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Chapter Text

Akane and yamabuki were eating lunch together, it’s a Wednesday after all. (Akane decided he will eat lunch with yamabuki on Monday’s and sometimes Wednesday’s, and he eats with Ao-Chan during the bigger portion of his week). They are sitting in the outside part of the cafeteria, on a picnic table with that’s under a shady tree.

He’s quiet for a moment before clearing his throat “This oak tree is nice” He says a little awkwardly.

Yamabuki looks up from his phone and raises an eyebrow “Hm?”.

Akane rubs the back of his neck “Speaking of tree…” he pauses.

“What about em..?” Lemon says after getting annoyed over the long pause, he has a short attention span after all.

Akane takes a breath, before speaking. “Do you know the rumor going around about a confession tree?” He asks.

“Mhm” Lemon responds, lowering his head, and resting his chin on his palm, ready to get back on his phone, but he’s going to hear his best friend out.

“Well, I’m planning to confessing to Ao-Chan under that tree. I was wondering if you’d… help me practice?”

Lemon sighs, before opening up his phone and going back to scrolling. “That’s gay dude.”

Akane huffs “Ah..” There’s a moment of silence. “So, will you-“

“I’m not interested, Akane.” Lemon says simply, but not harshly, as he glances up from his phone. He’d do almost anything for Akane… almost. But he had seen what the rumor’s done to people, and he doesn’t want to risk. And also, he doesn’t want to be confessed to by a guy after all.

“Right…” Akane sighs mentally, this is so awkward. “Who should I ask?” He says as he sips on his nearly expired school milk.

Lemons quiet, and for a moment Akane thinks he’s decided not to answer him, but he speaks up. “What about Mr prince-of-the-school-Teru?”

Akane coughs, almost spitting out his milk, he swallows it, putting his hands down on the table. “Why him?!”

“Why not?” Yamabuki asks. “He gets confessed to all the time after all. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Uhh…” Akane stares blankly, processing what lemon said. “But-“

“‘But’ I’m not going to help you.” Lemon shrugs. “So make your choice.”

It’s a little harsh, but lemon is pretty straightforward at times. It’s true, Akane would have to make a choice. Either risk messing up the confession, or ask president… He shudders at the thought. Teru’s got an awful personality, and he hates the thought of confessing to him even if it’s fake, Also, How would he even react? Akane stares down at his lunch, in thought.

“Wow, you’re considering it..?” He asks curiously.

“Well it was your idea!” Akane snaps with a small glare, in friendly manner in which he’d never give Teru. “Besides.. I really don’t have much options.” He sighs, hand in his hair as he thinks.

“Alright, let me know how it goes.” Lemon grins, and before he can say anymore, the bell rings. “Oh.”

“I have student council with President this period..” He says with dread, as he throws away his lunch tray. “I’ll ask then..”

“Good luck! I’ll be here to support you if you get rejected” He teases.

“Stop it!” Akane whines “You’re sounding like I’m actually asking him out!” He almost gags as he says it out loud.

“I mean, you’d be pretty damn lucky to score him, considering he’s been asked out by most of the student body anyway.” He says as the walk in the hall way.

Akane slaps yamabuki in the back, repeating, “Stop”.

“All right all right, I get it.” He chuckles, stopping Akane in the hallway to take a goodbye selfie before they part ways, part of lemon’s daily ritual.

Akane smiles at the camera, but his eyebrow twitches and there’s a bead of sweat on his face, he’s really dreading talking to Teru. He watches as his friend heads to class, then he gets out of the middle of the hallway, so he’s not in the way.

He walks to class, deep in thought, and he’s ... a little nervous. That part is what he doesn’t want to think about. He’ll get this done in over with, it should be easy enough. ‘Am I really doing this?’ He thinks to himself as he walks into student council, taking a deep breath.

There in the room President Minimoto is already sat down, early as always. He’s already got some papers on his desk, looking into them, as he sips out of his water bottle. The water bottle is likely filled with an energy drink.. He’s got a weird thing for Java monsters. He’s gotta have energy if he wants to keep up his image after all.

Teru looks up as he walks into class, he smiles and waves “Mornin’ Aoi”.

It ticks Akane off, the way he’s so friendly, the way he says his name, the way he says good morning when it’s so damn late in the afternoon. He resists the urge to glare and cuss him out, he has to be nice if he’s going to ask him such a big favor after all. “Afternoon’” he mumbles as he sits down and stares at the desk.

This was going to be a long class…

Chapter Text

Teru slides over Akane a stack of papers he needs to finish, he’s already halfway done with his own much bigger stack of papers. “Did you know the students are trying to add another club??” He asks, a little whiney ****, more clubs means more paper’s, he could handle it though.

“Hm. No I didn’t know that.” Akane looks at some of the papers, regarding the request for a new club, and he sighs. Of course the 15 clubs the school already has isn’t enough. He takes out his pen and starts writing, hardly focused on his paper.

Teru studies him for a moment, something’s off, he narrows he’s eyes. “Aoi, is there something wrong?” He says with a little concern in his voice as he tilts his head.

He looks over at him, inhaling, this is going to be really hard. “..No, it’s nothing-“

Teru leans forward, hand on his chin, and his piercing blue eyes practically interrogating him. “Hm?”

He sighs, head in his hand, tapping his hand on the desk. “Okay.. okay.. give me a moment.”

