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There was a knock on the door.
Sae sighed, setting his cup of tea down on the coffee table. He already knew who it was. His stomach flipped, though he wouldn’t admit it to anyone - especially not the person standing on the other side of the door.
Dragging himself to the entrance, he opened it to find Shidou grinning, a takeout bag in one hand and a hot pink duffel slung over his shoulder.
“I brought dinner!” Shidou declared, not giving Sae a moment to process before brushing past him like a whirlwind and heading straight for the kitchen.
Sae blinked, watching as Shidou moved with an energy that made his apartment suddenly feel smaller and louder. Shidou’s presence was always like this: chaotic, unstoppable, and somehow… grounding.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d want, so I went with burgers. No fries, though, of course,” Shidou explained, setting the bag on the counter. He spun around to face Sae, who had followed him with his arms crossed, his expression somewhere between disapproval and amusement.
Sae just stared. He wasn’t sure if he should be annoyed or grateful, or both.
“Oh! How rude of me,” Shidou exclaimed theatrically, throwing his arms wide before lunging towards him.
Before Sae could react, Shidou was pulling him into a crushing hug. The duffel bag dug awkwardly into Sae’s side, but Shidou didn’t seem to care.
“Hello, Sae-chan, how are you?” Shidou said in a low, playful voice, squeezing him tight.
Sae barely had time to breathe before Shidou effortlessly lifted him off the floor for a second before setting him down again. The hug lingered longer than it should have, but Sae let it slide. He had missed Shidou, though admitting that outright wasn’t something he was about to do.
“I’m fine,” Sae muttered, his voice muffled by Shidou’s shoulder. “And I’d be better if you weren’t squeezing the life out of me.”
Shidou giggled in his ear and, as usual, overstepped by ruffling his hair. Sae swatted at his hand half-heartedly, but he didn’t pull away.
“I missed you too,” Shidou teased, his tone light but his gaze lingering a little too long on Sae’s face, searching for a reaction.
Sae felt warmth rise to his cheeks but refused to let Shidou see it. “I never said-”
“Yeah, yeah, sure, Sae-chan. Whatever you say.” Shidou grinned, his victory already claimed.
Sae rolled his eyes, deciding to pick his battles. “Go drop your stuff in my room and take off your shoes,” he said, pointedly eyeing Shidou’s platform boots. “Then come wash your hands so we can eat.”
“Yes, sir!” Shidou gave a mock salute before dashing off to Sae’s room.
Sae leaned against the counter, letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. His apartment already felt different, livelier, with Shidou here. It was annoying. It was nice.
It wasn’t Shidou’s first time at Sae’s apartment, so he navigated with ease. Still, this was the first time he’d be staying over, which explained the ridiculously overstuffed bag.
The “sleepover” had been Shidou’s idea. During one of their regular phone calls earlier that week, he had pitched the plan with all the dramatic flair he could muster.
“It’ll be the Sleepover of the Decade,” Shidou had declared. “Snacks, movies, deep conversations - maybe even some tears if I feel like getting emotional. You’ll love it.”
Sae had been skeptical but agreed.
“Fine, but I’m not staying up all night. You know I like to sleep at a decent time. Weekend or not.”
“Don’t worry, Sae-chan. I’ll have you fed and tucked in bed before midnight.”
Now, as Sae sat at the kitchen island, sipping the last of his tea, he eyed the takeout bag warily. The smell was undeniably tempting, but his athlete’s instincts urged restraint.
Returning to the kitchen, Shidou found Sae eyeing the takeout bag like it was a landmine. He stifled a laugh as he crept up behind him.
“Boo!” he shouted in Sae’s ear.
Sae didn’t even flinch. He turned slowly, one brow raised in judgment.
“You could at least pretend I startled you,” Shidou pouted, crossing his arms.
“If you don’t eat fast,” Sae said, standing, “I’ll finish everything myself.”
Shidou laughed, stretching lazily as he walked to the sink. His shirt lifted just enough to reveal a sliver of skin, and Sae quickly looked away.
But Shidou noticed. Of course, he noticed. “By the way, I haven’t even picked a movie yet,” Sae admitted, rolling up his sleeves to wash his hands.
