Work Text:
It was the start of spring when semester started again, Ryuunosuke races to class along side his best friend, Kazuma. They both would be laughing and shoving each other, not really how they would typically go about their Tuesday mornings but there's something about today that made Kazuma ablaze like flames- according to Ryuunosuke's narrative of him. Because that's how he sees him, like the sun above him. He can't help but think that smile of his and the way he Kazuma teased him all the way to the hallways is contagious that even if the ball monitor ever caught wind of their mischief, it won't stop them though thinking about that now, they did gradually slowed down and went to the classroom as quietly as they could before the teacher noticed they arrived later than Kazuma himself would have allowed himself.
During class, Ryuunosuke, the model student that he is passed down a note to Kazuma who is sitting in a few chairs in front of him since they're all positioned in an alphabetical order by surname much to his dismay.
He sent: "What had you in a cheery mood this morning? Did something happen? "
He did remember to write his name and act discreet as he passed the note down- all students by now know the same song and dance.
After a few minutes it was returned to him.
He opens the note and reads "I'll tell you later, just focus on the lesoon for once. "
If he didn't know any better. Which he does know this is meant to be Kazuma and his usual scolding but he does detect that it comes from a place of care.... and wishful thinking has him hoping that maybe mixed with fondness too. He folds the paper again and held it close to his chest. He felt silly for being this way but he can't help it.
By the time it was after school, they've meet up behind the yard under the cherry blossoms. Winter ended not too long ago so he wasn't surprised to see the flowers in the process of blooming. His eyes glued to the concrete floor as he wasn't sure what face he should make when he sees Kazuma walk up to him. Oh how his heart does something weird each time their eyes meet.
"Naruhudo! " he feels a strong hand grab his shoulder and a familiar laugh from Kazuma.
He could've sworn he experienced a bizarre version of the 5 stages of grief in just a few seconds!
"Asougi" Ryuunosuke managed with an awkward smile. His eyes now fixed on.... mostly Kazuma's forehead. Heaven knows eye contact is enough to turn him pink and he doesn't feel like he wants the truth behind it-
The two of them hid behind the tree for some reason and have their talk right there. Ryuunosuke could tell this is important to his partner.
It took a while to get all the details out there and honestly most of the time Ryuunosuke felt dazed. His friend was going to the study tour and it felt like nothing he say could ever change his smile. He can see his resolve. Next thing he knew months have passed
He fixed himself like so, making sure he gives his best 'I am indeed paying attention to you look before giving a nod'
Kazuma took that as confirmation before giving a slight smile. "As you know....... I took on this course because I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to change the judicial system of this country. England is the best place when it comes to learning all about it. So I set out to join the student tour."
Ryuunosuke's hearts did a few flips for some reason and if he could grab unto it and give it a squeeze he would. He quirks an eyebrow. "Yes? "
"So...... If you happen to not see me around after classes, you should already know-"
And just like that he stops him.
"I would love to study with you! "
There was an awkward pause and Ryuunosuke quickly added. "You know... I don't always have the best grades and you're a great student, Partner. But if I'm too much of a bother, I can just study in my room. "
Kazuma wasn't saying anything at first. He's making that face Ryuunosuke doesn't understand and it's making him nervous.
"You're full of surprises" is all he said with a smile.
Next thing Ryuunosuke realized, they're both studying together for weeks. Mostly Kazuma sitting in that torturtous away only seen by him and something mundane to the law student who has razor sharp focus.
Metamorphosis is a natural part of nature and the lives of humans. Changes such as departing from comfort is the norm yet a cause of such sorrow Ryuunosuke overlooked it until it's too late. When he found out about his best friend's desire to leave for Britain. He was supportive all the way, like any good friend would be. Even though he barely studied himself and spent most of his time reading the same sentences over and over until he forgets what he's studying about. He can't deny watching Kazuma passionately read aloud the text spark a bit of motivation that he might as well do it anyway.
"You're helping yourself with my bed? " Kazuma scoffed, a quick shake of his head but a fond smile on his face. But since his back is turned, it's easy for Ryuunosuke to miss it.
"Yeah. Sitting for too long doesn't feel good for my back. "
"Perhaps exercising should be in order? "
Ryuunosuke gasped and Kazuma laughed.
Eventually, Ryuunosuke tried to return to his english textbooks. He really did. What occured was reading the same line over and over again. It's quite a conundrum especially when it kept happening. He peeked at his partner a few times and there it is. The same lazor sharp focus. Gradually he could feel a sudden budding in his heart. It's truly the Start of Spring in this garden called their adolescent period.
By the time when the fruits of his labor comes, he wonders how will he feel? Because by now he can already feel his heart ache in a way he doesn't understand.
As Kazuma shook him off his daydreams, he gives a slow smile. "Hm? "
"What's wrong? "
It's way too early for him to say and yet he found himself mumbling words he didn't want to come out. "Please don't go" Kazuma stares back. "..... What? " "Nothing." Ryuunosuke's mouth moved on his own before looking away. The silence that followed was clear to him, the other wasn't convinced. Yet he countinued on. "So..... How's your.... Studying... So far? " he pretends he hasn't been taking glances at him too, close to just straight up staring at him and mentally making small observation. The neat look of his bowl hair cut, the fluttering hachimaki despite them being indoors and of course when could forget his unperturbed focus, lazor sharp like his blade, Karuma. It's no coincidence it's name is one letter away from the owner's name- he blinked, only noticing just now as he stares back at Kazuma. It seems like he's not the only one making observations. It's become a battle of wits, to some extent. ".......... Let's grab some snacks!" "You mean my snacks? " "..... Ha ha ha. " "Partner."