This behavior is really intriguing to teru, his eyes wide. What could possibly be up with Akane, and why is he so hesitant? “Aoi.. what is it? Why are you so nervous?” He asks serious, but ends it with a teasing “What, Are you asking me out?”

Akane goes quiet and starts down at his desk, a moment of silence goes by.

Teru audibly gasps when he realizes what the silence means, Akane aoi, of all people, is asking him out?! What Akane doesn’t expect is that, instead of teasing him about, his face goes red. “..huh? Aoi-“

Oh no this is really awkward now, “Wait!” Akane bolts up in his seat, waving his arms around. “No no, it’s not like that!!!” He inhales and speaks more calmly, despite the fact he’s still very nervous. “It’s just that, I wanted to confess to Ao-Chan under the tree outside, and I.. need someone to practice with. So I don’t mess it up of course.”

Teru takes a moment to process this. Ao-Chan… tree outside…. And the look on his face falters slightly, at the mention of that girl, but it’s only noticeable if you squint. Of course Akane isn’t actually asking him out.. that’d be stupid. “Aoi, is that tree you’re talking about, the confession tree?”

He nods, sitting back down. “Yeah, it’s that one.”

Teru raises an eyebrow. “Okay so.. you obviously know that tree is a supernatural. So why would you ask me to be associated with it..?” He asks genuinely.

“Oh! Well..”

“You know what that tree does to people right? You wouldn’t win Ao-Chans heart, you’d force her to give it to you.”

“…yeah” Akane taps his foot, as he thinks. He really didn’t think too much about the morals of it. “But, the effects only last a day, and it’s not like I’d force her to come to the tree.” He justifies.

“Well, Aoi, I’m not here to judge what you do. If you want to ask her out, then do it.” He says simply.

“So, will you help?” Akane looks up hopefully. “Please?” He blurts out, and shivers as he says it, the word sounds gross when directed to Teru.

“Hm?” Teru’s throw a little off guard, he rubs the back of his neck before speaking up. “Well, since you asked so nicely~ Finish your papers and maybe we could go out to the tree.”

“Yes!” He grabs his pen all serious, like he’s got a mission. He adjusts his glasses and narrows his eyes at his paper.

‘Cute’ Teru thinks to himself. Maybe he wouldn’t mind being to confessed to. After all, he does sometimes get jealous with all the times Akane confessed to aoi. Yeah, once would be nice. How would he do it? Would it be romantic and slow? Or would it be a passionate and loud gesture? Seriously though, it angers him how easily aoi rejects him, if he confessed to Teru he’d say yes in a heartbeat. Teru rests his cheek on the desk with a groan, he shouldn’t be thinking like this, it’s ridiculous.

Akane glances at teru when he groans, but he goes back to his papers, writing away on the last one.

“Wow, you’re serious about this huh?” Teru says. “Where’s this enthusiasm when I have to take over your work because you’re too slow.”

“Shut up.” Akane grumbles, as he sets down his pen, and hands over the stack of papers. He’s smiling a little bit, clearly a little excited still.

‘Cute’… ‘..this is pathetic’ Teru thinks to himself with a sigh. He stands up and pushes his chair in. “Well, are we ready?”

Akane stands up quickly and pushes his chair in also, he steps to the door and opens it. “Yep.”

They take hall passes and walk out to the garden, with the big tree.

Chapter Text

Here they are, standing in front of the very tree Akane has been planning to stand under for almost a week. Except this is the practice run, not the real thing with Aoi.

Teru stands with his arm’s crossed, and his smile is anticipating. All the things Akane could say are running through his head.

Akane finds himself very nervous. His spit feels thick in his throat, and his palms are sweaty. It’s weird how he can throw so many confessions at his crush in a day, yet right now he’s speechless, what could he possibly say? Why can’t he say anything? “Fuck..” he mutters as he prepares himself.

“How romantic.” Teru responds to Akane’s cursing sarcastically.

“Shut up.” He glares and adjusts his stance, trying to seem more confident, as he thinks of what to say.

Teru leans against the tree, eyes narrowing. “Aoi.” He says in a quiet warning, as if to say ‘you’re testing my patience.’

“Alright alright.” Akane mutters. He can’t believe he’s actually doing this, it’s ridiculous. Why would he think practicing on the guy he hates most would be easy? Why did he actually go through with this? He looks at teru who is waiting against that tree like some model. It’s too late to back out now, the least he can do is pretend. Pretend he’s confessing to aoi, pretend he’s confident. So he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I-I love you Aoi! Please go out with me!”

There’s a moment of silence. “..that’s it?” Teru mumbles quietly, then he chuckles. “Aw thanks~ sure I will.”

“Ah-“ Akane looks at him exasperated, looking like he’s about to punch him.

Before he can say more, as always, Teru has to add gas to the flame. “You know, aoi.. I’m starting to see why you get rejected every time.” He sighs, teasing in a disappointed voice.

..Now Akane DOES punch him, hitting him in the chest. “Screw you”. … “I swear they’re normally better-“

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure! It’s just that you-“

Teru cuts him off. “I make you nervous?”.

…

“How cute” teru chuckles.

Akane resists the urge to punch him again, he sits down by the base of the tree, grabbing a twig and stabbing it into the dirt. “No it’s not like— it’s just you’re so annoying.”

