going to sleep.” 

“Oh okay.” 

“Let’s do this again tho yeah? This was fun!” 

“Sure, just text me.” Nagi wasn’t good with expressing himself but he’s confident Reo knows he’s welcome whenever. “Let me walk you out tho.” 

Once they were at the door, Reo made sure he had all his stuff with him. “Thanks again for having me on short notice, and feel free to text me too!”

“Got it, bye Reo. Don’t die before I do.” 

“What?”

“It’s an expression I learned from my parents. I dunno, I liked it.”

“Well then let’s not die on each other, Kay?”

“yeah.” 

Nagi Seishiro for the first time felt drawn to somebody. Hanging out with Reo was the opposite of a pain, it was fun. 

Mikage Reo was terrified of having to pretend to date someone, until he met Nagi. Nagi was everything and more. 

Chapter Text

It’s been nearly three weeks since he’s started dating Nagi, and to Reo it was the easiest thing in the world. He’s made it a habit to stop by Nagi’s every other day and Nagi even started coming over to Reo’s on weekends when they both weren’t busy. 

Reo’s made it his personal mission to bring over a piece of decor, or a small gift every time he goes over to Nagi’s just to add a bit of life in his opinion, while Nagi who didn’t catch on to what Reo was doing, felt bad Reo kept getting him things, so he got him a plant the first time he had gone over. 

“You should name him. Like Choki.”

“What about eve?” 

“Who names their plant eve?”

“Sei?”

“That’s my name.” 

“No it’s not”

“Well it’s a nickname you give me.” 

“Awww, you jealous?” 

“No” Reo didn’t let Nagi’s pout go unnoticed. 

“Okay then. You got me this cactus, you name em” 

“Hmm, pickle” 

“Pickle?!?!”

“Yeah, since he’s prickly and green.”

It had been three weeks since Nagi learned to share his time with someone else. Dating Reo was fun, it was low maintenance. Reo did all the work when it came to planning their ‘relationship’, Nagi just had to show up and enjoy the plans. Last week they went to this bakery which was a five minute walk from an arcade and it was the most fun he’d had in an arcade since moving out from home. 

Through the weeks, they’ve gotten surprisingly well at pretending. After their first public date, Nagi had asked Reo to just call him Seishiro not just in public but everywhere. In his mind, this made it easier on Reo. Nagi has also been adopted into Reo’s group of friends. He gets along with everyone in the group, though the most intimidating one is Kunigami. 

There was only one downside to dating Reo. The people. 

Whenever Nagi wasn’t with Reo, people he’d never spoken to would come up to him and ask him where Reo was, or if it was true that they were together. It irked him not because he didn’t like telling people he was with Reo, but because by now, their relationship had been publicly confirmed. They had no reason to come up to him and ask such a pointless question. It’s not like they were asking him anything else, but Reo was worth it. Nagi saw how hard Reo worked and if all he had to do was put up with a few nosy college students then that’s fine.

The only downside to dating Nagi on the other hand… Well, Reo didn’t have one. 

“Nothing?” Chigiri asked. He, Yukimiya and Reo were currently hanging out at a campus cafe killing time before their next class. 

“Really? Nothing about him annoys you?” Yukimiya questioned. 

“Nope. He’s doing me the biggest favor by just being with me you know, and he’s not as lazy as people say he is. He just likes it when I take care of him.” 

“Reo you’re blushing.” Chigiri noted. 

“Am not.” 

“Do you think you maybe started to like Nagi?” Yukimiya pressed. It wasn’t often he saw Reo like this.

“Me? No. We’re professional about it, and it’s good to enjoy what you’re doing right?” 

“Why are you asking us? If that’s what you think then yeah.” 

“Yeah…” Reo stayed silent for a second thinking of what to say. “It’s good to know the public likes us too.” 

“How could they not? You two make it your god given duty to let the world know you’re in love with each other.” Chigiri joked. 

“Ha, I honestly never thought Seishiro would go along with it that much but he really surprised me,” Reo grinned. “Oh! That reminds me, I still need to ask him to come to this banquet with me.” 

“You know the asking is really a formality at this point because it’s guaranteed he’s gonna say yes.” Yukimiya added, Chigiri nodding in agreement. “I just have one question though.” 

“What is it?” 

“Would you leave him if you were ever to catch feelings for someone?” 

“Well that won't happen, so no.” Reo answered. He had no idea why Yukimiya would even bring this up right now. 

“Okay, then let's say it’s the opposite. Would you let him leave you if he were to catch feelings for someone else?” 

Reo hadn’t thought about that. “I’d have no choice then wouldn’t I.” 

“Yeah I guess you wouldn’t…” 

Reo tried not to let Yukimiya’s question get to him the rest of the day, but to some extent he had to think about it. Right now he was over at Nagi’s and he couldn’t fathom the idea of Nagi liking someone, so he wasn’t worried; but there was always that what if… Nagi would let him know though, he was sure of it. 

Should he ask him though? I mean all they were doing right now was watching tv. 

“Hey Sei?” 

“Hm?” 

“If you were to catch feelings for someone, you’d let me know right? I don’t want you to think I’m holding you hostage. You’re also entitled to end whatever we are whenever you’d like.” 

Nagi wasn’t sure where this was coming from. To be fair, maybe he was being obvious on how felt with Reo. But then again, he himself wasn’t sure of how he felt about the other. “I like being with you Reo. That’s all I know.” 

“I know, but I also want you to feel that you can tell me anything.”

“Well then” now was Nagi’s chance to try and figure things out. “I can’t say I hadn’t thought about it, but I don't know yet, I’m not sure.” 

“Not sure about what?” Now Reo was lost. 

“My feelings.” 

“Oh.” Was he misinterpreting or did Nagi just imply he was having mixed feelings. At the very least, Nagi said he’d tell him if anything changed.

Nagi picked up on Reo’s shift in tone. He didn’t know what it meant, but he knew it was there. He didn’t think he said anything wrong, but before he could ask, Reo was ready to go with the next question. “We’re still good for that banquet next week though right?” 

“Yeah.” 

The both of them went back to watching tv on the couch. Nagi’s gotten to the point where he felt safe enough around Reo to fall asleep on him, so that’s how the night ended. Nagi falling asleep on Reo, and Reo carrying him to bed soon after. 

Reo was about to leave the room when he felt a hand grab him by the wrist. “Stay the night.” It was muffled but Reo heard Nagi clear as day. 

“Sei, we have class tomorrow.”

“Set an alarm, just stay. You did it last week.” He did, that was true, but the last time he stayed over was because they had been up playing video games till three in the morning and Reo had slept on the couch.

“Does it mean that much to you?” 

All Reo heard was an “mhm” from Nagi, but that was enough to convince him. 

“Alright, but I’m stealing your clothes.” 

“‘Kay. Spare toothbrushes… in the top drawer.”

“Since when do you have spares?”

“Since the first time you stayed.”

After getting ready for bed Reo made his way to the couch, or tried before Nagi insisted his bed had room for the two of them.

"You shouldn't be uncomfortable." He told Reo, and for the rest of the night Reo convinced himself Nagi was just learning to be friendlier. While Nagi was trying to figure out what it is he felt towards Reo.