Shidou leaned against the counter, watching him with a smirk that bordered on predatory. “You’re useless,” he teased. “I bring dinner, plan the activities, pack our matching pajamas, and now you want me to pick the movie too? You rely on me so much.” Shidou playfully poked his cheek. “It’s cute.”
Sae dried his hands and poured them both a glass of water. “Nothing about me is cute,” he said, his tone flat but his ears faintly pink. “But sure, demon. Whatever you say.”
Once dinner was finished and the kitchen cleared of the mess Shidou had made, the two quickly migrated to Sae’s bedroom. Shidou had insisted on showing off the pajamas he had picked for both of them, and Sae decided to humor him, if only to get this ordeal over with.
“So,” Shidou began, standing in the middle of the room with his bag clutched dramatically to his chest, “time for the big reveal. Are you ready to be amazed?”
Sae sat on the edge of the bed, arms crossed, already regretting letting Shidou talk him into this. He thought the whole thing was unnecessary, knowing he’d just end up wearing his usual sweatpants and loose shirt combo if Shidou’s pick turned out to be ridiculous. Still, there was a flicker of curiosity, one he buried under a monotone response. “Yeah, I am literally shaking with excitement.”
Shidou grinned like Sae had just handed him the reaction he’d been hoping for and unzipped the bag with a flourish. “Ta-da! Matching sleepwear fit for royalty!”
Sae’s jaw tightened, a flicker of horror crossing his face as he took in the sets. Shidou’s was, predictably, over the top: hot pink silk with “Babe” embroidered across the chest pocket. Sae’s was black, with understated white text near the hem that read “Kill Me.” The contrast was ridiculous, and the message on his own set felt pointed in a way that Shidou had surely planned.
“Absolutely not,” Sae said, crossing his arms tighter.
“Oh, come on,” Shidou whined, holding up the black set like it was the finest silk money could buy. “It’s subtle, classy, and it matches me. Perfect for a grump like you.”
Sae stared at him, unimpressed, but Shidou wasn’t done. He let out a dramatic sigh, slumping his shoulders as if he were genuinely heartbroken. “I was going to get you one with that cartoon you really like, but the order wouldn’t have arrived on time,” he said, pouting for effect. “So, I had to make do with what I found in the His-and-Hers section.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly before snatching the pajamas out of Shidou’s hands. “This is the first and last time I’m indulging you,” he muttered.
Shidou’s grin widened. “Wait, wait. Let’s make this more fun.”
Sae raised an eyebrow, already suspicious. “More fun? I’m already suffering enough.”
Ignoring the complaint entirely, Shidou gestured for Sae to hand back the pajamas. “We’ll dress each other. It’ll be cute.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Oh, come on, ” Shidou wailed, clasping his hands together like he was begging. “Where’s your sense of adventure, Sae-chan?”
Sae sighed again, resignation settling in his chest as he handed the pajamas back. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
Shidou practically vibrated with excitement, clapping his hands together. Before he could move, though, Sae turned his back to him and began pulling off his clothes. His movements were unhurried, almost indifferent, as he tugged his loose shirt over his head and tossed it onto the bed.
Shidou froze, his eyes widening as Sae’s lean, athletic frame was revealed. Despite knowing Sae was in top shape - he was a professional athlete after all - seeing him like this was something else entirely. His breath caught for just a moment, and his usual playful grin faltered.
Sae, ever observant, didn’t miss the silence. “Enjoying the show?” he asked dryly, not even bothering to look back.
Shidou recovered quickly, leaning against the wall with a smirk. “Who wouldn’t? If I’d known you were hiding all that, I would’ve made you dress like this ages ago.”
Sae rolled his eyes as he stepped out of his sweatpants, leaving him in just his dark boxer briefs. He turned to face Shidou, eyebrows raised. “Are you done gawking, or should I charge you for the privilege?”
Shidou let out a laugh, his eyes unapologetically taking a final, exaggerated sweep over Sae. “You know, you should really smile more with confidence like that. But fine, fine, your highness. Let’s get you into something that matches your charming personality.”
Sae handed over the pajamas wordlessly, his expression unreadable.
Shidou’s thoughts were racing as he unfolded Sae’s set. As much as he loved teasing Sae, there was a small part of him - buried under layers of theatrics - that wanted to linger on these quiet moments. Dressing Sae felt oddly intimate, and he wasn’t sure what to do with that feeling.