“Right.” He says with a sigh and a small smile as he sits down, in the dirt, with Akane. He’s going to get his uniform dirty, and he’s probably going to regret it, but he does end up doing reckless things whenever he’s with him. He smiles, he finally got confessed to by the person he admires most, even if he said someone else’s name.. even it actually was pretty bad. It’s still a start. If Akane actually liked him, may he could give him pointers on how to be romantic. Teru chuckles at the thought, after all, how could he teach him when he has no experience himself? He may act like a romantic but he’s never actually dated anyone.

..”What are you even chuckling about?” He says with a raised eyebrow, and in his naturally sassy tone.

“Nothing~”

Is Teru done teasing him? Wow, he thought he’d never hear them end of it after the confession. He’d be annoyed about it probably until teru graduates, knowing him. But he seems content sitting next to him quietly in the dirt playing with sticks. ‘Jeez’ Akane hisses ‘This is so damn awkward.’

Teru stands up, brushing the dirt off of his uniform effortlessly. “Well, Aoi, let’s head back to class, mh?” He offers his hand.

And for once, he takes it, letting himself be lifted up. He stretches. As they walk back to class, Akane mutters “Thanks, president.”

“Hm?” Teru looks over at him, and his smile widens, he likes when Akane is nice to him believe it or not. “Anytime, Aoi.”

“Mhm.” He agrees quietly as they head into the student council room. He packs up his bag, getting ready for next period. It feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulder, replaced with something else. Something content and alluring. He finds himself standing a little closer to Teru, and being.. nice to him? Since when?

Chapter Text

During first period, Teru immediately noticed something is up. Teru has art class with Akane in the morning, and they sit far away from each other. Akane isn’t a morning person after all, and he hates sitting anywhere near Teru anyway (all though they are partners when it comes to group projects and stuff).

But this morning, instead of going to the farthest corner away from Teru possible, he heads straight for the seat next to him, with a smile on his face.

Teru smiles, this is way better than some random girl racing to sit next to him, he gets to sit with him today. How nice. “Mornin’, Aoi”.

He turns to face him, which is odd.. usually Teru could tell just from his simple body language that he resents the idea of being anywhere near him. With a smile, that just screams ‘Hello world!’, he responds “Mornin’ Teru.”

Wow, he hardly ever responds to Teru saying good morning, and this cheerfully too. And- wait a minute?? Teru coughs, caught off guard, eyes widening. Did he just call him by his first name? Why does his face feel so hot? Teru finds himself unable to look at Akane, which he rarely stoops that low, because he’s confident, he can handle anything.. right? “What was that?”

“I said, ‘Morning Teru’” he says his name slowly with a smirk.

“Did you sleep really good last night?” He says a little more quietly then he meant too. “Or something.” Why can’t he think?? There’s some correlation to something, right? There’s a reason..

“You could say that.” He shrugs, then takes out his materials for class, he’s eyes never fully breaking away from Teru. There’s a cozy blush on his skin, and a warm smile on his face. It’s so unlike him, yet so.. nice.

Teru takes his stuff out for class too, as they wait for the bell to ring.

Akane grabs a permanent pink sharpie that was on his desk, and he holds out his hand.

He takes his hand with a look of wonder, and the way his hand lays against his, Teru wonders if this would be to uncomfortable for him, after all, Akane’s serious with his personal space. So he adjusts his hand in a more considerate way.

Akane just grabs his hand right back where it was, holding it still, as he begins to draw on Teru’s hand. A heart, he signs it with an A in the center.

“Ah-“ Teru looks at his hand, the way it’s still against akanes, the pretty handwriting on it, and the fact that he drew a heart of all things, made his face feel hot again. Teru takes his hand back, covering his face with it, and realizing just how warm his face feels. Maybe the air conditioner wasn’t working today, or-

“You’re blushing, Teru.” Akane states, cockily, as he caps his marker.

He ignores him and rests his head against the desk as he thinks. What has gotten into him? And more importantly, what the HELL has gotten into Akane? He takes a breath, then thinks back to yesterday… oh right. Akane confessed to him just yesterday. He face palms mentally, of course. Of course the tree’s powers are still in effect, even if the confession wasn’t genuine.

Akane looks at Teru, who is face planted on the desk, with a comfy smile.

The bell rings and the teacher walks in, making a quick glance at Teru. “Wow, even perfect students sleep on their desk sometimes? Alright everyone! Wake up! I don’t get paid to watch you guys sleep all day”.

Teru picks his head up, opening his mouth to protest, He wasn’t sleeping in class! But he decides it’s better to stay quiet.

“You’re such a teachers pet.” Akane whispers.

He resists the urge to yell at him to shut up.. and a part of his conscious is reminding him of all the times Akane has barked at him the same thing. And maybe that.. he understands he gets so pissed. “Yeah yeah” He decides to respond with, calmly.

“Yeah yeah.” Akane repeats.

Throughout the lesson, Teru notices Akane’s coming a little closer, and soon enough, there shoulders brush. Teru tenses up, he glances at him. “Aoi, you’re staring..” he whispers.

“Am I?” Akane whispers back, obviously being sarcastic.

Okay this is way too weird, He’s full on flirting with him now! In the middle of class too! Teru smiles nervously “Yeah. Keep your eyes on the lesson, it important.”

“Well, so are you.” He says as he presses a little bit more of his arm against his. “And I’m wayyy more interested in you.”

