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If you told that same impassive Nagi Seishiro a year ago he would be planning a surprise date for the one and only Mikage Reo (his soon-to-be boyfriend and wife/already partner), he would've grumbled about you wasting his time before putting his head back down, going back to sleep.
Lo and behold, after being taken on emotional rides, reo limousine rides, and literal limousine rides to blue lock. Nagi stops moving in the middle of his 3v3 training match, the same time he's in the middle of running across the field to trap the ball and ultimately score the final goal.
".. it's been a long time since I've been on a date with Reo." Eyes widen and feet trip.
Along with Nagi, the ball ends up dropping to the ground, likely feeling offended by the thought of being ignored for some love fantasy. Barou, who was chasing for the ball behind Nagi, stops abruptly when he sees the loser trip. Barou, who was unfortunately the sole witness to Nagi's silent realisation, doesn't hesitate to shout.
"You think this is some love show?! We are training! Your little maid is literally in another room right! This is why slaves like you will never get to the top of the soccer world with your little pathetic thoughts!" Barou shouts loud enough for everyone to hear.
Hearing this, Chigiri sighs, Otoya stops mid pant to dramatically drop his jaw and Yukimiya makes a somewhat disappointed face.
"If you were going to be this lukewarm I would've never even given you a chance to touch the ball", mutters Rin.
Nagi is of course indifferent to almost everyone's complaints, almost. His face morphs into an expression that's about 5% more angry than his usual expression. Which is to say, his eyes are looking at Barou with a glare that's more similar to staring.
"Reo isn't my maid, we're partners, and if anything maiden would be the better choice here." he says, getting up from the floor with annoyance.
"That's not the point.." Chigiri facepalms. "Okay how about we all just use this training match for other training things instead? It's getting late anyway."Just like that, everyone agrees and goes their own ways.
Nagi only has thoughts of Reo as he walks out. Thoughts about how Reo might question him on why he just spaced out for his final goal, or how he's not bathing before laying flat on their room (he's waiting for Reo) and of course, the date that must happen at least before the frustration of not having a date with Reo chews him inside out.
In the room, Nagi lies, both hands on his tummy as he wonders about his next plans. A little less than 20 minutes later, Reo enters the room and Nagi has never sat up faster before, his mind already drowning out the plans he's made.
"Hey" he says, movements stopped.
"Hey Nagi! I heard you tripped in the last match? What's wrong? Chigiri didn't tell me the details but you haven't gotten your leg hurt have you..?"
Nagi ponders how he should respond for a second, if he says yes, he'll get pampered more, if he says no, the day will go on like any other.
'..well it's obvious which choice is better' he thinks to himself slyly
"Yeah Reooo, my head, my body, my everywhere hurts so much suddenly, I can still feel the pain in my leg, can you please take care of me tonight?" He whines.
Reo chuckled, "well you sound pretty energetic to the point you can't decide on a lie huh?”
Oops, busted.
“Don't worry, I'll take care of you even without the pain! Let's get to bath now- actually, why didn't you go straight to the baths, or you should've waited for me at my match! You've got sweat in the room already…" Switching the playful mood swiftly.
Nagi gets up, "Ahh Reo it's fine it's fine, let's just go bathh" he drags, holding Reo's hands and points to the door.
"Hh, what will I ever do with you... Come on, get on" Reo crouches and gestures to Nagi for a piggyback that he accepts right away.
In the bath, Nagi is reminded of the date once again when Reo is on a rant about soccer strategies in the hot spring. Recollecting all his plans from earlier and adding on new ones he just came up with, he now has a mental list
- ask Chigiri, Reo's closest friend (Nagi is his partner, NOT friend, Nagi will never friendzone himself) for advice.
- finding a suitable spot + decorations + time
- recruiting people to decorate for him
- asking Reo (super mega important)
Nagi mentally praises himself for coming up with a plan as detailed(not) as this and almost feels like spoiling the secret to Reo so he could praise him too, but he supposed the praise can be saved for the special day.
.
.
“Nagi?”
.
.
Blink
.
.
"Hello? Earth to Nagi? What are you dreaming of now? It must've been tiring today haha!” Reo's heavenly voice softly enters and blesses his ears.
"I'm thinking of you, Reo" he thinks he feels his face muscles contort into a slight smile which. Embarrassing. Totally ruined his nonchalant aura.
Reo is silenced upon hearing that, Nagi swears he sees a little blush and mouth twitch before Reo giggles and tells him not to joke about stuff like that. "Let's get out now Nagi, don't wanna prune up too much do you?" He responds back with a nod.
'... Reo is so cute.. let's prepare my plans quicker.' he thinks with profound determination.
__________
NIGHT 1
After that long and strenuous day of training and thinking, Nagi is all by himself awake at 10.41pm on his bed while Reo is (unfortunately) sleeping across from him and the two other roommates, Chigiri and Wanima sleep soundly.
Nagi isn't up late because he's nervous, in fact, he's quite excited, thinking about how shocked and happy and cute Reo's face will be. He's up to think of a good location for the perfect date with Reo.
Yes, blue lock itself is a pretty unsuitable place for a date, but Nagi doesn't have much of a choice right now. He promises himself to take Reo to all their favourite places once they get out and win that world cup together.
They could go to Harajuku, Nagi ponders, becoming reminiscent of the promise they made together there. Maybe visit the bustling Kyoto together, or they could always visit the more quiet mountains and towns for a good scenery. Oh and both their houses are a must visit, hmm.. I'm sure Reo would love seeing Choki again- a hoarse snoring noise cuts through his thoughts.
"Ah. Got off track, back to planning"
First step, Nagi writes down every room in the blue lock building he can think of on his notes app and skims through his choices. Then, he deletes the obvious no go choices, meaning he only deleted the showering and changing room. He's already planned out a criteria for his date after all.
1) minimal hassle for planning
2) clean ^
3) empty ^^
4) not where naked people have been in
Nagi stares at his phone, his phone stares at him, Nagi imagines the phone cussing him out about wasting its battery doing nothing. Just 3 choices left : the dining hall, one of the training fields and the monitoring room.
Weighing the pros and cons carefully,
Cafeteria
• Pros: not too shabby looking, tables can be arranged according to his soon to be planned decorations, easy access to food
• Cons: can't guarantee a silent and calm date..
Training field
• Pros: could set up a nice picnic on the fake grass
• Cons: would have to ask around to schedule a time (a hassle)
Monitoring room
• Pros: listening to Reo rant about what he should have or could've done in past matches.
• Cons: the distance from the dining hall and monitoring room.. makes Nagi's head hurt
He's frustrated, every choice he goes for makes him put in a lot more effort than he budgeted, he puts his hand on his hair, ruffling it, he's quick to put it down as he regrets how Reo's petting is now unseen. "..okay. I can do this" he says sternly to himself, having thought of his final plan.
In the end, he ends up going with the monitoring room. He can overlook the con if he recruits a bit of help, he might not have to bribe at all if he finds the right people. The ambience of the monitoring room is just right, thinking about Reo's face lit up partially by the light from the monitors, Nagi doesn't regret his choice at all.
He checks the time on his phone. 11.32pm. Eh.. guess he can't complete his game commissions today and maybe not for the rest of his planning days too. Sighing inwardly, he places his phone down and practically falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow.
