Chapter Text
“Hurry up!”
“Heeey! Don’t push!”
The loud yells of eager girls and boys could be heard under the setting sun. Even without being able to see them from the other side of the gate, you perfectly imagined their flushed and excited faces on just the chance of being able to witness your class. No matter how annoying their yells could be to your fellow Night Class students, you couldn't help but like how mundane everything felt. Students walked with a hurried pace, some held papers of unfinished homework, and others gushed about their short-lived crushes. You watched them get older in a measly three years and it was so ordinarily human.
But that’s just how I like Cross Academy, you thought as you slowly walked to the closed gate.
Cross Academy was a prestigious private school that lived up to its reputation. Expensive and luxurious, it was a type of riches—definitely even more—that you were unfortunately accustomed to. However, the Day Class and Night Class was where Cross Academy truly shined. Its main goal being a peaceful coexistence between them, the Day Class, and your classmates, the Night Class.
…Or so what the Headmaster, Kaien Cross, and you want it to be. Alas, you couldn’t say much about the unwilling Night Class, who were at best, uninterested in any interaction with the Day Class. And the Day Class themselves, who viewed the Night Class as anything less than extraordinary. The screams you heard were but a small example of how excitable the Day Class could be. And just like yesterday, and the day before, and the foreseeable future, today was the same. You awoke during the evening, looked at the sunset as you put on your uniform, drank an abundant amount of tasteless blood tablets, calmly crossed your arms as you waited for the gate to open, and to finally attend class as you walked with Ruka. It was a befitting task for a “diligent” Cross Academy Night Class student such as yourself. And so, you waited. The yells of the Day Class didn't faltered and you began to smile as a familiar warm voice was heard from the opposite side.
“Okay everyone! Please move to the back!” a young brown-haired girl said.
Yuki Cross. Prefect, disciplinary, and guardian of Cross Academy. Daughter of Kaien Cross. You nodded to the facts listed in your head and you continued to think of more. The deadpanned look of a certain arrogant girl was promptly ignored in favor of continuing your thought. First-year student. Childhood friends with Zero Kiryu and that man. Cheerful. Kind of dumb. Yet a precious friend. A soft smile grew on your face as you could only imagine the future wrath of a horde of girls poor Yuki will face.
On the other side of the gate, she'll most likely be trying her hardest preforming her duties as guardian. Her arms are stretched out in a firm stance, the gate blocked with her small unconvincing body, it was her simple yet feeble attempt of not allowing the Day Class students in. It would result in her saying, “It’s my duty to make sure that neither class causes trouble for the other!” Or something along the lines. Though, there were a variety of other things she could say, such as—
“It’s curfew time for everyone in the Day Class, so please go back to your dorms!”
Haha, there it is. That’ll get them mad, you thought as a burst of anger was the Day Class’s response.
“Hey! Just because you're the prefect doesn't mean you have to be so bossy about it!”
“Yeah!”
“I’m not going to listen to someone like you!”
“Come on! Just let us through!”
You heard a quick series of shoves and yelps, assuming Yuki was trying to held them off. You hoped she would win and yet, the strength of more than a couple determined human girls were easily the victor. The nervous voice that emerged from the other side was the trophy of that one-sided match.
“U-urgh…”
You tried your best, Yuki. Chuckling, you couldn't help but sympathize with her as Ruka lightly punched you. Her own way of saying, "Idiot. Be a little more mature!"
Click.
“L-look guys!”
“They’re here!”
“Aah..so beautiful.”
“Ummm…” Yuki sweatdropped as the gate slowly opened.
Shoot! The gate! With a panicked look toward the gate, she saw what the Day Class students were gaping at.
The Night Class.
An even more prestigious set of students that garnered the attention of the Day Class. Small in numbers compared to the Day Class, they were an elite set of students that came from nobles and higher. You were unfortunately no exception to this. The mainly white uniform that contrasted the Day Class's black uniform perfectly highlighted their most defining feature. Beauty. It was a type of beauty that grew even more as the day grew darker and darker. The "shining prince" of the Night Class was led by the most "beautiful" of them all, Kaname Kuran. He was the elite of the elite, a seemingly attractive man with dark foreboding hair and an equally unwelcoming aura to match. You didn't particularly understood why someone so unlikable was so well loved, but Mister Dorm Leader worked together with the guardians of the school to keep Cross Academy as peaceful as they could. Though the most frustrating aspect of him was how close he was to Yuki...
Either way, because the Night Class was so inhumanely perfect, it was only natural for the Day Class students to be so enamored with them.