“O-oh.” He says awkwardly. “Look Aoi, that’s very —flattering—of you, but-“

“Keep it down, class! No talking while I’m talking!” The teacher grumbles. “I’m almost done, save your chit chat for one more minute.”

Teru sighs, he really dislikes this teacher, in his opinion, she’s got a lotttt of attitude for a teacher. Of course he’ll never voice it though. He decides after she’s done lecturing he’ll go make some excuse that’s student council related, so he and Akane can leave.

Now that Akane’s making a scene, they can’t stay in the classroom, he’ll have to explain to him what’s going on and why he has to stop.

Chapter Text

During the time the teacher was lecturing, Teru returned the favor and also drew a heart with sharpie , signed with a T, on Akane’s hand. It’d be funny to see his reaction once he’s in the right state of mind, matching hearts on there hand. It’s ridiculous, and something a middle school couple would do, But it’s fun. The idea of these hearts symbolizing their bond.

Now that the lecture is over, Teru decides it’s time to leave. “Stay here for a second.” He says to akane who is practically attached to his arm. He goes up to the teachers desk, a smile on his face, as he speaks politely “Excuse me, miss? Me and Aoi-Kun have some student council work we must attend too, so you mind if we leave?”

The teacher raises an eyebrow “You always have some reason you have to leave, don’t you, minimoto?” She complains. “Fine, take a hall pass. Now shoo.”

Teru nods, then grabs a pass. Some teachers are really hard to please, and sometimes he wonders why he even tries to be polite with bitchy teachers, but he’ll never say that. He stops by his desk. “Come on, Aoi.”

“Why? Where are we going?” He asks as he stands up and follows Teru out the class room.

“Because I have to speak to you.” He says plainly. “We’re going to the student council room.”

Akane follows obediently, not complaining, or grouching. Which is a nice bonus of him being under the spell.

They arrive at the room, and head inside, Teru gestures for him to sit down, as he stands.

“Wow, look at you all serious.” He says with a smirk.

Teru looks away again, god it’s so weird to hear akane flirt. “Listen.” He scratches the back of his neck. “You aren’t.. yourself right now.”

“Hm.. how so?” He asks as he leans his head against his desk and looks up at Teru. There’s a special look in his eyes, like he’s in love with him, all due to the tree of course.

“Well, you remember yesterday, right?” He starts with.

“Yeah, I didn’t lose my memory or anything.” Akane jokes, with a smile.

“So, you practiced confessing to me under that tree. And it seems, even though it was practice, or fake, it still had the same effect.” He explains.

“What, so are you in love with me now?” He teases.

“No!” Teru clears his throat after realizing he said that a little louder then he meant to, it came out way to defensive, and fuck, is it hot in here again? “I’m an exorcist, I wasn’t affected by it.” Okay, maybe that’s half a lie, he has been feeling flustered around Akane today. Yeah, that’s gotta be it, he’s only flustered because the tree managed to affect him too. And he totally didn’t have a crush on Akane before…“You’re the one who has these new feelings for me.” He says the last part a little hushed, almost as if it’s embarrassing to say.

“Well yeah, I do. What’s new about that?” He tilts his head.

“Well, normally you hate me— this isn’t you. So.. you need to snap out of it.” Teru says confidently, even though the words coming out of his mouth pained him a bit , he wouldn’t show it.

Akane’s eyes widen, and he sits up straight on his desk. “What? Teru, I never hated you.” He says with a look of genuine concern on his face. “Sure you’re really annoying, piss me off all the time, and can really be dick—-“

“How flattering” Teru mumbles. But he realizes, Maybe Akane isn’t completely brain washed if he’s still speaking to him with that language.

“—-But, I never hated you.”

Teru pauses sort of awkwardly, the confirmation healing a very small part of him. Akane doesn’t hate him. “Oh-“

“Because I’m in love with you!” Akane says a little loud, dramatic even. He’d probably start confessing like that every day, like he does with Aoi, if the effects were permanent, huh?

“Don’t stretch it.” Teru says with a quiet chuckle.

“Aw, why can’t I tell you I love you, handsome?” Akane says with a small smirk.

“Okay, yeah, you’re totally brainwashed..” Teru says with a sigh, and a tsk, convincing himself it did not make his heart race. “I actually preferred when you called me cuss words.”

“Okay. Then, why can’t I tell you I love you, dickhead?” Akane corrects his previous statement.

“Okay that’s enough.” Teru waves his hand, trying to casually cover his face with the other one.

Akane leans back in his chair, hands up, signaling he’s been defeated. “Alright” he chuckles.

“About the confession tree, I’m hoping one of the wonders will take care of it, it could turn into a pretty dangerous apparition after all.” Teru says, as he sits down, tapping his foot casually on the ground “I wouldn’t want to have interfere with a school apparition.”

Akane nods like he understands, but really, the exorcist talk annoyed him and he started zoning out, staring at Teru, with a soft smile.

“Are you listening?” Teru asks with a sigh.

Akane shrugs. “Wonder.. tree.. apparition. Yep.”

“..okay. And what did I say about starring?” He asks, raising an eyebrow.

He rolls his eyes, and they end up back at him. Ever since this morning it seems like his eyes are always on Teru, like one of those creepy paintings in movies, it’s weird. And at some point, he scooted close to him.

Since when did they get so close? Teru’s mind seems blank as he realizes the shortened space between them, and they look on Akane’s face. He takes a deep breath ‘surely he’s not going to do what I think he’s going to do.’ Teru thinks to himself.