“You know,” Shidou said as he slipped Sae’s arms into the sleeves, “this actually suits you. Dark and gloomy, just like your soul.”
“You talk too much,” Sae muttered, but he didn’t pull away as Shidou buttoned the top. Shidou’s fingers brushed against his chest, and Sae found himself holding still, his mind drifting despite himself. There was something unspoken in the way Shidou’s movements were careful - almost reverent.
Shidou lingered as he brushed a stray wrinkle flat, smirking. “You know, this is kind of nice. Like playing dress-up with my very own doll.”
Sae tilted his head, meeting Shidou’s gaze. “Do you always take this long getting dressed, or are you just stalling because you like touching me?”
Shidou’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Busted. Can you blame me, though? You’re a work of art.”
Sae rolled his eyes but couldn’t fully suppress the faint upward curve of his lips. “Focus, Shidou.”
“Yes, boss.” Shidou’s grin widened as he knelt to pick up the pajama pants, holding them open with an exaggerated flourish. “Alright, step in, your royal grumpiness.”
Sae steadied himself with a hand on Shidou’s shoulder, his movements precise and deliberate. The touch was brief, but he couldn’t ignore the way the tension in Shidou’s shoulder muscles seemed to shift under his fingers, like the other man was holding back laughter or a quip. “I’m starting to think you’ve done this before. Should I be concerned?”
“Only if you’re jealous,” Shidou teased, adjusting the waistband with an exaggerated flourish. “There. Perfect fit.”
Once he was dressed, Sae immediately grabbed the hot pink set of pajamas. He couldn’t help but smirk as he held them up, relishing the chance to turn the tables. “Do your worst.”
Shidou’s response was a wink as he swiftly pulled off his shirt in one fluid motion. Sae’s eyes flicked over Shidou’s toned chest, noting the flex of muscles with a detached air, though his mind betrayed him with stray observations: the smooth rhythm of Shidou’s movements, the ease with which he commanded attention. He didn’t flinch, but inwardly, a part of him cataloged every detail, his curiosity simmering just below the surface.
“Put your arms up,” Sae said flatly, Shidou complied, raising his arms with a playful flourish, enjoying the moment. Sae slid the silk fabric over his shoulders, the smoothness of it brushing against Shidou’s skin. He deliberately avoided Shidou’s smug gaze, but his fingers lingered just a touch longer than necessary while buttoning up the shirt.
“You don’t look too bad,” Sae remarked casually, trying to keep his tone unaffected. “But don’t let it get to your head.”
“Too late,” Shidou responded with a carefree laugh. He radiated confidence, a fact that both irritated and intrigued Sae. “Thank you for dressing me, oh humble servant.”
When it came to the pants, Shidou turned the moment into a dramatic performance, drawing it out for effect. He slowly began to unbutton his jeans, each movement exaggerated, as though he were performing on stage. He tugged at the waistband, pulling it down inch by inch, deliberately slow, as though savoring the attention he was undoubtedly getting from Sae.
Sae rolled his eyes at the theatrics, but his gaze wandered anyway, noting the way Shidou’s toned thighs moved as he removed the denim. Sae found it somewhat amusing how Shidou used those same legs to cause so much destruction; the way he preferred to fight with his legs rather than his hands. A fleeting thought crossed Sae’s mind - one that he quickly shoved aside. He wondered what it would feel like to be caught between those thighs, to experience the crushing force they could deliver. He shook the thought off, deciding it was something he would figure out in time.
“You’re such a clown,” Sae muttered, crouching down to hold the pajama pants open for Shidou to step into.
“And yet, you’re still here,” Shidou replied, his voice dripping with amusement as he stepped into the pants. He placed his hands on Sae’s shoulders for balance, his touch light but lingering.
“Unfortunately,” Sae deadpanned, though he adjusted the waistband and drawstring with meticulous care. His fingers brushed against Shidou’s waist.
“Careful,” Shidou teased, leaning down slightly, his voice dropping into a lower, playful register. “You’re starting to like this.”
Sae straightened, his eyes locking with Shidou’s. There was no hesitation, no flinch, just a calm, unbothered expression that belied the quiet storm of thoughts in his mind. “Maybe I am.”