But all of that is trivial because I…. you thought as you swiftly maneuvered past a stream of infatuated girls and boys, leaving behind a definitely shocked Ruka. You hoped she understood your silent childish thoughts. Please forgive me Ruka! I’ll accept any punishment you give me, but now, what I really must do… Firmly yet gently rejecting the girls who wished to speak with you, you searched for any sign—voice, hair, warmth—of the brown hair guardian. For today, you have but a small wish—
To win against Kaname Kuran and be the first one to greet Yuki Cross!
Though conversing with Yuki would be an even better and preferred scenario...
Near the back of the crowd, hidden within the adoring girls, Yuki was there, flailing around like a fish. You felt the corner of your mouth slightly curl into a smirk, slightly proud at finding her first.
Hmm~ I wonder if he'll get mad. Fufu, well, it's only natural for the likes of me. Quickly ignoring your victory, you reminded yourself that greeting her was the true goal. So close. There’s only so much time in the eve—huh?
“...Ugh.”
You completely forgotten that he was there.
The group of girls Yuki was unfortunately trapped by could’ve been a sign of who was at the center of it, but you completely forgotten—more like ignored—about him in favor of Yuki. It could've been nothing less but a Night Class student and today, he seemed particularly chatty. You continued to move closer to the crowd, a surprisingly easy task as the girls were too focus on the “charming” male to fully know you were here. Known as Aidou Hanabusa, a classmate of yours, he was one of the few who happily interacted with the Day Class students on the daily. He was the type of man who’s always annoying and even more so around girls. Especially if they’re human. Prideful and somehow intelligent, something even he downplayed with how careless he could get, he loved getting attention from cute girls who fawned over him. It made you wonder if they would've done the same if he was a student of the Day Class instead. Or is it that special something else which made him, or the Night Class itself, so easily liked.
Your throat slightly tightened. Either way, he was quite good at whatever he did, which is making a crowd of girls go wild. And now, he just couldn’t help himself but stir up their hearts even more with some lousy flirtation.
“Good morning ladies! You’re still as pretty as ever~”
“Kyaaah!” they excitedly yelled, their expressions glowing red and beautifully. Even if your classmates found them annoying or slightly tiring, their large shining smiles were something you always enjoyed. You wished you could've returned some of their enthusiasm. They hurried to Aidou who lavishly soaked up the attention. Without a care, the crowd pushed and shoved up, a speed that startled Yuki. Fully expecting this, you gracefully dodged the over excited girls and stretched your arms towards her. You’re so close to reaching her. Some from the back of the crowd near Yuki roughly bumped into her.
“Ah!” she yelps. Her feet stumbled. She outstretched her hands as she felt her body headed towards the crowd. Don’t want to get too hurt! she thought. Yuki closed her eyes, fully preparing herself from the upcoming pain of a fall. Though she felt nothing as quick hands grabbed her from behind, startling her with their gentle strength.
“Caught you~” Holding her by the collar like a mother cat to its kitten, you softly placed her down and crouched with her as she sat. With a satisfied smile, you curiously looked at her face. You couldn’t help but be a little boastful about it. If Kaname was here, he would’ve only comforted Yuki. A prince who shows up after a hurt princess. Checking for possible injuries, you focused on her somewhat clean uniform. It was now wrinkled and slightly dirty despite it being hardly noticeable in the pristine black uniform.
“Amazing. They really dislike you, huh Yuki? Making such a mess out of you,” you laughed.
“Yeah…but did you have to say it like that?” She sweat-dropped. “Oh! But umm, they’re good people senpai. Just excitable is all!”
Eyes squinting in playfulness, you agreed with her, “I know. Even if they get jealous or slightly angry, they’re still good girls. And Miss Guardian, always so quick to defend them. Everyone is so kind in this school.” Ignoring Yuki's embarrassed muttering of "I'm not that kind!", you helped dust off her uniform in a small attempt to return it to how it used to be. Yuki fretted, saying she could do it herself. But you countered with a remark, saying it was a small reward for you “saving” her. Once done, wiping your hands from possible dirt or dust, you continuously patted her head as if to soothe her. Shutting your eyes with a cat-like grin, you decided to tease her a little bit more.
“Heeey, I wonder what would’ve happened if I hadn't caught you? I can only imagine Kiryu-san's angry face. Glaring and calling you names. Just kidding~” you tried to joke as you opened your eyes to meet hers. “Hmm?” With her mouth agape, she looked at you with wide eyes, her cheeks slightly reddening. Like stone, she stood still.
“Ah ha…” Oh dear, that didn’t worked at all! She’s definitely dumbfounded. You stopped petting her, leaving your hand on her head. You slightly moved your fingers, feeling her hair as you more or less played with it. Maybe mentioning Kiryu was a bad idea. They get along so well but to the other girls, he was always sooo scary. Well, the more you learn you guessed. Nodding, you’ll treat this as a little life lesson.
