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The music was loud, and the bass thumped against the wooden floor and Isagi’s heart as he tried to weave between the crowds of people that were squeezed into the tiny room. He’s seriously regretting ever agreeing to come to this party now.
He tugged the jeans that were hiking up his waist down forcefully. A flush was starting to form across his face as he scanned the room, and it seemed like most people weren’t even properly dressed up. Great, now he was the weird one for dressing as a zombie for a Halloween party.
“Yo, Isagi!” He heard Bachira’s voice pierce through the room and someone jumped on him, making him yelp and stumble slightly. “Nice costume! I totally thought you were going to come as Noel Noa!”
Isagi laughed awkwardly, shaking his head. “I don’t think I want to risk my hair falling out from the bleach.”
Bachira donned an expensive looking waistcoat that bellowed to his knees, his red suit decorated with a fluffy lace collar, complete with a red cape that stroked the floor and fake fangs that shone under the rainbow lights.
“You seriously went all out,” Isagi said in awe, ogling the expensive looking fabric. “I wish I did something fancier now.”
Bachira raised his eyebrows as he surveyed Isagi’s outfit: a half buttoned bloodstained shirt and a loose tie around his neck, with ripped jeans that had holes dotted around his legs.
“I think you look good!” Bachira reassured, and proceeded to yank Isagi deeper into the room, carefully avoiding the people that were laughing loudly in the middle of the room. “I can’t believe they’re drunk already, it’s just started!”
Isagi shot him a disbelieving look. “Bachira, you smell like vodka.”
He spun around, and placed a finger on his lips, grinning mischievously. “No one needs to know!”
Isagi found himself at a loss of words as Bachira continued to tug him along, waving at various people that Isagi didn’t even recognise. He only came because of Bachira’s incessant begging, but was he really needed when he barely knew anyone here?
Most people in the room seemed to be from Bachira’s theatre course. Isagi’s eyes wandered across from one unfamiliar face to another, and he could discomfort hanging heavy in his stomach from other people’s gazes. He really shouldn’t have come.
“Isagi!” Chigiri waved at the two from the sofa, as Isagi grinned back enthusiastically. “Finally! I was praying that someone I knew was going to show up!”
Chigiri was dressed as some sort of mad scientist, goggles perched on the top of his head complete with a bloodstained lab coat. He seemed out of place from the mess that was the dancing crowd, but it made Isagi’s anxiety instantly ease out from his bones.
Isagi let out a deep sigh as he sat down on the sofa as Bachira left in a hurry to greet someone else. “Same, I literally don’t know anyone in here other than Bachira.”
Chigiri patted his back sympathetically. “It’s okay, I’m in the same boat here. I think Nagi and Reo are coming too, but I really don’t think they’ll show up.”
Isagi tried to imagine Nagi being in a costume and not in his usual sweatpants and hoodie.
“Yeah, me neither,” Isagi laughed, leaning against the cushions. “But I really hope that more people I knew were here, though.”
Chigiri raised his eyebrows, and subtly glanced to Isagi’s left. “There is, but I reckon you wouldn’t be a fan.”
Isagi raised his eyebrows, and turned to see who Chigiri was talking about.
Chigiri was absolutely correct, as his sight landed on none other than Michael Kaiser.
Upon the head of blonde hair sat a pair of fake black horns that curved upwards gracefully. His usual red eyeliner seemed to compliment the droplets of blood on his skin, a stark contrast against the navy-blue sleeveless turtleneck he was wearing.
Kaiser seemed to notice his gaze and shot him a knowing smirk. Isagi’s mouth fell agape, his heart beating nervously against his ribcage.
It was a terrible realisation, but Kaiser looked…good. The entire costume emphasised his innate mischief, and his mannerisms, for once, complimented his attire. Isagi also hated how his tail (he has a tail!) swung with his every movement, drawing his eyes to the base of his back, which is when Isagi decided that this cannot continue and quickly averted his gaze.
“Oh my God,” Isagi whispered to himself, eyes darting towards Chigiri’s grin. “No, don’t say anything, I know exactly what you’re going to say.”
Chigiri let out a cackle. “What is actually happening here?” Chigiri gestured between the two of them, “Are you two…?”
Isagi shook his head, slightly embarrassed, placing his head into his hands.
The university they go to were famous for their generous bursaries towards gifted sportsmen, so it was no surprise that Isagi managed to snag a spot. And to maintain it, there was a required amount of training and competitions to complete, which Isagi initially didn’t think much of.
