Work Text:
A couple of days after their school-trip, Kobayashi was still absorbed in the vast ocean, his mind wandering through the memories of his visit to the aquarium and all he learned from Uno.
Ever since he met Uno his life has made a complete flip in the most positive sense. Kobayashi is motivated to improve, has goals, a desire to learn and he values himself...He had abandoned many things, gave up trying anything, out of fear and embarrassment. But Uno set the example for him, showed him that it was worth trying, Uno showed him that when things are difficult you can adapt, find other ways. Instead of forcing yourself to be like others, write your own rules by acknowledging your disadvantages!
Uno was truly smart and brave, like no other Kobayashi had met before, even if it was by mere chance their paths crossed, he was proud to call Uno his friend. He treasured that boy who lived at his own pace, to him, Uno was very cool just being himself.
It was lunchtime, and Kobayashi had run off to get the cafeteria's limited sandwich before it ran out. Successful in his quest he tried to meet Uno to eat together but he wasn't in the classroom as usual, he wasn't on the roof either, nor the infirmary or the school yard. He kept walking lost in his thoughts, trying to think where Uno might be when he spotted a familiar redhead..."Saku! Have you seen Uno?", as soon as he finished the question Kobayashi froze in place, processing the image of his childhood friend harshly grabbing Uno by the arm, evidently hurting him, while the smaller boy sobbed and shaked anxiously.
"what the hell are you doing?!" Kobayashi rapidly separated the two, pushing Saku, protectively hiding Uno behind him. Uno hugged him from behind and kept crying on his back which absolutely made Kobayashi's blood boil, he hated seeing him so distressed.
"Tsk, he's a weirdo you know he always overreacts! I just teased him a bit and he couldn't even handle a joke. I don't get why you mix yourself with him, he's not normal", bursted out Saku not softening his words one bit, revealing his true feelings. He resented Uno for monopolizing Koba's attention, Saku wasn't aware of the reason behind his anger, wrongly aiming his frustrations towards Uno who he didn't understand and was easy to dislike.
They didn't start the right way but after the incident of Saku tossing Kobayashi's notebook out of the window, Kobayashi thought Saku had learned the lesson and –at least– now tolerated Uno. He was shaken, realizing Saku was pretending but in reality hated Uno this much.
"You are not even in the same class as him! What do you care about?! Can't you just ignore him? Why do you have to be such a jerk? You've been an asshole with him ever since he transferred, what's your problem?" He barely catched his breath. "If he isn't normal, then what about me?!", Kobayashi yells back.
Saku tensed up with that last part, "no... you are not, Koba it's not like that I didn't-"
"It's not like what?! I'm slow, things that are simple and easy for you and other people are damned difficult for me! I'm not good at studying either, if Uno is not normal then I'm much worse! He's smart, has a good memory, he's diligent and good with his studies, he's able to do many things that I can't and I admire him for that!". Saku remained silent, looking a bit pale and remorseful, his friend was really pissed.
Kobayashi continued "and most importantly he's damn fun to be around! I like Uno so you better get used to him being around cause he's my friend. I won't forgive you unless you apologize to him...you can find us later in the infirmary."
With that Kobayashi grabs Uno's hand and guides the panicked boy to the infirmary to get him checked. With trembling steps, it takes a while until they finally get there.
Luckily, Uno only had some small bruises on his arm and knees from falling to the ground when Saku scared him with his harsh words. The nurse bandaged him and allowed them to spend the rest of the break there. Once Uno had calmed down enough, they shared Kobayashi's lunch, his special yakisoba bread.
Uno munched with furrowed eyebrows, hitting his own leg angrily, "I wanted my lunch box, I made it this morning".
"I'm sorry...please don't hurt yourself any more", said Kobayashi, stopping Uno's hand.
After their meal Kobayashi suggested they get some fresh air, this was just an excuse so they could converse privately, the roof rarely being visited by other students.
"I'll make him apologize to you, I'm really sorry for Saku's behaviour and I meant it when I said I have fun being with you...you don't have to forgive him actually you should be more angry at him, he's been horrible", said Kobayashi.
Uno had a confused expression. He took a moment to organize his thoughts "I don't understand why he dislikes me but I know he does, that much I get it. I'm frustrated but I was also happy that you were there and said you liked me, thank you. I like you too." Uno said finally smiling, then asked "isn't Saku-chan your friend? You shouldn't fight"
That made Kobayashi's stomach sink. He was so focused on Uno that he didn't realize how distressed he felt too, he was so angry! No matter how you look at it, it was unfair for Saku to be harassing Uno. But there was something else too, he was genuinely disappointed and sad. Saku was his friend! They grew up together and just like Uno, Saku was important to him. It hurts that Kobayashi thought he was important to Saku too, but if that was the case, then why is he targeting Uno when he knows they're friends. He feels conflicted, he hates fighting with Saku but he cares about Uno –a lot– he can't tolerate someone hurting him no matter who the person is.
His chest burns, and his eyes sting, Kobayashi fights back the tears. Uno looks at him worried, and awkwardly holds his hand caressing it softly to calm Kobayashi's emotional spiral "it's okay to cry now, we are alone".
With that, Kobayashi feels the tears run, accepting Uno's offer.
Kobayashi was safe now, it wasn't embarrassing. He really loved how easy it was talking with Uno, under any other circumstances he would have suppressed his emotions. But it was true, it really was okay, it's just Uno and him now. When it's just the two of them, crying doesn't seem embarrassing, Kobayashi feels lighter when he pulls Uno in a tight hug and continues sobbing, hiding his face in the shorter boy's neck.
Uno squirms a bit not knowing what to do with his arms, deciding to circle them around Kobayashi's waist, his face snuggled against his friend's chest due to their height difference.
Kobayashi calmed quickly but they remained in that position for a few moments, enjoying each other's warmth...until Uno's giggles broke the comfortable silence.
"The hell are you laughing about, dude?", said Kobayashi, still hugging Uno.
"Your heart is beating really fast, the sound is funny", giggled Uno in answer leaving Kobayashi completely red and unable to control his heartbeat when the person he liked the most was in his arms.
Changing the subject, "It's getting late Uno, let's head back to the nurse office until the bell rings" and so, the two head back conversing cheerfully about their upcoming club activities leaving behind the bad episode with Saku.
/ Thanks for reading!