And surly enough, Akane’s face is even closer than before, and he’s closing his eyes, before Teru even realized. He’s about to actually kiss him before-

“Wait!” Teru puts a hand up, and scoots back slightly. “Wait a minute, what are you -??”

Akane seems a little disappointed that he had backed up like that, he hums. “What do you think?”

“Uh-“ Teru pauses, and blinks. Fuck, he can now physically feel his face go red. He clears his throat. “Look, you’re not kissing me!”

“Why not?” He pouts.

“Because-“ he takes a moment to calm his voice, there’s no way he’ll let Akane rage-bait him into yelling. “I shouldn’t have to tell you not to kiss me. You shouldn’t even be trying to kiss me. You’re under supernatural influence.” He says as professionally and confidently as possible. Damn, he never has to concentrate to be confident, it always comes naturally. This is stupid.

“Sure I’m “under supernatural influence” but I *know* , deep down, that I want to kiss you.”

“No you don’t.” Teru says simply, he’s not going to argue with Akane, they do that enough everyday.

Chapter Text

After they were finished talking in the student council room, Akane stretches. “Wanna do something rebellious?”

“Rebellious?” Teru raises his eyebrow and chuckles as they walk in the hallway. “Maybe.. what do you have in mind?”

“Well, we have a hall pass.” He gestures to the lanyard he is spinning around in his hand. “So, why should we have to go back to class?”

“Hm?” He looks at him with wonder, and there’s a quick moment of silence. “Are you saying you want to skip with me?” He asks sincerely.

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m asking.” He confirms. “So, will you? Or are you going to be a pussy?”

“Hah, even under a spell you can’t learn to respect your elders?” He jokes.

“Oh please, you’re like a year older than me, if that.” He chuckles, lowering his voice. “And besides, didn’t you say you preferred when I cuss you out?”

…Sure he did but he didn’t say it like— that! Teru clears his throat, trying to ignore the tone Akane used. “Alright, I’ll skip with you. Where do you want to go?”

“Hm.. let’s start off with the cafeteria. We will eat outside under the shade, it’ll be sweet.” He says as he hums. Sure going to a cafeteria isn’t very rebellious, but he has C lunch, and right now it’s A lunch.

‘Start off’? What is he getting himself into.. “Sure! Let’s go on a school cafeteria date, how romantic.”

“Yeah, I’ll buy you one of those ice cream’s that tastes like tar!” He smiles, and the lanyard he was spinning in his hand slings onto the ground, and he picks it up. “That’s embarrassing” he mumbles.

Teru laughs, wiping a tear from his eye. This is nice, he never thought Akane would take him on a date! And buy him ice cream too! They head into the cafeteria.

•••

After they get their food, they sit outside, in a table under a shady tree, like they said they would. Akane bought Teru that ice cream. It may not be the best quality, and way past its “fresh until” date, nonetheless, he’s enjoying it.

Akane grabs his hand gently, leaning over and taking a bite of his ice cream.

“Hey! That’s mine.” He chuckles.

“Well.” He licks the ice cream off his lips, and leans back against the tree. “I bought it, didn’t I?”

“Didn’t you buy it for me?” Teru teases, also leaning back against the tree, facing him.

“Ah, I bought it for you, and you’re sharing it with me oh so graciously.”

“I didn’t sign up for this.” He jokes, yet he brings his ice cream back up to Akane’s lips.

Akane takes a big bite, making eye contact with Teru playfully, before leaning back once more. “Thank’s, Teru.”

“I told you to stop calling me that, Akane.” He says back, trying to sound smooth, but his voice shakes slightly. It’s not fair that Akane could say that so confidently, without even getting flustered.

His eyes widen, and he smiles. “You know what, my name sounds so nice coming from your pretty voice.”

Teru resists the urge to smash the rest of his ice cream on Akane’s face, to shut him up, instead he just looks away. “..pretty voice..?”

“Yeah! I mean, you’ve gotta know that by now right?” He tilts his hear. “I mean, considering how many admirers you have.”

“I don’t pay attention to them.” Teru explains simply. Sure he’s heard probably every complement in the world by now, but this is different.

“Out of all of your admirers, you chose to go on a date with me. Hm.” Akane smiles softly as he looks of into the distance, a small blush on his face.

“Of course.” Teru mumbles, smiling back at him. Honestly he probably couldn’t say no to him at all, but he definitely did want to go out with him. He notices a camera flash, and looks to the side to see some student take a photo, great. So much for a private date.

Akane also notices, flipping off the girl.

Teru grabs his hand and puts it down, offering an apologetic wave to the girl. He was honestly just as pissed, but he wasn’t going to make a scene. He watches as some kids gather around her. “Jeez.”

“Don’t wave at her! You’re on a date with me.” Akane speaks quietly, glaring at him.

Teru raises an eyebrow, he’s never seen Akane jealous over anyone but Ao-Chan. Speak of, isn’t Akane supposed to have lunch with her today? (Yes Teru has memorized Akane’s lunch day schedule). He chuckles “Aww, fine. I can’t just ignore anyone though, so.” He stands up and offers him a hand. “Let’s go elsewhere.”

Akane looks up at him, as he offers him a hand, and he blushes a little more. He pauses, staring for a moment, before taking his hand and standing up. They’re holding hand in public! Kind of..