But how was Isagi supposed to suspect that a certain German international student would target him? He still remembered how in the changing rooms, amongst surprised yelps from everyone else when he was suddenly yanked by the chin and towards some random guy.
“I’ve come here just for you, Yoichi,” the unfamiliar man purred, a taunting smile strung across his face, “Don’t disappoint me, new hero.”
Almost instinctively, Isagi slapped his hand off from surprise, and he shouted in alarm. He didn’t really remember what happened next; he only remembered the taunts that were flung into his face, and that the two of them were suddenly on the floor. Isagi’s face stung faintly, his fists were gripped tight and raised, ready to strike.
“I didn’t expect you to be this feisty,” the man, or Kaiser, laughed, raising his hands in feigned surrender. “I’ll let you win this time.”
Isagi was usually a very logical person. He would think everything he did thoroughly, and he was careful to not pick any fights. Yet Kaiser seemed to spark something in him, with his stupid fucking taunts and that God forsaken smirk, it eradicated all rationale in his mind.
The end result was that the two were benched for the next practice match with a rivalling university, and also had to attend almost twice the amount of training sessions. This was when their rivalry sparked, as they had to see each other double the time than any other teammate, and Isagi would find himself competing against him even for the most trivial things, like the number of weight plates when doing leg presses.
There was one moment that stuck with Isagi for quite some time. The two were in the gym, and Isagi was doing a set of Nordic hamstring curls—arguably, one of the worst exercises on the rota. And one of the most vulnerable exercises, as in if Kaiser approached him suddenly, he would not be able to properly defend himself.
He was focusing on his routine; his core muscles were burning a hole in his stomach as he slowly counted down the number of reps he had left. He held two dumbbells in his hands to add more weight, but it proved to be a terrible decision when he heard footsteps approach him almost menacingly, and Isagi looked up, becoming face to face with a smug-looking Kaiser.
“Ah, Yoichi,” Kaiser greeted, a small smile on his lips. “Good to see you here.”
It’s not good for me! Isagi screamed internally, turning away from the arrogant man.
“Kaiser,” Isagi grunted, returning to his exercise, “What do you want?”
“Nothing,” Kaiser hummed curiously, “I just wanted to see how your form was.”
Isagi could feel impatience growing in his stomach as he landed, with slightly more force than what was needed. “Why thank you, coming all the way over here to judge how I’m doing my reps.”
He tried to ignore Kaiser’s gaze as the blond surveyed him, like a lion around his prey, taking every tiny movement in. The hairs on the back of his hand were standing even though the air felt sweltering, and Isagi grit his teeth in frustration.
“Are you done?” Isagi snapped, as Kaiser walked around the second time. “Do you seriously not have anything else to do?”
“I just want to say,” Kaiser drawled, placing a hand onto Isagi’s back, pressing down firmly. “You should really keep your hips down, Yoichi. Otherwise, all that force is going on your pelvis.”
Isagi blinked in surprise, and he found himself adjusting subconsciously. Was Kaiser being…genuinely helpful? For once? He found himself at a loss of words as he blinked confusedly.
Kaiser’s fingers seemed to linger for a second too long, and even as he strutted away to do whatever he was originally doing, the ghost of his touch still lingered on his back. Isagi felt heat creep up his face that seemed a touch too warm, and he groaned, throwing down the dumbbells, having lost count from the moment Kaiser approached him.
It was small moments like these that started to build over time, whether it was leaning the tiniest bit too closely during stretches, or the hint of a taunt in his voice whenever Kaiser spoke, Isagi could feel a mounting frustration starting to pile upon itself in his mind, yet he wasn’t able to pinpoint what it really was.
Was it anger? Was it impatience? Or was it—
“Oi, Isagi!” Chigiri’s voice snapped him out of whatever trance he was in, waving a hand in front of his face. Isagi blinked, the low thumping of bass slowly seeping back into his ears. “What were you thinking about?
Isagi stuttered slightly, his face seemingly in flames. “Nothing! I just got distracted!”
Chigiri raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything. Isagi hated how much Chigiri seemed to understand what was going on, and he let out a tired sigh against his palm, trying to will away any Kaiser-related thoughts from his mind.
“I’ll get us a drink,” Chigiri stated, exasperated. “You really need to get…all this together, Isagi.”
Isagi could barely nod his head as Chigiri sauntered away, heading straight towards the bowl of punch that sat behind a group of dancing girls.
Isagi leant backwards, sinking into the pillows. Now was really not a good time to be making himself angry over something out of his control, not when he was supposed to be having a good time.