“Se-se-sen—” Yuki tried to speak, her hands shaking but alas, you were in your own world, "U-um..." she tried to finish but the redder her cheeks got, the harder it was to focus. Am I going to overheat?! Senpai...Senpai's touching my head!!! With the strength of only a human could have had, she quickly pushed herself away, apologizing for even the smallest of injury she could’ve given to you. But wow, you felt so unmovable!
You quickly snapped out of it, removing your hand from her head. The warmth slowing fading to a familiar chill. You stayed where you were, reassuring her that it’s all okay, ignoring the slight sting in your heart. If she of all people pushed you away, then that must’ve been uncomfortable. Chiding yourself, you reminded yourself that Yuki's actions weren't an actual rejection, so there's no real need to be that sad about it.
“Forgive me. I’m the one who should apologize, I didn't notice you were so...uncomfortable with it all."
“Oh? No no no senpai! It’s okay, I’m fine! I’m stronger than I look, you know!” Yuki beamed as she stretched her arms, a small display of her human strength. “Wait! That’s not what I meant!”
“Hmm?” You tilted your head.
“Uhh, I mean…well…it’s just that I,” Yuki frantically moved her arms, trying to prevent any misunderstandings. Even as you both sat on the ground, she was somehow still so lively, “I…I just got embarrassed. That’s all," she softly admitted. She hung her head low in defeat, trying to hide her expression with her short hair.
Your eyebrows furrowed in faux worry. Excluding the way she hid her more "selfish" side, Yuki was always so quick to express herself. It was a cute side of her—though every side of Yuki was cute—though you wished she could open up with you a little. You tried to ignore your thoughts once again. To confirm she was indeed alright, you moved your head towards her, trying to peek under her hair that were acting like curtains. You noted from your previous "fiasco" that Yuki tended to fidget when you were directly touching her, so moving her hair with your own hands was out of the question.
“...” With a stiff smile, you felt your eyebrow twitching. You really wanted to see her hidden expression.
She definitely wants to see! Yuki thought as she panicked. She quickly turned her head to the opposite direction, facing away from you.
“Hmm? My, what a skillful dodge.” Sweat began to form as she felt your stare intensified.
Oh no…Yuki panicked. Like a game of cat and mouse, she furiously countered all of your attacks to look at her face. Matching her speed, you tried your best not to accidentally overpower her. It was fun playing with her, especially when you felt his jealousy. What a child.
Though, I'm no better. Thinking of ways to make this last.
Yuki felt your amusement as she noticed you began to speed up in excitement. As a last ditch effort, she covered her face with her hands and—
“There!” She victoriously puffed.
Nothing was heard except the sound of your soft chuckles. So free and lively. The way she acted, her face hidden away from you with her hands, forgetting how you can tear them off—she treated you so normally.
“Fufu, you win, Yuki”
“Huh! I-I did!?”
You laughed harder than you did as you slowly got up from where you were crouched and patted off the dirt from your skirt. You lend your hand towards her, welcoming yet distant.
“Didn’t the oh so Great Miss Guardian tell me she's much stronger than she looks?” You heard the soft beats of her heart going faster. “Speed should be no different for you then, right Yuki?” you finished as you looked at her where she sat. Her shocked expression was recognizable. A classic Yuki expression. Her eyes looked so clear. Seeing such an expression, teasing her was definitely worth it. With your hand still out towards her, you wondered what other expressions she could show you later on. Seeing her laugh would also be cute, but her angry face could be rewarding in its own way. Though how interesting, I haven't ever seen her genuinely angry! Well, she’s definitely the type of person to pout. Ah, but what if she's the type to cry?...Maybe it's best that she doesn't. I can't handle something so sad but maybe it's kind of—
SMACK!
“Y-Yuki!?” you yelped in surprise. You quickly tried to soothe her cheeks, but as you felt how warm it was, you quickly brought your hovering hands towards yourself. The only thing you could do is watch as red handprints grew on her cheeks. She must had used all her force. “Why would you do such a thing?”
“Mm-hm, yup!” she said with fist pumped.
“Yup? Are you really okay Yuki?”
“I’m fine, senpai!” she finally answered. Her cheery everyday smile was back. It was only but a few minutes, but you missed her embarrassed expression. “Really, I just needed to calm down, that’s all. Eh heh!” she laughed, a small confirmation. Still, she firmly grasped her chest, checking to see her heart was calm. It seemed it finally settled. That's good but, erm, senpai definitely heard that though.
“Is that so," you say as you once again reached your hand towards her, wanting to help her like always. "Well, if that's what Yuki says, then it would be wrong for me to doubt her.”