_____________
Nagi wakes up, blurry eyed, he doesn't hear anyone in the room, when he unblurs them, he confirms his guess and grumbles about not seeing Reo’s cute first thing in the morning. The time says 7.55am on his phone, he was pretty accustomed to waking up early for school, but that was when he used an alarm so he's quite proud of this feat.
He drags his feet over to the bathroom and finally sees Reo, just leaving the bathroom, his face is so clean, maybe it's because Nagi isn't fully awake, but it's like he sees an angel so he can only stare in a daze.
"..um? Nagi? Are you still asleep?" Nagi blinks his eyes a few times.
"Oh. Yeah. Why didn't you wait for me this morning Reoo?" walking over to hug Reo.
"Couldn't bear to wake you up. You sleep so soundly, my treasure, it's a good thing you didn't oversleep!" Hugging Nagi back.
"Now go get ready, Nagi, I'll be waiting at the dining hall when you're done!" Nagi nods in agreement.
Nagi finally enters the room he came here for and he spots Chigiri, still in the middle of completing his 10-step skin routine. Nagi is pleased, now he doesn't have to neglect Reo time just to talk with Chigiri.
When Nagi completes his much more simple routine, consisting of one toothbrushing and a half assed face cleaning. The pink haired guy is nearing the end of his leg routine so he waits. And waits. And waits.
“You realise you can ask for conversations right? I've been extending my routine time just to see how long it'd take you to talk.” Chigiri says nonchalantly out of nowhere, already having noticed the heavy stare he was getting.
“Right. Advice. I need advice from you “
“..And that would be?”
“I'm gonna set up a date with Reo, I wanna ask a couple questions. Settle this with me fast. I need to go eat with him.”
“I should be the one asking the questions really.. let's start.”
So the questions begin
“Reo’s favourite colour?”
“Purple, hey isn't that too obvious?”
“Just testing the waters.” Chigiri forms an unimpressed face.
“Reo's weakness”
“Probably his miscommunication..”
“Trick question. He's got no flaws”
…
“Are you sure these questions are even useful to you?”
Of course they aren't, Nagi just wants to praise Reo a little before moving on to the real deal he's here. He nods anyway. Nagi pauses for a second, seemingly worried to know the answer to the following question.
“What do I do if he doesn't feel the same way?”
Although Nagi's intellect allows him to actually be able to make and deliver plans perfectly with minimum effort (though rarely done, because doing nothing costs 0 effort) The only flaw in his intellect just so happens to be emotional intelligence. And this fact has only been clearer to Nagi after having witnessed Reo suffer from this issue of his.
one line and Chigiri swears he feels his veins pop out.
“Are you screwing with me?” He searches for even a shred of joke in Nagi, and only finds a face that can only describe seriousness and even a slight nervousness.
A sigh, “don't be stupid, get out of here, prepare blankets and food for your little date, go with the flow, be you. Reo wouldn't wanna any other version of you. And I can't even imagine what you could do to mess it all up.”
Chigiri is thrown back to memories of second selection when he had listened to Reo's never ending rants about Nagi. Worst part is, Kunigami isn't even here to suffer with him this time.. Chigiri silently curses wild card, couldn't there have been a less abnormal route for Kunigami to get back?
Unbelievable, he's not sure how to feel playing a relationship counselor for a couple that doesn't know they're together. Hey, perhaps he could get some money out of Reo after everything between these blockheads sort out.
*Beep beep beep*
Chigiri startles, it's the sound of a timer going off.
“Oh. That's my phone, I've been in here for 30 minutes now.” Nagi's face annoyed, swiping his timer close. “You should've spent less time on that routine. Appreciate the advice, really. Need to go now, Reo's been waiting too long.” He heads toward the door in a rush.
‘it’s not my fault someone couldn't start a conversation the normal way..’ Chigiri’s emotions are this overworked and it's barely 9am yet.
“Hey, goodluck.”
“Thanks.”
_________________
Nagi enters the dining hall and it doesn't take his eyes long before locking on to Reo's cute face, Nagi would have smiled upon looking at Reo usually. But the smile falters when he sees Reo seems to have some sad air around him. Like in a football match, his feet seem to teleport him next to Reo, but it only takes Reo a second to morph back to all smiles.
“Reo.”
“Nagi! You're here!”
“Come, sit, I made sure to take good ones.”
“Mm thanks.”
Then, they get to their accustomed routine, Reo spoon feeds Nagi while ranting about today's plans and something about stocks that Nagi has long faded out of his ear as he stares at Reo and thinks of the uneasy feeling still with him from when he first saw Reo.
He stares, and stares, the purple haired man makes a lot of expressions when he speaks, Nagi only registers the times when he mentions keywords like ‘you’ and and his name.
The more keywords are mentioned, the more the uneasiness inside his heart untangles itself. The slug lying on the table isn't fluent in expression reading, but he notices how the talking man doesn't seem fake at all when he's smiling.
By the time Nagi notices the food on his plate is finished, and the angel in front of him flashes his perfect toothy smile while saying “foods done, you complained less today too! Let's get to training now, can't waste too much time..”
So, Nagi Seishiro, the genius, comes to a genius conclusion, Reo was sad earlier because Nagi had come out later than usual.
Of course, he should've known, he curses. The purple head is very punctual about his time, noticing even the slightest 5 minutes of lateness. Nagi swears to never be late again.
“I'm going back to the room to relax a little before training. Let's head back together?” beams Reo.
“Y-” oh oh oh oh. Recruit. People. Date. In 0.84 seconds, Nagi straightens himself and replies once again.
“Sorry Reo, I need to um. Do something. Important, I'll see you soon.” The guilt kicks in immediately but the genius steadies himself as he's reminded of the amazing date they'll have if all goes well.
“Ah.. right, of course! See you then.” Now Nagi is no medium but it's like he feels ghosts coming out from Reo's body crying and cursing at him for ever hurting Reo.
“... Love you Reo, see you.” he sprints away to hide.
“W-what!? Hey! You can't do that! Come back!?!?” Jaw dropped, Reo picks it up after a minute of silence and walks back to the room. Nagi smiles from away, seeing the sad energy around Reo replaced with confusion instead. He thinks, “good enough.”
___________
NIGHT 2
In the corner most training room, inconspicuous, perfect to hide from Reo, lies 5 people, Isagi, Bachira, Chigiri, Rin, and the genius himself, Nagi.
“Now we commence.. operation the best date (in blue lock).”
“Nagi, no. That's a horrible name.”
“Alright now Chigiri, settle down, it's the little(giant) loverboy’s date soon!”
“Exactly, thanks Bachira.” Nagi receives a proud smile.
“Can we get on with it? Any longer and this won't even be lukewarm anymore, just cold.” Rin spits.
How did Nagi convince Rin to join? Why did Nagi need Rin to join? In a single word, the answer would be ‘Reo.”
in maybe just a little over 10 words,
“Nee, Nagicchi, why not try asking Rin for help?”
“Eh, why should I? He's just a hassle..”
“I heard from a little birdie, Reo is the only person Rin doesn't put his cold front up around..”