Teru takes him inside and into the hall, walking slowly and close to him, smiling along the way.

“Where are we headed?” He asks curiously, wondering where Teru could have in mind.

“To the empty auditorium in the old school building.” He looks around, there’s no one in the hallway, and he holds Akane’s hand, for real this time. He takes him out the door that connects the two buildings, using his student council key card to unlock the previously locked door.

“Wow. That’s much better than my idea..” he chuckles as they enter the building, it’s a little echoey inside, and dark, but the sun shines through plenty.

“Well, I think the cafeteria was a great idea.” He says reassuringly. “I like hanging out with you.” He says as he pushes open the old auditorium doors, heading inside, hand still intertwined with Akane’s.

“Me too.” He agrees, before smirking. “Race you to the stage?”

“Absolutely.” He squeezes his hand before letting go, and getting in a running stance.

Akane runs off without countdown, looking back at Teru with a chuckle.

Teru chases after him, catching up to him effortlessly, he’s got exorcist speed after all. As they approach the stage quickly, he slows down, letting Akane make it there first, he comes up and leans against the stage with a sigh. “Aw, you beat me.”

“You let me win, jackass.” He says, panting , as he sits on the stage and catches his breath.

Teru didn’t break a sweat, he grins up at him, before hopping onto the stage and sitting down next to him. “You got me.” He puts up his hands.

Chapter Text

After a little bit, they decided to sit in the seats closest to the stage, sitting, chatting and enjoying themselves. It was quiet, and sweet, perfect for the moment.

Akane soon gets a text from Yamabuki. “Hold on I gotta answer this.” He mumbles as he opens the message.

•Bro, where r u? Ur not in bio.• -L

“Ah, right.. 1st period is over, I’m supposed to be in biology..” He sighs.

“Oh, should we head back?” Teru asks.

“Nah, I’d rather have an absence then a tardy.” He suggests, and he’s right. The system is for some reason stricter on tardy’s. He responds.

•I’m skipping >:)• -A

•Oh? With who?• -L

•Teru.• -A

Teru looks over at the screen, he’s using his first name, even in text? It’s so.. bold. He watches as dot dot dot comes on the screen.

•Sybau. 😭🙏• -L

“Sigh..bow?” Akane questions, staring at his screen with his brows low.

“Ah.. it means Shut your.. uh B word A word, up.” He explains awkwardly.

“Shut your bitch ass up?” He asks with a deadpan expression, seemingly unimpressed.

“Uh.. yeah” Teru chuckles. “You got him mad.” He grins a little and leans closer to watch Akane’s screen as he replies.

•What’s your issue?• -A
•Are you really going to risk your attendance for a dickhead you hate? 🤨•-L
•That’s harsh.• -A

He waits for a moment, watching the dot dot dot come up again, then nothing. He scoffs “He left me on read!” He sets his phone down and turns to teru, sighing and resting his head on this shoulder.

•••••

Teru flinches, but lets him rest there. He pats his head, he’s never had someone be this affectionate with him, so he’s awkward and stiff. The closest thing he’s had to being physically close with someone, is his little brother, Kou. But even now, Kou is growing up, and is no longer touchy with him. He’s grown to accept that not many people like physical contact, especially Akane, Akane is really passionate about his personal space. The closest Akane’s been to touching him, is the times his slapped him, and obviously it’s not the same. But here he is, under a spell, and leaning on Teru. It makes his heart pound.

And to make it worse, Akane presses his arm against his, and his knee against his also. Now there’s no way He can run, and he’s stuck, in this sweat, cozy trap. Close to the one person who refused wholeheartedly to ever look his way, now plastered to his side like he’s always belonged there, like it’s meant to be. Which is really dangerous thinking, because he knows Akane won’t feel the same tomorrow, let alone remember it. Teru might just remember this moment until he graduates, and never, ever, be able to feel it again. He’ll be stuck yearning forever-

As he was zoning out, Akane had turned him to face him, and he’s been staring at him the whole time. Akane let him stare, smiling at him softly, and his thumb lightly brushed against his chin, and slowly moving upwards, to… his lips-

Teru knew what he was going to ask.

“Can I kiss you?”

Yep, he was right. So predictable, yet he could hardly find the words to speak this time. He couldn’t find the guts to reject him either. He lets out a shaky breath. “Aoi.. you know I-“

“Yeah I know.” He says quietly, but his face still falls slightly. “But I’m serious.”

“But.. you might forget..”

“If I forget, then what’s the issue? It’ll be like it never happened.”

‘I want it to be like it did happen!’ He thinks, but of course, that’s too sappy, too vulnerable. “It’s wrong.” That’s the excuse he decides to go with.

Akane grabs his hand and brings it to his lips, kissing his knuckles, then intertwining his fingers with Teru’s.

“Ah-“ Teru freezes, and he blushes. He opens his mouth to speak, but ends up just sitting there, with his mouth open, staring, and still maintaining eye contact.

Akane’s the one who ends up looking away, finding himself flustered as well. “Stop staring.”

Teru smiles awkwardly, pausing, before leaning forward and kissing his forehead.

He gasps, facing him again, eyes hopeful. “Wait- again! Lips this time.”

Teru finds himself laughing at the reaction. “No way.”

“Aw come on. Kiss me one more time.” He shakes him playfully by the collar.

“I said no way.” He smirks.

“Damn.” He sighs and pouts, before leaning on his shoulder again. “One day, I will kiss you.”