Distantly, he could hear Bachira’s familiar cackle ricochet around the room. Isagi knew that his friend was definitely wasted. Usually, Bachira would probably stick to his side, but when he’s drunk, he tends to flock around the room, chatting with anyone and everyone. Hell, he even saw Bachira try to talk to the sink one time.
“You seem a bit lonely,” a familiar voice piped up behind him, making Isagi almost let out an undignified yelp.
Kaiser trailed a finger across his shoulders lightly and took Chigiri’s seat. Rather impolite in Isagi’s opinion.
“Chigiri’s sitting there,” Isagi said, but his voice sounded a bit weak compared to usual.
“Well, I think your friend is distracted right now,” Kaiser chuckled, pointing lazily at a corner, where Chigiri was talking animatedly to Kunigami, who stood there awkwardly, nodding robotically to whatever Chigiri was saying. Usually, Isagi would encourage Chigiri to talk to Kunigami, but not when Kaiser was harassing him!
“Uh,” Isagi said stupidly, turning back to where Kaiser was sitting. “Can I help you?”
“Can I not just talk to you when I want to?” Kaiser asked, moving the slightest bit closer to Isagi.
Isagi tried to take a deep breath and slow his increasing heartbeat to no avail. His adrenaline must be increasing because of anger and blood lust.
“Not really,” Isagi uttered, moving away from their closing distance. “I don’t know why you keep trying to talk to me.”
Kaiser let out a playful chuckle, the sound reverberating around Isagi’s mind. Isagi didn’t want to admit it, but Kaiser’s voice was one thing that he admired: smooth and oddly calming, gliding over your ears like a calming lullaby. Therefore, it was also something that he despised.
Even the flashing rainbow strobe lighting couldn’t distract Isagi from Kaiser, not when Isagi could see the light bouncing off his skin and the sharp stroke of his eyeliner that complimented the curvature of his eyes, or how his blue irises seemed to shine even in the dark, standing out against his otherwise dark outfit.
“Is it really such a crime, wanting to talk to someone I like?” Kaiser asked, humour laced in his voice. “I’m just interested in you, Yoichi.”
Isagi couldn’t fight the heat that was creeping up his neck, and he let out an involuntary, gargled sound that made Kaiser let out a small laugh. Isagi hated how Kaiser knew the effect he had on him, as he watched his lips curl into a self-satisfied smirk.
“Stop saying things that you don’t mean,” Isagi muttered, eyes darting away from Kaiser’s face.
Kaiser cocked his head to the side curiously. “I mean everything that I say, Yoichi.”
Isagi felt like he was going to crumble under Kaiser’s piercing gaze, and he could feel his chest rise and fall increasingly quickly. He wasn’t sure of what to say, only able to open his mouth stupidly, and he had the urge to beat himself up for looking like a fool in front of his rival.
Isagi almost leapt from the sofa when he felt a cold finger touch his. Like a snake, Kaiser’s hands intertwined with his with impeccable speed, and Isagi let out a confused, strangled noise as their palms pressed together.
“What the hell are you doing?” Isagi yelped, eyes wide in surprise. He could feel beads of sweat starting to form on his back, making his shirt stick to his skin uncomfortably.
“You’re not giving me a proper response,” Kaiser murmured, eyes downcast, lips pulled into a small frown. “Usually, people will say a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, not just stare at me like an idiot.”
“Huh?” Isagi breathed out. Kaiser was so close now that Isagi could feel his breath hitting his skin, and he could even see his own flustered expression in his dilated pupils.
Kaiser’s eyes flickered from Isagi’s face to his lips, gaze lingering a split second too long. It was enough to send Isagi’s mind into a frenzy, as he let out a stuttered breath.
Kaiser shuffled towards him again, seemingly impossibly closer. He didn’t say anything, only humming lightly. Isagi could smell the faint rose tinted hints of his cologne on his skin, and his eyes were starting to water from shame, or something else, he wasn’t sure.
“If I knew you were so easy, I would’ve done this sooner,” Kaiser chuckled, and Isagi let out a gasp as he felt the man’s nose graze the base of his jawline. Their clasped hands seemed insignificant now, not when Kaiser’s other hand was searing a hole through his jeans, thumbing at one of the rips on his inner thigh.
A squeak forced its way out of Isagi’s chest, as something dark curled in his stomach that seemed akin to desire. He opened his legs ever so slightly to accommodate for the sudden intrusion, to which Kaiser let out a pleased chuckle.