Bachira meant to say this in a way that implied the teal strikers likely infatuation with Reo might allow him to come up with ideas easily and secure a good date, seeing as he wouldn't want to see Reo on a lukewarm date.
However, the alien Nagi had other thoughts in mind. He thought this would mean he could rub it right in Rin’s face! He could prove Reo was his and Rin couldn't ever touch him!
“Bachira. You're the best.”
“Even better than Reo? I'm flattered!”
“No. Don't ever say that again.”
______________
After checking through too many doors to Nagi's distaste, he finds Rin, meditating. Nagi had only just opened the door but he already found piercing eyes glare at him. Nagi doesn't really get what the point is in meditating, is it so the gods give you the luck to win? Isn't that a cheat? Reo wouldn't like guys who use shortcuts for the precious world cup.
Both boys have a stare down, one with tired buggy eyes and the other with a glare so sharp it was basically cutting open the air and releasing awkward energy out.
“Stop. Get out of here.”
“Um. I haven't said anything?”
“Out.”
“Plan my date with Reo.” The way the deadly air around Rin dissipated and softened made Nagi's mouth twitch for just a moment. Should he have just asked someone else? Agh whatever, it'd be too annoying to ask anyone else now.
The bottom lashed boy’s eyes went left and right, blinking, seemingly thinking very hard about it. Nagi imagines Rin’s inner dialogue is having a meeting about whether it's worth it to sacrifice yoga time to see Reo happy.. with another man. Rin’s eyebrows have started twitching, he's taking this really seriously…
“I'll do it, but not right now.”
“Okay, come by this room after you finish whatever you do at night.”
There's empty silence after that, but he safely assumes Rin wouldn't go back on his words when said boy seems to make a somewhat soft expression, presumably already thinking of date planning with Reo as if it isn't Nagi's date... Nagi doesn't like that, but there's nothing much he can do.
Nagi left the room and felt huge burdens fall off his back, the incessant plannings can be left to Rin now, and the decor and food can be collected by Chigiri, Bachira, and Isagi who was dragged along.
______________
Back to the meeting, of course, Nagi himself also has his job, all Nagi has to do is give his input on Reo. Which dare he say, he's basically a master at that.
Choosing Rin might've been Nagi(Bachira)’s best idea because it only took 10 minutes of everyone sitting by themselves thinking of whatever their part entailed and Rin had already spoken up about a rough plan. Maybe Rin really has been thinking about it since his meditation..
Although Nagi had thought the emo only had soccer in his mind but maybe said emo also has too much room for Reo, not that he can really complain in this situation.
For a rough plan that took 10 minutes to think up, it took nearly an hour to complete. For every tweak the white haired boy added to the plan, Rin's eyes would twitch and so arguments easily broke out.
“Nee Rin.. can't we do the date before the bath?”
Rin’s face visibly darkened and sighed
“You lukewarm freak. Is your head empty? You need to smell good for Reo, get that in your head. Don't you dare make Reo smell your disgusting soccer sweat. Especially not on that day.”
“Well yeah but what if we don't eat cleanly? Might have to go bath again.. it'd be a hassle to do it twice wouldn't it?”
“What the heck do you think eating means? What are you? A caveman? Just get your etiquette together, this is common sense.”
“.. sorry Rin, truth is, the concept of time kinda disappears when I'm with Reo.. so I might forget about the date when I'm together with him..”
“What. The. Hell. Bath without him you idiot!”
“Ah… how bothersome.. Whatever..” Nagi reluctantly agreed.
“Down bad”
“Simp”
“Loser”
Nagi couldn't even disagree when he heard said words being thrown at him. Just sighed as he thought of more of his time with Reo sacrificed for a greater time with him.
After that, the meeting was concluded and they decided the decor and food preparations would have to be left for another day.
Everyone dispersed at the same time, but it seemed more like Nagi had vanished the moment they cleaned up and walked out the room. No one had to ask to know where he'd gone.
Opening the door, Reo was just about to tuck himself into bed in disappointment. Disappointment quickly fades into excitement when he spots Nagi out of breath in front of the door.
“Nagi! Where have you been?”
“Ah.. not really anywhere, let's.. hh let's sleep now” he pants really hard.
“Um.. Nagi, do you need any water? Wait, let me get your bottle.” Reo gets up, ready to get the bottle that's across the room from him, when he could've been tucked in bed already, just for Nagi. Not that he's mad about it.
But in a blink, Nagi is already in front of Reo, reaching for his hands. Nagi tugs on his sleeves and uses the voice Nagi knows he can't resist.
“Nee, I said let's sleep didn't I? It's late now.”
Reo feels himself fall back onto his bed, blanket already over him. And worst of all, Nagi. Right next to him. Hugging his waist.
“Ah- N-Nagi! Why are you here?! You realise your bed is closer to the door right?” Reo thinks he's about to burst, but all he hears is Nagi's tiny snores as a reply.
And how could he ever bear to wake him up?
‘...ah whatever’ there's no winning against Nagi.
_______________
The next day at the dining hall, everything seemed to be going fine for Nagi until oh. Oh no. ‘That traitor!’ what he spots must surely be some punishment from his last life.
It was a perfectly normal morning, said morning was made even more perfect when Nagi perked up at the sound of Reo's laugh.
But then came the question, why was Reo laughing? What was the cause? Or even worse, who was the cause? How could anyone other than Nagi be the one Reo finds funny?
Next to Reo, Nagi finds Itoshi mucking Rin.
The emo, the soccer freak, the soccer obsessed monster, the brother issues having underlashed freak, the very same guy who told Nagi not to talk to Reo excessively.
Back then, Rin told him it was so Reo's mood would boost by a lot if his mood was slightly down before the date, making him happier. It was pretty solid logic, so Nagi just went with it, it's not like he was going to avoid Reo.
The pair are currently getting their food together, mostly Reo continuing conversation enthusiastically. Nagi bites his lip, how was he so dumb to not think Rin would do this? Whatever, the only thing in his mind is pulling Reo back. It wouldn't be weird anyway.
Although his eyes never left the pair, his thoughts had let him travel into his own world and not notice how they're already walking away, back facing him, probably finding a table to settle on.
Very quickly, Nagi finds his hands already on Reo's shoulder. “Reo.” Bug eyes staring into violet eyes. “Nagi! You almost scared me haha, go, take your food and join us” smiling, unaware of what Nagi went through.
“.. Is he staying with us?” Nagi grumbles
“Well of course! He's quite fun to chat with.” They arrived at an empty table, “Here's the table, go get your food now treasure, I'm sure you can carry it yourself!” The treasure presses his lips into a thin line, nods, and does as asked.
Nagi purposely gets the steak for breakfast just so he can have his partner cut them up and feed them to him, thus leaving no space or time to converse with Rin. With this thought in mind, he walks back to the table all giddy about the coming headpats he will get.
Oh boy, was he wrong.
Yes, Reo cut the meat up, fed him, and even headpatted him too. What's not right, is that Nagi had undermined Reo's ability to multitask, which is a sin on his part (underestimating Reo) because right now all he can do is lay on the table and watch as the Itoshi and Reo have a deep talk about emotions.
Nagi agreed that Rin should 100% be getting a therapist, but he didn't want his partner to be said therapist!