“Oh yeah?” There’s no way that’s happening, there’s no way in hell Akane would kiss him in his right mind.

“Yeah.”

“Well, you better keep your promise.” He says quietly.

Chapter Text

The next morning, after the effects worn off, Akane comes into first period. Teru was there first of course, he’s always in class before the warning bell rings, and there aren’t much students other than him.

Teru turns in his seat as he walks into class, he smiles, waving with one hand. The other hand is in his hair, not completely covered up, and on it is the heart, signed with a little “A” inside. “Mornin’ Aoi.” He says his usual greeting.

Akane comes into class, clearly with morning exhaustion. Seriously, Minimoto has got to be the only morning person he knows. His shoulders are slouched, and he glances over at Teru, who is waving to him. He flips him off with the hand that had the matching heart. it’s clear that he tried to scrub it off, because the pink sharpie is smeared on his skin, but you can still see the shape of the heart.

Teru chuckles. He may have not got the reaction he was hoping for, but now he knows that Akane had in fact noticed it, and tried to get rid of it.

Akane walks to his own seat, on the other side of the classroom. It’s too bad he’ll probably never sit with him again, but it’s okay, they have student council today after all. Teru will get to bother him then.

But today Teru is in luck, there’s a group project for class! He silently wonders if Akane will ignore him because of yesterday, he hopes that’s not the case.

Sure enough, Akane comes to his desk, putting his hand on the spare seat, asking “Can I work with you?” Like usual.

Teru lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, he nods “Yeah! Yeah..” he gestures to the seat and smiles softly. “So, you’re not gonna ignore me today, Aoi?”

“Mh?” Akane hums as he sits down, pulling out his pencil, looking skeptical. “Why would I?”

“Well..” this is awkward now. “I just thought since you sat away from me today…”

“I’m here now, aren’t I .?” He snaps with a little bit of attitude. “Besides, I do everyday.”

“Hm. But yesterday you-“ Teru starts with a hum, then pauses. It seems Akane doesn’t remember yesterday after all, huh. Well now is not the time to explain.. the teacher is about to speak. He sighs. “Never mind.”

“You’re acting weird today Minimoto.” He points an accusatory finger at him.

It’s ironic that Akane is the one saying Teru’s acting weird, when he’s acting like nothing happened! He’s sitting there being sassy as always, when just yesterday he tried to kiss him, twice! There’s no way Teru could tell him about yesterday right now, he’ll have to lecture him on it later. He smirks a bit, it might be fun telling him, he’d love to see his reaction.

“What are you smirking about?” Akane asks with a grumble.

“Oh, nothing.” He says simply, without dropping his smirk.

“Ugh you’re impossible.” He groans as he lays his head on his desk.

“Oh, I’m impossible?” He says, with emphasis on the ‘I’m’. He tilts his head towards Akane, who is face planted on the desk. He hums. “Mh, why so mopey today, Aoi?”

Akane shoots him a glare from the desk, his glasses almost slipping down his face from the angle. He thinks of something to snap with, to argue against, but he’s too tired. “‘M tired..”

“Oh..” Teru offers a sympathetic smile, eyes soft.

Akane practically winces at his smile, It’s sweet, but he’s shining to bright for this early in the morning. He stares for a moment, glare still present, but less venom to it. “Stop that.” He grumbles.

Maybe it’s because of yesterday, but there seems to be a new awkwardness, or nervousness in their interactions. Teru is starting to overthink, overthinking the way Akane’s glare is way more soft than usual, the way he’s staring at him, the way he isn’t snapping at him. It makes the subtle pounding in his chest, thats been there since day one, all the more present. He doesn’t even realize he’s staring back until Akane speaks, he tries to play it off. “Stop w-what?” God damnit! Why’d he stutter?! It’s sounds ridiculous, like on of those girls in anime who try to hard to be cute.

“Stop smiling like that.. you’re gonna give me a headache.” he sighs as he sits up, adjusting his glasses. The teacher started explaining the lesson a couple of minutes ago, while they were chatting, and they were talking quietly enough to notice, but he can now see the teacher giving them glances.

“Aw, how sad. What are you gonna do-“

Akane puts a finger to his lips “Shh”

“Mh.” Teru freezes, before pushing his hand away, and mumbling. “Alright.”

Akane rolls his eyes, before looking towards the teacher. Trying to catch up on what they missed, no matter though, the instructions will be posted on canvas.

The assignment is where you create a coloring book page, each partner paints one side of the canvas, one at a time. Simple enough. The question is, what coloring page should they make?

After the teacher is done speaking, Akane turns to Teru, hoping he had an idea. “So, what should we do?”

Teru flinches ever so slightly as Akane turns to him, but he shakes it off, calm and collected. He hums before offering an idea “Hm, what about an auditorium?”

“An auditorium..?” Akane raises an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes, his expression screaming ‘What the fuck kind of idea is that?’ .

“Yeah!” Teru nods, grinning.

“..Why?” He asks, deadpan.

“Hm.. no reason. It’s just.. special.” He explains, a little ominously. It’s totally not because he had his first real date there, with Akane too. It was a couple of hours also.

He pauses, before sighing. “Alright, not like I have any better ideas” He says with a small smile. “So we will paint an auditorium.”