For a split second, Shidou blinked, clearly not expecting the response. But his grin returned, wider and brighter than before. “You’re full of surprises, Sae-chan.”
Sae adjusted Shidou’s collar with a level of precision that bordered on obsessive, smiling slightly as he finished. “There. Now you look almost tolerable.”
Shidou burst into laughter, the sound warm and unrestrained as he draped an arm around Sae’s shoulders and pulled him closer. “Admit it. We’re the hottest pair in matching pajamas.”
“Debatable,” Sae replied with a nonchalant shrug, though he didn’t pull away. Instead, he allowed Shidou’s arm to stay around him as they made their way to the living room. “Now pick a movie before I regret this entire night.”
Shidou beamed, leaning closer to Sae with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
Sae couldn’t help but shake his head at the ridiculousness of the night, but there was a small part of him that was undeniably entertained.
They ended up watching a classic movie called Freaky Friday, which neither of them had seen before but which Google had assured them was a must-watch. Between the meal and the assortment of snacks they had devoured, both of them felt sluggish as the movie played.
When the credits began to roll, Sae turned his head toward Shidou, who sat slouched on the couch with half-lidded eyes, clutching a plushie tightly against his chest. Sae couldn’t help but feel a twinge of irritation that Shidou had chosen to hold on to the plush the entire time instead of initiating any sort of physical contact. Not that Sae would ever admit it, of course - especially not to Shidou, who would inevitably tease him for being jealous of an inanimate object. Which he was not.
“So, what did you think?” Sae asked, breaking the silence. “Was it worth an hour and a half of our lives?”
Shidou shrugged lazily. “It had no gore, so it’s a five at best.”
Sae stared at him, his expression unreadable as he tried to decide whether Shidou’s critique was serious or not. “The early 2000s seemed like a fun era to be in, though,” Shidou added, his tone slightly wistful.
“Technically, both of us were alive at that time,” Sae pointed out dryly.
Shidou rolled his eyes and swatted Sae’s arm lightly with his plushie. “You know what I mean.” He chuckled and leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head.
Sae let out a small sigh, deciding it wasn’t worth dissecting Shidou’s bizarre movie preferences. Instead, he opted to share his own thoughts. “I think it had a nice message. But I would hate to swap bodies with anyone. I couldn’t trust them not to embarrass me while they’re in my body.”
“Even me?” Shidou asked, batting his lashes in exaggerated innocence.
Sae scrutinized him for a long moment before letting out a resigned sigh. “You’d need some media training,” he said flatly, “but I suppose letting you take over my life for a week wouldn’t be the worst thing that could ever happen to me.”
A grin spread across Shidou’s face, bright and genuine. Sae was acting as though the hypothetical situation didn’t matter, but Shidou knew better. Beneath the cool indifference, that comment was as close to a declaration of trust as Sae ever got. And knowing that made warmth bloom in Shidou’s chest.
Without warning, Shidou draped an arm around Sae’s shoulders and pulled him closer. To his surprise, and delight, Sae didn’t resist. Instead, he allowed himself to relax, even snuggling in slightly.
“For that week,” Shidou said, his voice brimming with amusement, “your fashion sense would be impeccable.”
“Impeccable? That’s a bold assumption,” Sae replied, raising a skeptical brow but not moving away from Shidou’s arm. Despite his tone, there was a small part of him that found the idea amusing. He couldn’t quite imagine Shidou in his shoes - literally or metaphorically - without it ending in some kind of chaotic disaster.
Shidou, on the other hand, was already imagining the scenario in vivid detail. He’d strut around in Sae’s tailored suits, attend some high-profile events, and leave everyone in awe, or shock. Probably both. “You’re underestimating me, Sae,” he said, his grin growing mischievous. “Give me a week and not only would I keep your brand intact, but I’d make it better. I’d add some edge to that boring, polished image of yours.”
Sae narrowed his eyes at him. “Edge? What does that even mean? You’re not going to dye my hair pink or something ridiculous, are you?”
Shidou leaned closer, his grin turning even more devilish. “Pink? Nah. Maybe a bold silver. Oh! And some tattoos. Temporary, of course. Something like ‘dangerous elegance’ to match your vibe.”
