Archive of Our Own

Summary:

When Shuichi Saihara agrees to fake-date his dormmate Kokichi Ouma, it’s supposed to be simple: a mutually beneficial lie with clear rules and no feelings involved.
But living together makes observation unavoidable—and Shuichi starts noticing patterns in Kokichi’s chaos that don’t feel random at all.

The problem isn’t that Kokichi lies.
It’s that every lie sounds like armor.

As the fake relationship grows more convincing, Shuichi realizes he’s uncovered a truth Kokichi never intended to share. And once Kokichi figures out he’s been seen—really seen—their carefully constructed deal begins to fall apart.

Because some lies are safer than honesty.
And some truths aren’t meant to be discovered.