He can't get up from laying on the table because, one, he has to take any chance to lay down to prepare for the tough training ahead of him. And two, if he moves, Reo's hand will move. And he is never ever allowing that.
With his movement restricted, he just stares at both men converse, all he hears is “bla bla bla soccer bla brother bla bla issues bla bla emotions.” All in all, super boring and uninteresting topics. How such topics manage to make Reo light up and speak enthusiastically? Nagi wishes he'd understand.
Rin on the other hand looks like an entirely different person from yesterday. Face a sharp contrast from that stuck up look, eyes softened, looking like he got a massage. Of course, this is the effect of the wonderful Mikage Reo. Nagi marvels at that fact. But this isn't the right time.
Sending the toughest glare he can muster while head down towards the Itoshi, he sees Rin looking down at him and making his usual face but somehow even more rude, he grimaces. Nagi notices Reo has turned away during this short interaction.
‘..guess I only have one last choice left.’ The following words will bring him suffering and bliss, but the important part is the bliss so who cares really? Nagi lets out a loud, loud sigh before starting.
This manages to garner Reo's attention quickly. “Hm? What's the matter, Nagi?”
A short moment of mental preparation.
“.. I wanna go to practice now. Let's practise together.”
A beat, Reo's face rightfully shocked and silenced.
“.. just me and you. Not Rin.” Nagi adds.
“Oh of course! I completely lost track of time! I was so shocked you wanted to practise haha, let's get going now!”
“Ah Rin! You're pretty meticulous with your schedule right? Sorry for keeping you, I'll see you around”
“It's fine. Bye.”
Reo turns around with Nagi and leaves.
Nagi doesn't miss the chance to turn his head around, mouthing a silent yet accurate ‘he won't be seeing you around.’
‘Screw you.’ Rin’s face in disbelief.
Practice passes by slowly, both a blessing and a curse really. Nagi gets the blessing of seeing more of Reo, but the curse of actually being productive.
Nagi knows he probably can't even do anything to Rin later, but the idea of another universe where he cusses him out as Rin bawls his eyes out does comfort him more than it should for now.
After a solid 2 seconds, running sounds can be heard. Looks like Reo is back from the last lap.
Nagi, who has his body laid flat out on the grass, lifts his head up and eliminates all thought. He's about to die, and this might be the angel that saves him.
“Nagi! Get up already, 3 more laps okay? Some more practice and we'll head to the gym.”
More like somewhat angel.. unfortunately they are all only human, balanced with evil and good.
Another day, another night. They've finished bathing, they're in their room laying around. Nagi frowns as he thinks about how he's going to leave Reo tonight, a sigh, ‘this is all for the better’ he thinks.. Anyway, it'll most definitely be the last night anyway, so let's get it over with faster.
“Nee Reo.. I'm gonna go get something outside, just. Something you know.” Walking out before he has to hear Reo reply because he'd walk back in no doubt if he did.
Tonight, he employs the help of Chigiri! Turns out you don't exactly need 4 other guys to help with planning, because one can be a trusty distracter!
Before Reo even has the chance to call out for Nagi, Chigiri is already in front of him.
“Reo! Let's play!” blocking Reo's view from the door, hands behind his back.
It doesn't take a genius to realise this is probably some scheme. Reo frowns as he thinks of Nagi even lying to him to go out on his own. He's unimpressed, but maybe he can wait. Maybe.
“.. sure. What do you have?” Reo points at where Chigiris hands are hiding.
“Cards of course! Come on, monopoly, uno, poker I got it all.”
Reo wasn't really a card game person growing up so safe to say he doesn't know squat about what Chigiri is saying but he hears poker and perks up. He knows that! But..
“Poker isn't fun with two people.”
“Well. You're not wrong. How about Uno then? Simple.”
“... I've never played that.”
Chigiri gasps, genuinely shocked, silence ensues. Didn't Reo get anything he wanted and didn't want no matter what he asked for? Does no one in Reo's family know about poor people card games? What a crazy epiphany!
“Huh. I guess rich kids really have it different.. well it's alright! I have quite the knack for teaching, and this isn't so hard. I won't go easy on you though!”
Reo smiles, learning new things is always exciting, and getting the hang of them the quicker he can always makes him proud. Win-win!
“Alright. Game on!”
____________
NIGHT 3
(Final night!)
..Are the words written on the big screen meant for rewatching plays. They've switched to the monitoring room today to start on the decor plan.
Throughout the day, most players were made aware of news to avoid said room after 9pm tomorrow. And also not to be shocked by the colourful change to the room lest they have plans on using it before 9pm.
Nagi didn't even know the screen could be changed.. maybe they could bring a game to play here next time? Nagi unconsciously brings his hand up to his face in a thinking position. Hm. Oh. That's a pretty good idea!
“Who set the room up?”
“I did!” Bachira’s voice eagerly rises.
Nagi doesn't bother thinking about how he even does this. Heck the remote only says power off/on, arrows and a confirm button. And as far he knew, the screen just shows every recording made ever since blue lock’s existence when opened. But who is he to question Bachira?
“Switch this to a movie.”
“Anything loverboy wants he gets! Just give me the movie!”
Of course, a movie has already wormed its way inside Nagi's mind. Nagi can only imagine his chances of getting with Reo skyrocketing once he plays this movie.
He relays his idea to Bachira, who upon hearing this immediately smiles. “Looks like Nagicchi still has some romantic bone in him! I won't let you down!
The rest of the night continues with setting up the room. Everyone knows there's a.. lack of decorative items in blue lock, and Ego surely isn't wasting any funds on teenage love.
Isagi and Bachira, wanting to take the easy way out, already tested that theory, having spent their morning in Ego's room pleading.
There was an inkling that it wouldn't work but Bachira insisted, “Isagi is Ego's favourite player afterall” he said.
“No.”
“Eh! What! Ego-san :( maybe a little more thought into it?”
“Did your little unpolished gem ears not hear me say no?”
“Well. We did but maybe just like petals? We can provide the money!”
A sigh, “everyone knows you're just gonna go get that Mikage boy to pay.”
“Alright alright Bachira, let's get out already he looks sleep deprived enough..”
On the way out the room, they keep talking.
“Hey but.. were you seriously going to ask Reo, the one being asked out to pay for a couple of petals out of everyone?”
“Obviously not! Nagi would've been the one to do the asking!”
The last sound Ego hears is the sound of boys chuckling out the room.
_______________
10:30PM
“WHY'D YOU USE MY CLOTHES FOR HANGING DECORATIONS.”
“ACTUALLY. I USED EVERYONE'S CLOTHES, YOU'RE NOT SPECIAL RIN.”
“OKAY MAKE ME SPECIAL AND LEAVE ME OUT OF THIS THEN?”
“Listen, I've thought about a good reason for this.. Picture this, Reo on the date, he sees your jersey! He thinks of you while he's on the date, isn't that crazy!” he says with a finger raised up like he's actually done something.
“Alright Bachira you know very well Reo won't be looking around at whose clothes we used.” Isagi tries to break up the migraine growing in Rin’s head and Bachira.
“.. I don't appreciate you talking about how my boyfriend will be thinking of other men.”