Sae groaned, rubbing his temple with exaggerated annoyance. “You’re delusional. Remind me never to let you anywhere near my PR team. Or my life, for that matter.”
Shidou laughed loudly, his arm tightening around Sae’s shoulders as if to keep him from escaping. “Relax, I’d never do you dirty. If anything, you’d look cooler than ever.”
A rare smile tugged at the corner of Sae’s lips despite himself. He turned his attention to the television, where the streaming service had already auto-played some random trailer. He was trying to focus on that instead of how oddly comforting it felt to sit like this - close to Shidou, the warmth of his arm grounding in a way he hadn’t expected.
Sae glanced at Shidou out of the corner of his eye. His expression had softened, a small, thoughtful smile lingering on his lips. It was a different side of Shidou - less loud, more genuine - and Sae found himself wondering what was going through his head.
For Shidou, the moment was perfect. He didn’t always get Sae to relax like this, and when he did, it felt like a small victory. He’d noticed how Sae seemed a little annoyed earlier, probably because he hadn’t made a single move on him during the entire movie. Shidou had held back on purpose, curious to see if Sae would make the first move. But now, with his arm draped around him, it felt right - natural, even.
He glanced down at Sae, who was pretending to ignore him but had that slight crease in his brow that meant he was overthinking. He’s probably debating whether to shove me off or let me stay like this. Man, he’s such a control freak sometimes. Shidou smirked to himself.
“Hey,” Shidou said, breaking the comfortable silence. “If I ever did get to live as you for a week, I’d probably find out all your little secrets, huh?”
Sae turned to him, his expression immediately guarded. “What secrets?”
Shidou shrugged innocently. “I dunno. Like your skincare routine or what you eat when no one’s looking. Maybe even how you secretly smile when you think no one’s paying attention.”
Sae’s cheeks flushed ever so slightly, but his voice remained calm and sharp. “You’re imagining things again.”
“Sure, sure,” Shidou replied, clearly not believing him. But instead of pushing further, he rested his chin on top of Sae’s shoulder and closed his eyes. “Don’t worry. Your secrets are safe with me, even in some alternate body-swapping reality.”
For once, Sae didn’t argue. He let the warmth of the moment settle between them, his body relaxing just a little more against Shidou’s side. Though he’d never say it aloud, he found comfort in Shidou’s presence, chaotic as it often was.
And Shidou? He was already planning what movie they’d watch next - one with just enough gore to keep things interesting.
Back in Sae’s bedroom, the atmosphere was dim and intimate, lit only by the warm glow of a bedside lamp and the faint ambient light from the city streaming through the curtains. Shidou had informed Sae that one of the night's “activities” would involve letting him apply his eyeliner the way he does it.
Sae had sceptically agreed and so he now sat on the edge of his neatly made bed, his legs crossed as he eyed Shidou, who was rifling through his overnight bag with enthusiasm.
“You’re taking this way too seriously,” Sae muttered, though he didn’t stop Shidou.
Shidou pulled out his eyeliner pen with a triumphant grin. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right. Trust me, by the time I’m done, you’ll look like you just stepped out of a high-fashion editorial.”
Sae sighed, leaning back slightly but staying put. “I’m only letting you do this because you wouldn’t shut up about it earlier.”
“Uh-huh. And definitely not because you’re curious,” Shidou teased, moving to stand in front of Sae with the precision and confidence of someone who had done this a thousand times.
Sae rolled his eyes but didn’t reply, letting Shidou interpret the silence however he wanted.
“Alright, sit still. And don’t blink unless I say so,” Shidou instructed, his tone unusually focused as he tilted Sae’s chin up.
For a moment, Sae considered making a snide comment, but the intensity in Shidou’s expression stopped him. Shidou was… serious. His usual chaotic energy seemed to shift into something quieter, more deliberate, as he leaned in close. The tip of the eyeliner pen hovered just above Sae’s lash line.
“You do this every day?” Sae asked, his voice softer than usual in the close proximity.
“Pretty much,” Shidou replied, his grin returning briefly. “It’s like my war paint. Helps me feel like I can take on anything.”
Sae blinked, earning a soft huff of annoyance from Shidou as he adjusted his grip. “That deep, huh?”
