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Suo Hayato was strong; no one doubted that.
Nirei had studied Suo's fighting style closely and knew his moves, tactics, and preferences. As his apprentice, his analysis was deeper than with anyone else.
He had fought Suo so often that Nirei knew nearly all his moves. Of course, that didn't mean he was easy to beat.
But over time, Nirei realized and confirmed in his training that Suo had a blind spot.
Ironic and obvious if you thought about it; with his characteristic patch over his right eye, it was logical that he would have more limited vision.
Nirei noticed that Suo usually took a few seconds longer than usual to notice his presence when he approached from his right side, just as he had covered him in battle when someone tried to throw something at him from that angle. Suo reacted purely on instinct, but he usually blocked such attacks at the last moment.
Nirei kept this knowledge to himself. Exposing Suo's weakness, however minor, felt dishonorable.
Of course, he also wanted it for himself.
It was useful, not for fighting or training; Nirei didn't need it to grow stronger. No, he saved it for a different purpose.
He put it into practice.
Suo was reading a novel he had lent him while Kiryu ate distractedly in front of him, looking at his cell phone. It was the perfect opportunity.
He slipped quietly to Suo's right, leaned in, and kissed his boyfriend's cheek. Suo reacted late, as Nirei had expected, quite surprised.
“Nire-kun?”
“Wow, how daring, Nirei-chan, it was so fast I couldn't even take a picture,” Kiryu laughed.
“Why would you take a picture?”
“To send them to Suo-chan, he likes to have pictures of you.”
Suo coughed to get his attention.
“You caught me off guard today. I expected nothing less from my favorite disciple,” Suo smiled at him. Public displays of affection were rare, so Nirei's initiative made him especially happy.
“I'm your only disciple, Suo-san.”
“But you're my favorite in everything, Nire-kun.”
Ah, now he caught him off guard, Nirei blushed a little.
“Hey, don't eat so much in front of the hungry,” Kiryu scolded them jokingly.
(...)
Nirei had tried his surprise side attack on Suo a few times. It always worked—Hayato froze, visibly startled, before responding. Nirei liked knowing he could make him nervous.
This time, they were in Nirei's room, just hanging out before going to invade Sakura's house. Suo was chatting with his friends while Sakura told them he wouldn't let them into his house and that he was going to throw away all the things they had left there.
(Everyone knew he wouldn't.)
Then Nirei felt the urge to attack again. He was already sitting on Suo's right side, considering how to approach.
He attacked.
But this time, as Nirei leaned in, Hayato suddenly turned and kissed Nirei on the lips. The kiss was short and sweet, followed by a ticklish laugh when they separated.
“Nire-kun, you always attack me from my blind spot. How cruel.”
“Did you notice?”
“It's hard not to since you insist on always being on my right side.”
“I don't regret it.”
“It's okay, I don't need you to,” he said, gently caressing his chin. “Just keep in mind that I'm going to counterattack as soon as I feel you close.”
“Then I just have to be faster.”
“I've taught you well... maybe too well... I'll have to do something about that.”
Hayato hugged him and toppled over, pinning him gently against the bed.
“Suo-san!” Nirei complained as he felt a shower of kisses land on his freckles.
“I accept the challenge, Nire-kun, but this is my victory.”
Nirei laughed and kissed him back.
If Suo wanted to turn this into a war, Nirei would make sure he didn't lose.