Work Text:
In the Asu High, Kiroku and Nanaki usually hang out at the emergency staircase. It's something that is off-limits but they have been there ever since. However, things took a different turn when the sky becomes gray and the raindrops fall from the sky.
Those said raindrops will definitely splatter around their usual hangout location. It would be a hassle if they got their school uniforms drenched. Students in the school are trying to take refuge in the building especially at this state.
It's around lunch time when Nanaki waited for Kiroku to get out of the classroom to join him for lunch. It's almost an everyday thing to them now but, keeping each other's company gave them a sense of comfort.
By the time Kiroku opened the door, Nanaki had sensed a rather melancholic expression from the other. He wouldn't call it strange but, something feels off. Did something happen bad happened to Kiroku?
Expecting that they won't be hanging out at the staircase due to the weather, Nanaki has to think of another way somehow, because they both know they rather stay at somewhere quiet, where no one else exist other than them.
Nanaki:
Right, it's raining today too, huh? We can't go to the staircase so, let's see if there are any open places, okay?
Kiroku:
S-Sure...
Nanaki:
Is your clubroom alright? It's usually empty at this hour.
Kiroku:
Don't have... Keys with me
Nanaki:
It's fine, you know! We can find it somewhere
They walked around the hallway to check for any open places. As expected, a lot of of them are occupied in the second floor, where second year classrooms take place. I'm sure Kiroku won't be okay with this, I'll try going upstairs.
Sadly, Kiroku doesn't have his keys to the art clubroom either, and they couldn't borrow those in the faculty from the other building because of the heavy rainfall. Guess they're really going to search for open rooms upstairs now.
Upon searching on the third floor, they discovered the empty classroom nearby. I wonder which class or club was this. It's empty so, this should be fine. As long as I close this door. Nanaki had thought to himself.
Kiroku:
Ah-! This one... empty...
Nanaki:
Perfect! Let's head inside. It might be filled with something interesting.
Kiroku:
Mhm...
Now, they're inside at last. The socket for air conditioner had been busted so that's why this room was left unoccupied. It's a bit cramped so both Nanaki and Kiroku opened the window for fresh air. The sliding window is sure heavy.
The two sat in front of each other beside the window. It feels secluded, yet they saw the breathtaking view outside. It's quite far from their usual but maybe it's not bad at all. At least they got some other place to hang out alone together.
Both pulled out their bento boxes, prepared by Sakujiro himself. Today's lunch is onigiri and miso soup, huh? Itadakimasu... Hold that thought! Why does it feel more like it's a candle light date than a hangout all of a sudden?
Kiroku decided to break the silence
Kiroku:
Karigane-san... As expected
Nanaki:
Woah, you're right! I guess it's not bad after all. Reminds me, do you have English quiz earlier? I might use this time to skim through my notes.
Kiroku:
The quiz... Next week...
Nanaki:
Thank God, I didn't study. More free time, I guess, haha!
I'm glad I'm able to talk with Nanamegi as usual. Kiroku thougt to himself. Truth to be told, there are troubles that he wants to share. He wondered if it's a good time to bring it up.
Nanaki:
Hey, you seem pale earlier. Did something bad happened?
Kiroku:
Is it really okay... To tell Nanamegi? He seems worried for me
Nanaki:
Ah! It's totally fine if you don't want to talk about it. I'll hear you out anytime
Kiroku:
Thank you... I think... Nanamegi needs to...
The silence has filled the room once again, only the sounds of the wind and the heavy raindrops remain. To breathe easily around someone means sharing your troubles. To find solace in someone means trusting them with your whole heart.
Nanaki started to hold both Kiroku's hands. To him, those hands are shaking cold. They're quite pale and tired. Kiroku, on the other hand, Nanaki's hands are quite warm. Or is it because his own hands have becoming cold?
Kiroku:
Nanamegi... Am I... scary?
His hands becoming even colder. Nanaki's eyes are widened from shock. What makes him say those things? Who made him think about that? He knew Kiroku ever since the incident in the other building but, he never thought of him that way, not even once
Kiroku:
S-Sorry...