“Okay who cares everyone, let's just tie these clothes together then hang them. So many colours to use! This is a pretty good idea, Bachira!” Isagi says as he looks through the concerning amount of clothes Bachira has managed to gather.
“Exactly! Don't worry, It's just one shirt and pants from a player each! My monster tells me my vision is going to be beautiful!” He giggles.
Throwing a few random shirts to each person, the long night starts.
_____________
“Bro. You can't just win with a power card, that's against the rules.”
“The rules that you did not mention. So I'll be placing this colour card down now.” The grin on Reo's face all too apparent now.
“It's called a wild card actually. Sorry I thought with your brain, you could connect the dots that say ending the game the easy way would be wrong?” Chigiri gestures at his brain for his point.
“Right, aand as the Spanish would say, that's cero!”
“Of course you know spanish..”
“And of course you know the name of some card in a deck with like 30 other different cards.”
They're only in the first round, Chigiri had explained the basics loosely for Reo and somehow. Just somehow. He's already “won” the first round. Chigiri, many times winner, many times player of UNO just lost to Reo, previously never times winner, zero time player of UNO. That's just humiliating.
First round in, and the obligatory bickering of every UNO game played has already started. He didn't think Reo could pick up on something he's never even seen. Is Chigiri impressed? Not really because he's getting too heated now.
“You're not backing down with just one win are you? Come on, get shuffling shuffle boy.” Reo smiles with very much prideful eyes and hands Chigiri the messy deck of cards.
If there's anything in common between Reo and his “boyfriend”, it's that they never fail to get on Chigiri’s nerves. But as one of the many “egoists” in blue lock, he still gets fired up and decides the only way to get better is to win.
“Okay rich boy, why don't we both shuffle these cards? I've got some skills to flex.” he smirks, he's learnt one too many shuffling techniques from his sister that's sure to impress Reo.
“Bring it on!”
2-0, in Reo’s favor. (First point from UNO round)
As it turns out, Reo has no experience in UNO, but many in poker. Do rich people get a class for this? Chigiri wonders. The inferiority Chigiri feels is only alleviated when he thinks of Reo's emotional attachment issues.
It was a close call until Reo pulled out this ridiculous move where he.. how does he even say this?
Reo splitted the deck into half, has one half a little above the other on one hand, and the cards just fell perfectly into said hand.
“Where do you even learn all this..” he sighs and chuckles at the same time.
“People in school do this a lot, I gave it a few attempts and got it” Reo replied as if it's sane to just pick up on something because he can.
A black face that's given up on questions, “Amazing! Alright new game new game.”
____________
10:57PM
“This is basically a workout, you should be happy Rin-nie! When else are you going to train your muscles by pulling a whole table from one room to another?”
“If you'd like to keep that tongue of yours, please kindly. Shut. Up.”
“You probably deserve this after the audacity to speak with my partner.”
“You know very well he came up to me. I'm simply being a good person.”
“Uh huh.”
Seriously, why doesn't the monitoring room, the one room that probably needs a table to place water and the remote, have a table?
Since Ego decided to be frugal on the one time it matters, they(Rin) had to move a table all the way from some random sleeping room. Whose one is it? Who knows there was literally no one in the room at the time, lights off and everything.
It's not like no one wanted to use the power of friendship to move the table, but the table was only so big. It was like those round tables at fine dining restaurants that fit two plates and glasses, maybe a candle. Except this table was square.
Nothing wrong with the lack of round edges for the table, just that, it's a side table. So it's got all the drawers and whatnot on it that are also taken into account for the mass.
Obviously, why would Ego put a random table in a room when every bed is bound to have a side table next to it already?
Yes, the date will go perfectly. No, they will not be getting chairs due to the odd height of this table. Sadly, billionaire Reo, who has lived his every meal on a chair won't be on one. Nothing wrong with that!
When the four boys were faced with pretty much the best table blue lock could provide currently.
This is how it went :
“how are we gonna bring this back?” Nagi says.
“Who knows! Not me though!”
“How about we each grab a corner? Shouldn't go too bad.”
“I'm very sure Bachira is going to slip and have this table fall on everyone.”
“Hey! You should just grab it yourself then!”
“Alright now it's a pretty small table,
probably better for one person to carry it. Any volunteers?”
Silence.
“Uh.. guys? We're four very much muscle trained teenagers you know? We've trained more than average teenagers in Japan,
you know?”
Crickets.
Isagi sighs, why can't anything be done easily with these people?
“Rock-paper-scissors?”
“Okayy!”
“Obviously.”
“Mm.”
Inwardly, Isagi thinks, why are they like this?
Not that Isagi should complain, if he did complain outwardly, he's sure all of them would be telling him about moving it by himself after.
Rin loses. He picks up the table without complaints, but the “motivational” words from Bachira only make him irritated.
Safe to say, the walk on the way back to the monitoring room is filled with banter and chaos, much to whoever is rooming in one of the rooms of the hall's dismay.
______________
11:30PM
In the lone lit room amidst the dark hall. “Hah! How'd you like that? Add four!” Chigiri yells excitedly.
They've played 12 matches. 12. During this time, unnecessary UNO techniques are exchanged and they talk about how Wanima must be the most patient person in the universe. Really, he just fell asleep after entering the room despite the ruckus of cards on the floor.
It's their 13th match now. The score is tied 6 points each but the upper hand seems to be in Chigiri hands. Like, literally in his hands. Chigiri with 3 cards left. While Reo, who had 2 cards left, unfortunately now has 6.
At least, that's how it's meant to go. The smirk Reo returns after the +4 card is placed falters his opponents confidence.
Reo comes down hard with a solid +4 coloured! 7 cards in Chigiri's hands and one less in his own! What will Chigiri do now?
Well! I guess we'll never know!
_______________
With great trouble, the group makes it back to the room. Despite being stopped multiple times to retort the teasing and laughs of people walking in the hallway. Most of them shocked Rin is actually in on being helpful.
Shockingly, the closest thing they've had to a complaint is when they come back to the room (table in hand) and Hiori is there, phone in hand, deep into some shooter game.
Looks like someone hadn't heard of their date idea, Hiori left the room with a slight grumble hidden beneath his kind facade. Nagi makes sure to ask for Hiori’s game account details before said boy leaves.
As the table is placed in its rightful spot, in the middle of the room right in front of the big screen. The area finally looks fit for dates.
Hell this room could accept a fee to be entered now with all these decorations. Not like there are other players that have a love as shameful as Nagi’s.
The table is flipped down for more surface area, there's a slight slant created from the top part caving out but the other side is balanced with some blanket they found.
The monitoring room provides good pillows as a substitute for chairs, which Nagi is sure Reo has used before given his frequent past visits. He hopes the one he's hugging right now is one of the one's Reo's used.
The walls are decorated with hanging clothes tied to one another, for a building with no paper but tissue paper for crafting. They've done a pretty creative and good job.
The floors have oddly petal shaped tissues shaped in a heart, coloured lazily with red markers. They're loosely taped together with each petal having 2 centimeters or less of tape. They're on a tight budget okay?
It's 12am now, everyone is tired. They give a final stare before nodding in approval
“Looks like shit.” Rin has a finger on his temple.