Yuki grabbed your hand, softly thanking you as she got up from the ground. She slowly patted her skirt and once she was done, she looked up at you with a small smile. Many heated stares were directed towards her, but the one you felt especially was even more scorching. He was always so jealous, even towards her friends. His eyes were a hint of your time with Yuki slowly closing, but like always you selfishly wanted to continue even more.
“Um senpai!" "Yuki I," you both began. But—
“Are you okay, Yuki? Did something good happen?”
“Kaname-senpai!” Yuki quickly looks at the person who spoke to her, having a small blush on her. Even though you were right next to her, his presence made Yuki and him already so fleeting. It was only natural for someone who was a savior to Yuki to have such an effect of whatever this situation was.
“I apologize for her behavior. I hope she wasn’t bothering you too much, Yuki.”
Haaah. So annoying, you thought but you kept your smile. Despite his comment being directed towards you, he only kept his eyes on Yuki. “Don’t ever approach Yuki” is what he hinted. A small suggestion, hidden between the lines, perfect for the respectful Kaname Kuran.
You felt your fingers twitched.
“Haha, hey Yuki~ Do you want to know a secret from your prince?" Her eyes were on you again. Startled but nonetheless on you.
“My prince?!”
You didn't wait for any confirmation from either of them, “Our dorm leader doesn’t like to admit it, but he gets sooo angry if he isn't the first one to talk to you. Isn't that surprising? It seems even someone like him can be immature.” If you could chip away at his perfect princely image and make him seem less appealing to Yuki, then you would be as petty as you could.
“Really? Wow, even Kaname-senpai has a side like that,” Yuki says as she turns to meet him.
It was rather beautiful seeing him in controlled annoyance. Perhaps rage even? However, it quickly left in favor of ignoring you like always.
“You don't have to pay any attention to her, Yuki. She—They're always so difficult to manage." As if realizing his "mistake", he corrected himself. “Those Day Class students I mean.” He returned to talking to Yuki, showing his vengeance by not allowing you to participate in the conversation. He treated her so gently and Yuki, always so flustered when it came to him, couldn’t help but be shy. A girl so in love. So trapped in your own world, you didn’t notice Yuki worriedly taking glances towards you.
You couldn’t watch this.
“Bye-bye Yuki,” you said as you did small waves. Ruka—who you most definitely did not ignored—was standing patiently near Kaname, silently glowering at Yuki as she waited for you. With one arm on her hip and her face contorted in irritation, you thought of ways to make her forgive you. “Let’s play some other time, okay?”
“Bye senpai! Hope your class goes well.” She excitedly waved back at you.
With Ruka, you left the scene in silence. Leaving Kuran, Yuki, and the now approaching Kiryu to their own devices. You glanced at the trio, watching Kaname try to pet Yuki as you internally cheered when Kiryu stopped the nonsensical act. It was one of the only things he and you had in common. With a frown, you turned to face straight ahead, thinking about the relationship they had and how Yuki was the center of it. Yuki with Kuran, Yuki with Kiryu, Yuki with Kuran and Kiryu, Yuki with Kuran, and Kuran, and Kuran.
“I apologize Ruka. I took away your opportunity to walk with your beloved...Kuran-sama," you say his name with narrowed eyes and a stiff smile. "I even insulted him! Though, how strange! It seems I have no regrets whatsoever haha. Wow, what a terrible apology!”
“...”
“Don't you think it would be more interesting if we do something else besides school? I hear someone who happens to be conveniently right next to you has some delicious sweets from a renowned patissier. They're creamy and sweet, perfect for a girl like you!”
“Hmmp!” She childishly turned her face away from you.
“Are you really that upset?” you playfully argued. “You leave me no choice then, Ruka. Because you’re so adamant about it, I’ll allow this because you’re my friend.” In the corner of your vision, she rolls her eyes. Proudly, as if in a stage, you presented your neck to her and said, “Until you're satisfied, you can drink my blo—”
“Don’t speak idiotic nonsense so loudly! And wear your uniform in a suitable manner,” she quickly scolded you while fixing the collar of your shirt.
“My Ruka is back!” you said as you hugged the girl.
“Don’t ignore me!”
You could hear her protests saying to let her go. Despite that, she never actually tried to escape your grasp. She had the strength to do it, especially when you tried to keep your own strength in check. She was so haughty—who wasn’t in this class?—and unapproachable, but her confident honesty and hidden tenderness was something that you liked about her. Though, you liked all aspects of Ruka. Ruka sighed as she looked directly at you, her annoyed face morphing to a serious one.
“Because we’re friends, I’m telling you this for your own good. Someone of your caliber should understand something as simple as this.”
You felt the same displeasure and hidden hopelessness on what she was going to say next. It was the same every time, no matter how many times or from who.
“It doesn't matter if you don’t like it, that human girl is for Kaname-sama only.”
So idiotic.