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It's so hot in here… or is that just me?
You got up to check the thermostat, only to be hit by a sudden chill.
"It's 23 degrees. You could've just asked instead of wasting the little energy you have."
You sighed, sitting back down and coughing a bit. It's been an unfortunate few days. Constant headaches, sneezing, feeling so cold and so hot at the same time, and being stuck on the couch all day. And to think it all started from a sore throat…
"You know you don't have to do that around me, right?"
Byakuya looked up from their chair, straightening their glasses and marking the page of their book.
"What do you mean?" they said, tilting their head.
You pointed at them.
"That. Everything."
They scoffed and rolled their eyes before going back to reading. You could only sigh in return.
"The disguise, I mean."
They let out a low growl.
"If you're asking me to take it off, the answer is no, and that's final."
You rolled over on your side, grabbing a pillow and muttering. You know they weren't really Byakuya Togami, after all, they told you themself, yet even around you they'd almost never drop the fake persona. It was sort of aggravating, but you knew they didn't have much of a sense of self growing up, so you couldn't help but feel more empathetic than frustrated. You quickly sat up again as you felt another coughing fit coming on.
"You want any more water?" they asked, getting up and heading towards the kitchen. You could only nod in response.
They grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and handed it to you before pulling their chair up next to you. After you had your fill, you set the bottle down and groaned. With sickness came the most awful migraines and stomach aches. You both sat in silence for a few minutes, only focused on the pain you were going through.
"If I could make it all go away I would."
For a moment, the pain ceased.
"What— what did you say?" you asked.
"If I could make your sickness go away just like that," they said as they snapped their fingers, "then I would."
You sat there for a moment, dumbfounded at what they just said. Byakuya would never say that, but— no, this wasn't Byakuya. Even though you knew their true identity, it still felt jarring hearing them say such meaningful words behind the facade of one of the rudest people ever. It made you smile.
"That… that might be the most thoughtful thing I've ever heard you say. Thank you."
They looked you in the eyes, running a hand through your hair and putting an ice pack on your forehead. It was as if you'd snapped them out of their false persona. Like you were getting a glimpse into their true self.
"You don't need to thank me," they said, getting up from the chair. "just get some rest and hopefully your headache will subside."
You yawned and smiled in return.
"I guess I could try that.. it is getting late."
They turned the lamp off and started heading back to their bedroom, but stopped midway.
"Hey. Call for me if things get too bad, okay?"
"Mhm."
"...goodnight." They said quietly. You could practically hear the grin on their face.
"Goodnight."