“Surprised?” Shidou asked, not looking up from his work. “I know I’m loud and all, but this stuff-” He gestured vaguely at the eyeliner in his hand. “It’s just… me. Like, no matter what happens or who I have to deal with, I know who I am when I see my reflection. You know?”
Sae was quiet for a moment, processing the vulnerability in Shidou’s words. “I guess I can see that,” he admitted.
Shidou’s gaze flickered to him briefly, his grin softening into something warmer. “Yeah? What about you? What makes you feel like… you?”
Sae hesitated. The question wasn’t one he was used to answering. “Control,” he said finally, his voice measured. “When I have control over my life - my career, my image - it reminds me that I’m not at the mercy of anyone else.”
Shidou nodded thoughtfully, leaning back to admire his progress before continuing with the other eye. “Makes sense. You’re all about being the guy people look up to, huh? The one who’s untouchable.”
“Something like that,” Sae murmured.
“But that’s gotta be exhausting,” Shidou said, his tone softer now. “Don’t you ever get tired of keeping it all together?”
Sae’s gaze dropped for a fraction of a second before meeting Shidou’s again. “I don’t have the luxury of falling apart.”
Shidou didn’t reply right away. He just kept working, his movements careful and precise. “You know,” he said after a pause, “letting people see the cracks doesn’t mean you’re falling apart. Sometimes it just means you’re human.”
Sae frowned slightly, his mind working through the weight of Shidou’s words.
“Alright, done!” Shidou announced, stepping back and gesturing toward the mirror on Sae’s dresser.
Sae stood, crossing the room with measured steps before leaning in to examine Shidou’s handiwork. His usual sharp features were accentuated even further by the bold, dramatic eyeliner. The lines were flawless, giving him an edgy, almost otherworldly look.
“I look… intimidating,” Sae said after a moment, his tone neutral but tinged with a hint of amusement.
“Exactly,” Shidou said, grinning as he leaned against the dresser. “But also kinda hot, right?”
Sae shot him a flat look, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. “Don’t push it.”
Shidou laughed, the sound echoing warmly in the quiet room. “Alright, alright. But seriously, you wear it well. Maybe you should let me do this for your next photoshoot.”
Sae snorted, turning away from the mirror. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
As the two of them settled back onto the bed, the earlier tension lingered in the air - not heavy, but present. Shidou broke the silence first, shifting so he was lying on his side, propped up on one elbow.
“Hey, Sae,” he said, his voice quieter now, lacking his usual teasing tone. “Do you ever think about what you’d be doing if all this… I don’t know, fame, pressure - everything - wasn’t part of your life?”
Sae leaned back against the headboard, his arms loosely crossed. His expression stayed neutral, but his eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Not really,” he admitted. “I’ve been focused on this path for so long, I don’t know if I could imagine anything else.”
Shidou nodded, tracing patterns into the duvet with his fingers. “Yeah, but like, don’t you ever wonder who you’d be if you didn’t have to be Sae Itoshi, the guy who always has it together? What if you could just… I don’t know, exist without all the expectations?”
Sae’s gaze softened slightly, his usual sharp edges dulling for a moment. “I don’t think I’ve let myself think about that,” he said. They both fell into silence for a while, the kind that felt less like awkwardness and more like an unspoken understanding. The distant hum of the city filled the space between them, grounding the moment in something that felt almost fragile.
“You know,” Shidou said suddenly, breaking the silence, “I think you’re scared to imagine something different. Like, if you weren’t this perfect version of yourself, what would you have left?”
Sae stiffened slightly but didn’t argue. Shidou’s words hit too close to truths he wasn’t ready to face. “Maybe I am,” he said eventually, his voice quieter than before. “But I wouldn’t know what to do without the structure I’ve built for myself. It’s… safe.”
Shidou’s grin softened into something more genuine. “I get that. But sometimes, breaking the rules you set for yourself is the only way to figure out what you’re really made of.”
Sae tilted his head, studying Shidou. For all his impulsiveness and wild energy, there was a depth to him that Sae didn’t acknowledge often enough. “You make it sound easy,” Sae murmured.
“It’s not,” Shidou admitted with a shrug. “But it’s worth it. And, you know…” He hesitated, his grin faltering slightly. “If you ever wanted to figure it out, you wouldn’t have to do it alone. I mean, I’m not exactly subtle, but I’d stick around for that.”