Nanaki:
No, there's nothing to apologize for. I never thought of you as one, not even once.
Kiroku:
I see... I'm glad... I guess that settles it
Nanaki:
Then, is there someone making you feel that way?
Kiroku:
It's... Someone... in art club
No that's wrong. There's no way someone thinks of him as scary. Being someone who had been together with Kiroku outside the Asu High and understood him to the core, he is someone who Nanaki can find solace
It must've been painful for him to getting called names at. He's aware that it's not something he can do but, insulting is a whole another level at this point. God knows how much it haunts him, enduring this for long
Nanaki:
How long has it been?
Kiroku:
Few... Days
It's about time Nanaki pulled Kiroku and wrapped his arms around him. He can feel the other's heartbeat running fast, almost suffocating from the limited air supply. It seems that it gradually slowed down, and his hands are becoming warmer.
Nanaki's face heat up after what he did just now. He doesn't know if it's because of the sudden action or the solace he found in Kiroku. As for the said person, his chest softened as if he regained his ability to breathe again.
Of course, this wind is still swaying cold and the rainfall is no different either. It felt like the last time he remembered how to breathe again after he decided to open up to someone after several years of holding it in.
Nanaki:
It's... unforgivable.
Kiroku:
Ah?
Nanaki:
Saying those to you, that's no good. You're far from that. Honestly, I don't even know what the fuck are they talking about?
The person who was shaking cold earlier, started to let out a chuckle. In attempt to make light of a situation, both laughed it off as the certain someone saying that Kiroku is scary, clearly doesn't know what they're getting into
Sure, it's never easy to deal with those kind of situations especially the trauma he had experienced several years ago still haunt him. Well, he doesn't think it is anymore as someone truly accepted him and enjoyed each other's company.
- flashback -
Kiroku:
Getting angry and sad... is fun, right?
Nanaki:
Yeah, because we're both geniuses
- end of a flashback -
Kiroku:
I think... Nanamegi is... right
Nanaki:
Ah? What now?
Kiroku:
Getting angry... and sad... is fun too
Nanaki:
Seems you remembered!
Kiroku:
Yeah... Thank you... For being there with me
Nanaki:
Of course, I'm glad you trusted me.
Their faces are heating up, warmth surrounding the secluded space they share together. This predicament has troubled Kiroku for few days now but, with his Nanamegi by his side, I think it doesn't hurt anymore.
Nanaki wished that he is able to do something about it but, it's clear as day that Kiroku wouldn't be okay with that. To respect his wishes, he'll put those aside. Right now, he's rather, happy. There's something new he learned about Kiroku
How they're able to talk like usual, how they treasure their beautiful relationship, how they understand each other as a person, are more than given gifts from heaven itself. Perhaps, even greater than life itself.
Nanaki:
Hey, Kiroku... is kissing okay?
Kiroku:
- !... If it's with Nanamegi... I like it...
Nanaki gently tugged Kiroku's arm, leans closer, and planted a soft kiss on his temple, then his lips. Their own two breaths, it's most likely their only source of air now. He kissed back-! I hope I didn't cut off his air supply.
Does it still go soft? No. Was it still slow yet passionate? You can say that. Those shared breaths are enough to make their faces tinted with red and burn. This breathtaking scenery, this moment of peace, it's something they both needed the most.
This distance between their breaths, their lips, it becomes zero. After such long enough time, both pulled away for a bit and gasped for air. All of a sudden, the atmosphere became much warmer despite the windows are far from shut.
Let's keep this as a secret
My lips are sealed!
Nanaki:
Uwah-! My bad, Kiroku! Did I went overboard?
Kiroku:
N-No... I like this... Hey, Nanamegi... I mean... Nanaki... I wanna do it again
Nanaki:
Hmmm? I can't believe this guy-!
Kiroku:
Is this... okay? Again?
Kiroku gently tugged Nanaki's hand and move it above his chin. Why is it this time, he's the one who struggled to look at Kiroku in the eye? That's right, he's the one who took the cue to lean in for the kiss, making both gasp for air and yet, the person he's kissing, wanted to do it again?
Nanaki:
S-sure, don't blame me if anything happens!