“Man, I wouldn't come here for a date.” Isagi says with a smile.
“Well. It's something! But Reo likes anything you do so it's fine!” Bachira throws a hand over Nagi's shoulder.
“yeah yeah you guys are just jealous. Let's hit the sacks now.”
Yes, Nagi did think Reo deserved a better date with him. But to be honest, this isn't their first date, nor will it be their last. Every date of theirs will be memorable and different, and that's the great part.
Heading to the room, Nagi feels his stomach spin around and do roller coasters. His face is nonchalant, but his mind probably won't be able to function with stability without Reo in his mind anymore.
The knotted string in his mind knocking him about getting alone time with Reo is slowly untangling. Nagi knows, this string will for sure be as straight as a line by tomorrow 9pm.
________________
12:15am
Reo is on the floor smiling softly as he sleeps. His eyes are closed as he breathes through his nose quietly. He's positioned in an x shape with one hand on his stomach. The inhale and exhale of his breathing makes the hand go up and down rhythmically.
It's satisfying to see, Nagi can't help but enjoy the view for a few seconds. Even when asleep does Reo manage to capture his heart thoroughly. He has to reluctantly force himself to look the other way for a better view of what happened.
Ah, there's Chigiri, his face is more of a frown compared to Reo. Judging by the UNO cards splayed messily on the ground, it looks like Reo had won the game. Nagi wouldn't have expected any other outcome.
Nagi doesn't want Reo to wake up sore from the hard floors, but moving him would result in waking him up at the same time..
Well, just a day shouldn't affect anything.
_____________
*Beep beep beep*
The sound of a quiet alarm rings from the phone on the floor. A sound only Reo Mikage has the ability to wake up to every morning, an ability he's honed since his early adolescence. Just one alarm and 3 beeps is all it takes.
Reo’s eyes open slowly, and as he's ready to sit up for routine yawn and stretch. He's stopped. Something, well, someone, is holding him down.
“Eh? Nagi?” He calls out but only breathing answers him. He's really not shocked anymore, just didn't expect them sleeping together to be an ongoing thing.
Nagi's arms are wrapped around his stomach, face stuck to the side of Reo's chest. Reo thinks this must be how koalas feel when their babies hang on their back.
Except this baby koala has a grip way too strong on him. Does Nagi really have this much strength unconsciously? It's really not the time, but Reo still can't help but be amazed and proud at the same time.
Reo tries to pry away the arms on him for a little longer than he'd like to think, but to no avail. This is really making him wonder what all the muscle training he does is for.
He tries to whisper Nagi's name next, hopefully this will stir Nagi awake just enough. And he wouldn't want to wake the others up. He tries and tries, in the middle of mid fourth try-
*Beep beep beep*
Ah. He'd forgotten he hadn't even closed the alarm yet. It probably went into snooze, meaning it's been a whopping 15 minutes since he's tried getting out of here.
The next snooze will ring in another 15 minutes, he can't exactly reach the phone right now considering it's about a meter above his head when he lays down. How'd it even get there?
Reo's sure its fine to be ready 15 minutes later than he usually is, but he thinks making mistakes even once will eventually turn them into habits.
There's no choice, he'll have to pull out his most effective technique! Brute force! Instead of softly prying Nagi away, just pushing him away with both hands will do.
Nagi's gonna have to cut his sleep short, but it's doing him more good to wake up earlier anyway.
Reo braces and pushes, it works very easily. Unfortunately, as he predicted, Nagi is awake now, staring at him, with those buggy sleepy eyes. No words, just stares.
“... Goodmorning.” sounding unsure if Nagi will even register this in that head of his.
“... Goodmorning, Reo.”
Reo smiles at him, grabs the phone behind him and turns the next snooze off before it rings again. Guess another day has begun.
“So, let's start the day?”
“Mm, together.” Nagi says surprisingly firm for someone being woken up 25 minutes earlier than usual. Yes Reo knows Nagi's waking schedule despite waking up earlier, nothing wrong with that.
___________________
The rest of the day goes smoothly, a little too smoothly for Reo in fact. Nagi works out without complaint, other than the occasional sighs, Reo's yet to hear him whine a single once.
Not only that, Nagi is quick to notice when Reo gets out of breath. Finishing their 25th lap around the field, Reo stops in his steps and takes a breather. His eyes unconsciously close as he wipes his forehead.
Opening his eyes, Nagi is in front of him, holding a bottle of water and a towel.
“...?” The bottles and towels are on the other side of the field. Did Nagi really run all the way back just for him?
‘No.. no. There was probably one near us.’ he finds it hard to believe Nagi would do all that for h-
“But I took them from the benches there?” Nagi looks over to said benches. On the other side of the field.
“Huh? Oh. Oh! That's great Nagi! Thanks a ton, sorry I doubted you..” Reo returns quickly from the shock, damn him and his speech bubbles mixing up.
“Mm don't be sorry Reo. I'm gonna run more, catch you soon.”
Reo wished he had the energy to say he could follow, but it hasn't even been a minute since he stopped moving, and he's been moving constantly for an hour already.
Frankly, Reo didn't even know Nagi had all that energy in him. ‘What's with him today.. this is strange.’
Continuing on, the day goes well, albeit with Reo's head spinning a little more than usual today. They're planning their last practice match of the day, after that the schedule is mostly up to them.
However, Nagi makes a request that, although seems in character, also isn't in character.He stands there slouched, hands on his nape behind.
“Nee Reo, uhm, i'm gonna head to bathe now. Can I?”
It's pretty in character for him to ask for breaks. But, what's not in character is straight up asking to stop practice right as they're nearing the very end.
Reo contemplates saying no like he always does whenever Nagi asks for breaks, but it looks like his treasure worked twice as hard today just to make up for the break he's asking for now. He couldn't waste his treasure's efforts afterall.
“Hahh, so you really just worked hard today for extra gaming tonight? New event is it? I'll ask about it later. I admire the foresight! Go for it Nagi!” Reo pat's Nagi's shoulder proudly. Really, when did his treasure develop his frontal lobe of foreseeing?
“.. it's not for gaming Reo, the last event is still ongoing. You'll see soon.” Nagi gives a quick hug before running off with a speed way faster than this evening.
And Reo. Reo stands frozen. What? What does that mean? They've. Never hugged before. Yes they've done piggyback rides, had hands on each other's shoulders before. But a hug? Reo feels heat rushing up his face. Oh god. He's probably so red right now, and it's not from training.
“‘You’ll see soon?’ What does that even mean!” hand on his head, he's ready to find the closest wall and bash into it.
No. No. Practice match. Yes! Yes he's here to practice! They've probably worked on the teams already, just gotta cross Nagi's name out and find a replacement. Easy.
His performance ranges from super distracted to super concentrated.
_________________
Nagi rushes to the bathing room. He takes his time there, expecting the practice match to go for around more than an hour. Besides, this is probably the first time he's been alone in the bathing room.
He can prune up and relax as much as he wants now, no, actually, only up to an hour but that's fine. Well. Nevermind maybe Only 20 minutes in the hot water.. Reo doesn't want pruned up losers.
He does his usual routine, bathing routine being ‘Make bubbles over your entire body at once. Wash them away in one go, and finished.’ Jumping into the hot spring. Yes, this is what he deserves after that grueling day today.