Sae blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Shidou’s tone. He wasn’t used to people offering him that kind of reassurance without an agenda. “Thanks,” he said, the word awkward on his tongue but genuine all the same.
Shidou grinned again, this time softer, and nudged Sae lightly with his foot. “Anytime, superstar.”
The tension between them eased, replaced by a quiet warmth. Shidou stretched out lazily, his arm draping over his face as he let out a satisfied sigh.
“So,” Shidou said after a moment, peeking out from under his arm, “what’s next on this legendary sleepover itinerary? Another movie? Midnight snacks? Or should we just stare at each other dramatically in this perfect lighting?”
Sae huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “Let’s just take it one moment at a time.”
“Wow,” Shidou teased, sitting up slightly. “Deep and dramatic. Maybe I’m rubbing off on you.”
“Don’t push it,” Sae warned, though the slight upward curve of his lips betrayed his amusement.
Shidou flopped onto Sae’s bed dramatically, stretching his limbs out like a starfish. “I usually sleep naked, but to keep the night PG, I decided to wear clothes. I’m sacrificing my comfort to please you. You should reward me,” he declared, his voice dripping with mock nobility.
Sae didn’t even bother hiding his exasperation. “You’re not an animal. You don’t get rewarded for being civil and wearing clothes, which, by the way, is the absolute bare minimum.” His tone was flat, his sharp gaze adding weight to the reprimand.
As expected, Shidou’s reaction was as absurd as ever. He shrugged nonchalantly and, without warning, let out a playful bark. “Sure, whatever,” he said, completely unbothered.
Sae pinched the bridge of his nose, a small sigh escaping him. “Why do I tolerate you?” he muttered, though the edge of his mouth twitched slightly, betraying his amusement.
Shidou caught the almost-smile immediately. “Because I’m amazing,” he said, grinning, before suddenly lunging forward and wrapping his arms around Sae in an exaggerated hug.
“Oh, come on,” Shidou said, giggling like a child. “You find me hilarious. Just admit it.”
“Your face is amusing to look at,” Sae replied coolly. “So, yeah, you’re right.”
Shidou gasped in mock offense, though his grin only widened. “Nuh-uh! I know you think I’m gorgeous, so don’t even try to lie to me.” Without warning, he leaned in closer, his face nuzzling against Sae’s neck.
For a moment, the mood shifted. Shidou’s laughter quieted, and his usual exaggerated energy softened. “You’re always so warm,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost tender. “It’s funny, considering how cold you act most of the time.”
Sae stiffened slightly at the sudden intimacy. His hands hovered awkwardly before finally resting lightly on Shidou’s arms. “And you’re always so annoying,” he muttered, though the words lacked any real heat.
“See? You do like me,” Shidou teased, his voice muffled against Sae’s skin.
Sae didn’t reply, opting instead to stare at the far wall with a resigned expression. But despite himself, his hands tightened ever so slightly on Shidou’s arms, as if keeping him there was instinctive.
Shidou pulled back just enough to meet Sae’s gaze, his smile sly. “You’re lucky I’m willing to sacrifice for you, Sae-chan. I don’t do this for just anyone, you know.”
“Lucky,” Sae repeated, his tone as flat as ever. “That’s definitely the word I’d use.”
Shidou grinned, leaning in again to brush his cheek against Sae’s. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone you’re totally smitten.”
Sae sighed, already regretting not kicking Shidou out earlier. “Just go to sleep, Shidou.”
“But where’s my reward?” Shidou teased, his grin bright as ever.
“You’re still breathing,” Sae replied dryly, finally prying Shidou off him. “Consider that your reward.”
Shidou let out a bark of laughter as he flopped back onto the bed, sprawling out like he owned it. “You’re too good to me, Sae-chan.”
Sae shook his head, his lips twitching as if fighting off a smile. “Go to sleep before I change my mind.”
Shidou’s laughter softened, the energy in the room dimming just enough to bring a strange sense of calm. For all his antics, Sae had to admit, though only to himself, that nights like this weren’t just tolerable. They were something more.
And as the city hummed quietly outside, Sae leaned back against the pillows, stealing a glance at Shidou’s relaxed form. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t mind if every now and then, his carefully structured world was thrown into a little chaos.