“Is there any reason that it had to be this high up?” Kaiser asked lowly, slipping a finger underneath the rip, slowly stroking the smooth, delicate skin there. Isagi was trembling, and he had to shut his eyes from embarrassment, trying to ignore Kaiser’s teasing.
“You’re—you’re a pervert,” Isagi stuttered weakly, as Kaiser let out a laugh that sent shivers down Isagi’s spine.
The party had now slunk to the back of Isagi’s mind. The flashing lights and electric music only served as a backdrop to emphasise the presence that was named Michael Kaiser, framing his infuriating grin further.
“If I’m a pervert, how come you’re letting me do whatever I want?” Kaiser purred, nuzzling into the crook of Isagi’s neck, “You need to be more honest.”
Isagi could almost feel the individual strands of hair that tickled his skin, the softness of his lips that grazed his collarbone, and the coldness of the plastic horns against his face, nudging his plush cheeks.
Kaiser’s hand moved from his thigh and snaked up the sides of his hips, his palm now hot like a furnace, burning a path in its way up. Isagi let out a stuttered gasp as Kaiser gripped his hips tightly, and he felt something wet swipe across his collarbone, making him jump.
“I am being honest,” Isagi croaked, but the tremble in his voice betrayed him. He couldn’t ignore the warmth in his stomach that threatened to burst, nor the unbridled desire that was thrumming in the back of his mind in rhythm with the music.
Kaiser was growing more confident, as he peppered light, fleeting kisses up Isagi’s neck, his hand still unwavering on his hips. Isagi let out a groan in the back of his throat as Kaiser bit down lightly on his skin, no doubt leaving a mark there.
“We’re in public,” Isagi protested, yet his limbs felt too weak to push Kaiser away. Kaiser ignored his protests, dragging his hand from his hip to the back of his shoulder, hiking his shirt up. Isagi hissed at the cold air that hit his skin, but he was distracted by a faint pain from his earlobe, making him let out a gasp of surprise.
“So, if it’s in private, it’s okay?” Kaiser asked lowly, pinching Isagi lightly. “You’re so predictable, Yoichi.”
Kaiser pulled away, and Isagi gulped, his tongue hanging more heavily in his mouth than usual.
“That’s not what I’m saying, and you know it,” Isagi hissed, subconsciously leaning into Kaiser’s hand that was gripping his back.
Kaiser grinned, eyes curving into crescent moons. Almost testing the waters, he leaned in, wetting his lips with a quick dart of his tongue. Isagi pretended to not see the act of seduction when his quickening heartbeat said otherwise.
He could feel the ghost of Kaiser’s breath linger on his lips as Kaiser slowly closed the distance between them, and Isagi’s brain almost imploded when he felt the other man’s lips faintly touching his own, and his hands finally leapt from the sofa to grip Kaiser’s shoulders.
Yet it was that moment that Kaiser pulled away swiftly, and Isagi’s hands fell. Isagi gawked at him as Kaiser retreated, letting go of Isagi’s hand.
“What the hell?” Isagi asked, the magic of the moment having suddenly vanished into thin air. He blinked at the blond man, confused, as he let out a laugh.
“You said that it’s only okay in private yourself,” Kaiser said, as he dragged a hand over his hair to fix his mussed-up hair do. “Come find me when you’re ready.”
Isagi almost bit his tongue off in frustration as Kaiser walked away, sending him a final wink before rejoining his original group of friends, who cheered when he walked back, whatever that meant.
Kaiser could pretend that he was unaffected all he wanted, but Isagi wasn’t stupid. He saw the blush that was high on his cheekbones, the faint tremble in his hands, and the short hesitation before doing anything. The warmth in his hands already gave him away.
Isagi’s heart had yet to calm down; his skin was in flames as he dragged a hand down his face, trying to ignore the lingering ghost of Kaiser’s temperature in his fingers.
He could hear the loud music again now, and he felt disgusting: sweaty, warm, and the fabric of his clothes were sticking to his skin. He shivered uncomfortably as he fanned himself.
“Isagi!” Chigiri said cheerfully, as he walked to where Isagi was sitting, hands holding two cups of punch. “Sorry, I got a bit distracted.”
“Yeah, I saw,” Isagi said, exasperated. Chigiri laughed apologetically, and handed Isagi a cup of punch, which he downed quickly, making Chigiri gasp in surprise.
“Did something happen while I was gone?” Chigiri asked, and Isagi gripped the cup so tightly that it crumbled under his grip.
“No,” Isagi muttered, eyes darting towards where Kaiser was laughing with one of his friends. “Nothing happened.”