He can't help but grin a little in the water, he holds his breath, and thinks about the date he'll have with Reo tonight. The giddy feeling lasts short as oxygen runs out. Oops, gotta stay alive for Reo.
He floats in the water taking in the way the water softens him up. Next time, he'll have to invite Reo for this.
Nagi's eyes flutter open and close enough for him to decide it's the end of this relaxing time. However, he's not too disappointed, more so excited. Though his face couldn't show more.
Dried and dressed, he leaves the room. He checks his phone. 18:27 pm. Hm, about maybe 30 minutes spent in the hot spring and 10 doing whatever else. It's a new record, he's never had enough hot water to do this long enough back at his dorm.
Walking along the hall, on his way to the bedrooms. He finds Reo. Aren't practice matches supposed to last longer than 40 minutes? Still, he's not complaining, after a great bath, the next thing that should come is definitely his great partner.
“Nagi! You just finished bathing? That's good to know!” Reo says as he waves enthusiastically, surprised to see him.
“Reo, hey. I did. Did the practice match end early? it's not late yet.” he questions.
“Ahh er.. I guess I was a little distracted so.. they thought I could sit out after the first round, so i just agreed. It's nothing really.” Reo says frantically, he couldn't admit to his treasure he'd been unfocused the entire match because of him!
Nagi wants to curse whoever suggested Reo to sit out, how could they even dare to suggest Reo doesn't have the ability to stay serious for a match? Just wait till he finds them. “Mm, I see..”
“Well! Anyways! Had a good bath didn't you? You sure looked relaxed.”
Mmm it was a great bath Reo. Next time, let's float together.” Nagi nods with his usual nonchalant expression.
“Still floating in the bath eh? Maybe in some time!” Reo says politely. “I'm on my way to the bath now actually.” He says bringing the shower basket on his hand up.
“Mind waiting for me in the room? Let's head to dinner together!”
Although not what Nagi has in mind tonight, it still aligns with his plans. So he answers, “yeah.”
“Catch you later!”
“See you, Reo.”
__________________
Ego sure made his cafeteria look fitting for 300 people. It feels a little too big for a program that's bound to become one person. During this time, there's a decent amount of people that have long finished their training regime of the day.
The cafeteria, which used to only offer food based on your ranking, still does offer different foods based on your ranking. But the variety is definitely more now.
And luckily for Nagi, they still hold the score system up, it's pretty old, and the sign for it is pretty much dusty now. But it doesn't mean it's not in use.
The scoring system, although details about 2 scores means getting your phone back, pretty much everyones already gotten their phone back. Now the only thing that's really worth it on that signboard is..
The steak.
And the one day out of blue lock one but getting out of blue lock for the date also means pulling expenses that he does not own out of his ass. Budgeting for a date isn't bad okay? And this arguably takes more effort.
Anyway, he doesn't know how many scores he's accumulated over the time, but he doesn't need to check. He's confident he'll get that steak. Reo's favourite steak is ichibo steak, and let's be honest if they did have it Reo long would've gotten one every month at least. But they don't. So just a regular medium-well steak it is.
He orders 2 steaks from the machine, pressing on the squares on the screen. They don't have a medium-well option, or any doneness option actually, so Nagi just writes it in the remark. Speaking of, who exactly is blue lock's chef? ..who knows. But steak shouldn't be hard to make.
The machine takes its time processing the order. Nagi's about to walk away and try another machine when a bright green tick shows up on the screen. Great, it actually works. Who knows if it really even deducted his scores.
Sitting on a nearby bench, he waits the 15 minutes the machine says it takes. It's 16 minutes later that he hears the ding and the steaks appear out the counter. What a scam.
Nagi can't exactly cut open the steak and check its doneness, so he'll have to believe the one behind the machine is a human who has reading comprehension. On its side, there are diced potatoes. Nice, easy bites.
Anyhow, it's work time, he brings the steaks up over to the monitoring room. It's quite a distance away. Nagi starts to hate this fact more when he has to go back to get glasses of water over. Then, he hates it even more when he walks back again for the salt and pepper.
Troubles aside, everything is okay now. Food is set, decorations still a little mediocre but it's good enough. Oh, right, the screen.
Bachira's already downloaded the movie the night before, all he has to do is click a couple buttons to get into the system. And within 6 clicks, the movie is in front of him now. He pauses it and now everything is set.
The only thing missing from this room is Reo. Time for Reo-hunting, Nagi's favourite activity.
It's been 30 minutes since Nagi, unfortunately, had to leave Reo. So Reo is likely done and ready for food now. He heads to their shared room. There he is, the man of the night.
“Nagi! I was just looking for you, ah you're sweating a little. Did you work out a little? My treasure is so hardworking today!” Reo is really proud of Nagi, but still.. his confusion is only heightened now.
“You could say so.. Reo are you ready?” Nagi reaches his hand out and holds Reo's sleeve.
“For dinner? Of course! Not sure why you're saying it like that but yes!” Reo is totally flushing from the sudden intimacy now.
“Nagi? So where are we..” he's cut off when Nagi starts pulling him by his sleeve to.. the direction of the monitoring room?!
“Hey hey! Dinner first, I admire the hardwork but now is not the time for analyzing replays.” Reo desperately tries to steer Nagi in the direction of the cafeteria but it's futile.
In a matter of seconds, they're in front of the monitoring room door now. Nagi hasn't spoken a single word the entire way, but now he finally says his first words like a newly born baby.
Nagi finally releases Reo's sleeve. Like a gentleman, he opens the door, staring at Reo with pure focus. Inside, Reo sees the screen on a pause button, seemingly pausing before the start of a movie. Wait, how do you even change the screen to movies?!
“Reo. It's our date today.”
Reo breaks out of his stupor hearing that, “What?! Nagi you never told me! What do you mean?!” he means a platonic date right? Right?! Like a normal hangout! Of course!
“.. but I'm telling Reo now?” Nagi sounds way too sincere in his words. “Reo, come in.”
Although Reo's mind still briddled with confusion, he still walks in. It is in fact, not, a platonic date because theres this big tissue made heart surrounding their seats.
Reo can't even hide it anymore, he's blushing and stunned now. Nagi, made all this effort for him? Not just this entire set up, he also worked hard today, just to make time for this moment. The thought alone makes Reo fall harder.
Trying his hardest to set the thoughts away, he sits down. He'd probably be more comfortable eating in the cafeteria with actual chairs, but nothing really matters as long he's with his treasure.
Nagi closes the door and sits opposite of Reo. His expression is.. happier than usual? Reo can't really tell, Nagi's not frowning, but you can't really call it a smile. Going off vibes is really not easy.
Regardless, maybe he should be chill, Nagi spent his time setting this up, being anxious all night won't do.
“So! What's the occasion? Why the date?”
“Just felt like it. If I could, I'd have a date with you everyday.” Nagi doesn't even spend a second to think of a reply.
“Ahhahhaaha that's funny! We hang out everyday already so you don't need to worry about that.” Wow. So much for being chill.
“Mm Reo, let's eat, we still have a lot to do.”