It’s so nice to see Akane smile, Teru loves it in fact, he’s always known it. He doesn’t know exactly why, maybe because he has to win it, like a prize. And when his smile is directed at him, it’s better than any certificate he’s ever received. It’s special, a sacred gift, something he must treasure. What makes it even better, Akane isn’t under a spell right now, this is genuine. His face lights up, possibly shining more than it was before.

“Uhg.. I said don’t give me a headache.”He mumbles. “Wow, you must really love auditoriums, huh?” He jokes.

“Something like that.” Teru says softly, chuckling. He grabs a pencil as he brainstorms how he’ll draw it.

Akane stares down at his hand. “There’s something I’ve been needing to ask..”

“Hm? What is it?” Teru hums as he sketch’s.

“What’s this about?!” He asks dramatically, as he puts his hand near Teru’s, with the matching heart.

“Oh..” he glances up at Akane. “You drew one on my hand, so I returned the favor.”

“I.. what?!” He says a little too loudly, getting a loud ‘SHH’ from the teacher. He speaks to almost a whisper “No way in hell..”

Teru sets his pencil down. “Do you truly not remember anything from yesterday?” He asks curiously.

“Yes! I mean.. I don’t know.” He mumbles.

He knew that would be the case, but it still hurts. Yesterday meant a lot to him. His face falls slightly. “Alright, Aoi. Do you remember the day before?”

“Of course.” He nods, waiting for Teru to explain more.

“Well, since you confessed to me under the confession tree, it put you under its spell..”

“What?! But it was fake-“

“It may have been fake, but it’s still a confession.” Teru pauses, before getting serious. “Didn’t I warn you not to get me involved with the supernatural?”

Akane’s eyes widen, about to defend himself, but he decides not too. He looks to the side. “..Yeah, you did.”

“President knows best, Aoi.” He states with a smile, accept this one is more sour, as he speaks in a warning tone. “Listen to me, I may not be right all of the time, but I sure the hell am most of it.”

Akane side eyes him, raising an eyebrow. ‘He’s not nonchalant’ he thinks to himself. But he doesn’t argue with him. “So.. I didn’t.. do anything weird- right?” He mutters, a little worried.

Teru thinks for a moment. He’s been wanting to break it to him since this morning, tease him about it, mess with him. But, it could change things. Make them awkward. It really could ruin everything. It hurts that he can’t be honest, that he’ll have to be stuck yearning, but there’s no way he could tell him. About the date, about the almost kisses, about the confessions. He can’t say anything, in fact, there’s a lump in his throat. He coughs, trying to clear it. “No, not really.” He says a little quieter than he meant to.

“Oh thank god.” He sighs with relief. “I’m truly sorry for the way I might’ve acted, or what I might have said.” He says with his hands clasp together, like a prayer.

“Don’t worry about it, Akane.” Teru smiles softly, and flutters his eyelashes. He’s impressed with how smooth it came out, now that Akane isn’t hard core flirting with him.

..”Huh..?” Akane’s eyes widen, as he freezes, you can practically see a loading symbol above his head. “Wait..what?!”

“‘What’ what, Akane?~” He says as he leans forward a little, tilting his head. Score! He celebrates a little in his head, he’s got him hook line and sinker.

“Ah-“ Akane pauses, before pushing Teru away slightly, gritting his teeth. “Don’t you fucking-“

“Aw come on.” Teru sighs, tsking. He pauses, Mood a little more serious. “Do you hate me?”

“What? No I don’t, hate you..?” He raises an eyebrow, it’s way random, but his eyes show a little confused towards Teru.

“..Why do you seem like you’re always mad at me.” He asks, wholeheartedly.

It takes him a moment to respond, he’s not used to Teru being vulnerable with him like this. He rubs the back of his neck. “Well, to be honest, you really piss me off. Sometimes..” he sighs. “But I don’t hate you.

“Hm.” Teru accepts the explanation in silence, before speaking quietly. “How can I not piss you off?”

“Well, you can be nice to me.”

“Aw, but I am nice!”

“No you’re not nice! You’re a sadistic asshole!” He whisper yells, he can’t make a scene after all.

Teru freezes. It’s true. He can be sadistic to Akane sometimes. But that’s always been a part of their dynamic, apart of what their relationship. It just seems so natural sometimes, but.. he’s upset about this, he can hear it in his voice. “..Can I try to make it better?”

Akane huffs, but he shrugs. “Yeah, I’m not stopping you.”

“If I change my ways..” Teru grabs his hand, looking him in the eyes. “Then, do you think we could be friends?”

He looks at him with shock, for a moment wondering if he’s making a joke, but the look on his face says otherwise. Teru’s serious. It almost makes him.. sad? Haven’t they been friends? Sure, he’s always pushing him, but still, he was there as his friend in Akane’s eyes. He clears his throat. “Pres.. you’ve been my friend. Just, don’t screw that up.” He offers a sympathetic smile.

A feeling of relief washes over Teru. He’s been his friend, huh? He’s not alone. In this world of people, none of his admirers truly care about him, or know him. The only one who’s known him, his sadistic side, his tired side, his angry side, his sad side, all of the ugly colors deep inside him.. is Akane Aoi. The person who’s been by his side with a glare all of this time. He smiles widely “Then! Then, do you mind if I call you by your first name?”

Akane chuckles.”Yeah, yeah. Just let go, and stop smiling, you’re giving me a headache!”

Teru let’s go of his hand, contently. In the end, Akane may never look his way, but he got what he needed most. A friend.