“Ooh you exchanged your points for steak? Thanks a lot, I love it!” It's not ichibo steak, but he'd rate the steak here fairly edible, so it's still appreciated.
Reo cuts through the steak, not a single red visible. “Well done! How'd you know I like my steak well done Nagi? I don't think I've ever specified.. and doesn't the chef here usually do medium well steaks?”
“You just.. seem like a well done person.” Nagi is unsure whether he should complain about the machine's comprehension abilities or not.
Seeing Nagi's uncut steak and how he has only touched the potatoes beside it. Reo's reminded of something, “ah! I forgot! Nagi, should I cut the steak up for you? Here, you can have mine while I cut this up.”
“Yes please, thanks Reo.” Nagi answers as if just waiting for his partner to say it.
The atmosphere that was once confusing for Reo, slowly disappears and becomes their usual back and forth where Reo talks about his day and Nagi makes comments here and there.
Topics like how frustrating it is to deal with certain people, what kind of foods go well together, and what their favourite animals are, unfold. Topics that don't involve soccer, blue lock, no, just them.
It almost feels like one of the dates Reo's mom once set him up with in the past when they ask so many questions getting to know each other. But this one feels comfortable and real. Reo doesn't have to act like he's comfortable with answering with lies, doesn't have to act like the person across from him isn't infuriating.
Since a few days ago, they never had the time to have conversations as lighthearted as this. He's sure his face only shows how happy he is right now. He can't seem to calm his face muscles down even if he tries.
All the words from his mouth flow like a natural water fountain flowing into the ocean. Just like that, Reo can't help but find himself thinking ‘I'd have a date with you everyday if i could too, Nagi.’
Nagi hears every single word of Reo's “thoughts” but he chooses to stay quiet about it, it's not everyday Reo admits to such things out loud.
In a blink of an eye, Reo has nothing to chew on as he thinks of his next topic anymore. He finishes the last of his water. Placing the drink down, he sees Nagi has, expectedly, long finished his meal, he didn't speak as much as Reo clearly.
“Thanks for the food Nagi, I could repay you with another hango- date! Next time.” He corrects himself, but he's really not sure if he'd have the confidence to call it a date when the time comes around.
“Mm looking forward to it.” Nagi's mouth isn't smiling to be exact, but the shy pink on his face tells Reo more than he needs to know.
“So, what's next on this plan… Anything to do with the giant pause button in front of us?” he doesn't turn, just pointing at the screen next to him.
“Reo is so smart, of course you'd know this.” It sounds sarcastic but you really have to be a genius at Nagi-language to be able to decipher that no, he's serious.
“We're gonna watch a movie, Reo.” He gets up and moves the table to the wall behind. “It's my favourite movie. I think.. you'd like it too.”
“Really? I think I'll like anything you like too!” Reo stays seated on his pillow and waits for Nagi to come back. Unexpectedly, Nagi pulls the blanket on the corner of the room up, draping it around him, and moves his own pillow to sit right next to him.
‘This.. is what couples usually do on movie nights isn't it?! Does Nagi even know what he's doing to me!’ as Reo's mind continues to spiral down his turmoil. Nagi has already started the movie, what a way to calm a man down.
The movie plays,
“Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind? I don't think I've heard of this before. What's the genre?” Reo questions.
“Romance.” Nagi answers after a second.
“Woah, your favourite movie is a romance? Now that I didn't expect from you.
As the movie goes on, Reo finds himself deeply entranced. The plot already starts off good, romance with sci-fi? He wonders how everything will develop.
His mind is captivated by the movie, thinking of different ways it might go. He knows Nagi's seen the movie at least once already, but he still doesn't want to spoil Nagi's movie experience, so he keeps his thoughts to himself.
Nevertheless, anytime he feels the urge to express his laughter or shock at a scene, he does move his eyes to look at Nagi to observe his reaction. Sometimes, he finds Nagi already staring at him. At that point his eyes fly back to the screen reflexively.
After noticing a little too many stare backs, Reo figures maybe Nagi is fine with missing a good second experience. So he lets his thoughts pour out,
“This is the same actor as the guy from the Truman show!”
“Aww they're so sweet!”
“Oh my god why is this happening…”
Nagi doesn't reply to his random ramblings with anything longer than a non committed “hm”. It should be bad but being able to say what Reo wants without judgement feels good.
The longer the movie goes on, the more Reo has flashbacks of second selection, the sorrow he felt that time, the betrayal, the guilt. And how he'd choose to erase the memories of that time too.
The memories of that time arise more as Reo slowly starts relating and understanding more of the movie. However, when the ending of the movie comes, Reo finds himself not wanting to throw away such memories anymore.
The ending talks about appreciating the memories made instead of the grief of the aftermath. And it hits Reo that, despite everything, he and Nagi still made it back to each other. And just maybe, without that, they wouldn't be who they are today.
The emotional rollercoaster this movie gave Reo. The characters all dressed in their own flawed ways that make you hate and love, the story telling of a bittersweet tale we have to accept. Reo thinks Nagi really does have good taste.
The movie is finished, and Reo finds a tear or two on his face. Likely from the flashbacks. He rubs his eyes before turning to Nagi who, like earlier, is staring back already.
“That was a great film! it's amazing, no wonder you like it.”
“Mm I'm glad you do.”
Reo's really happy right now, it's unexplainable. But the joy of eating good food, watching a great movie, and being under a blanket together with his favourite person really does things to him.
After a beat of silence, Nagi speaks up.
“Reo.. so.. I thought it was obvious, but I really, really like you.”
This time, Reo doesn't flush up in shock, it feels like he should've known all this time. The signs weren't just over the place, they were basically surrounding him.
Reo places his forehead on Nagi's. “That's great Nagi.. I do too. I really, really like you. I like you a lot.”
It's a bliss neither of them can deny, they know they'll still do everything they've done all this time. But a single confession will make these acts worth more than they already did.
The movie has its ending song playing with credits. The song is as romantic as it gets, just a person yearning for another one's love.
They stare into each other's eyes for a while, Reo thinks about if it's really right to go for it. But Nagi, Nagi doesn't need a minute to think. Just a second is enough to decide.
So, Nagi kisses. It's an inexperienced and soft kiss. And this kiss is what makes Reo decide, the regrets in love only exist when the memories are gone.
EXTRA
Meanwhile in Ego's room of 30 screens, all focused on one room.
The room is a little too crowded for Ego's liking, unfortunately shutting down a bunch of rowdy teenagers at 9pm just isn't in his job description.
Isagi and Bachira, bursting into his door, have invited basically the entirety of blue lock to watch two boys on a date. Has Ego really deprived them of entertainment that much?
“WOAHH THEY DID IT THEY DID IT!!!”
“Wait, they weren't dating already?”
“They're actually kissing oh my gosh.”
“Aren't you all minors? Should you really be kissing in a room with a camera watching? I thought you were all cautious about this stuff.” Ego says grumbling.
“You say that but you're the one who was watching the whole time..” Isagi returns.
“Right! And you're the one who turned all 30 of these screens to both of them!” Bachira says giggling.
“You shut up I don't even know how you changed the screen for them.”
Oblivious to the drama, through the screen, Nagi and Reo are seen sound asleep, cuddling under the blanket, the movie shuts itself down.