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It happened again.
Akane didn’t become aware of it until a month ago. He doesn’t know how long it’s truly been happening, and he’d rather not find out. It only happens during council meetings, which is arguably the worst time it could be happening.
What was happening exactly? Whenever Akane wasn't busy calling attendance or discussing upcoming events, the student president, known and loved by the whole school, with a smile plastered on his face at all times, Minamoto Teru, was staring at him. And it wasn't just a glance or two, his gaze was heavy, feeling like a weight against the side of Akane’s head. He was grateful that the other council members seemed oblivious to the almost creepy display. What was up with Minamoto? Every time Aoi felt those blue eyes on him, his mind raced thinking about his appearance. Were his glasses crooked? Was his tie lopsided? He started checking his appearance every time he entered that damn room and each and every time there was nothing wrong.
What could possibly be so fascinating that president Minamoto couldn't look away? There were no snide comments, no subtle gestures, nothing. The damn bastard didn't even have the decency to flinch or look away when he glared right back at him! He had no shame, almost like he wanted to annoy the vice president even more. But the staring wasn't even the worst part. The worst part was the reaction he could get out of Akane, a horrible, humiliating betrayal of his own body. Every time he felt that piercing blue gaze settle in his direction, he couldn't help the blush crawling up his neck, spreading all the way to the tips of his ears. It left him mortified every time it occurred. Why was he reacting this way to Minamoto, a guy with an absolute shit personality that he couldn't stand. Why would his thoughts betray him, wandering off to his blonde hair and icy blue eyes? He could admit Teru was handsome, the whole school did after all, but acknowledging it felt horrible, like admitting defeat to his good looks. He wished desperately that Minamoto hadn’t noticed his blush. It was the last thing he should’ve been worrying about. The thought of it creeped him out.
Little did he know that Minamoto wouldn't dare miss his flustered face. He wouldn't dream of looking away while Akane was in such a state. Oh how terrible it would be if he found out that every time he noticed his red ears, Teru would stifle a chuckle. While his expression didn't falter, the tiniest bit of red would bloom on his own cheeks, warming them up. He was multitasking, tracking every word of the meeting while his eyes traced the sharp contours of Akane's face, memorizing every flicker of annoyance and every shade of crimson, holding on to that memory. It was exactly the kind of skill a perfect president should demonstrate.
Aoi couldn't take it anymore. It was bad enough that the blonde occupied his thoughts with a frequency that could be considered weird, but now Minamoto was actively testing his patience. Today, he would finally put an end to this. He hated being stared at, and he hated even more how easily it made him blush. It had reached the point where it followed him into his thoughts every night, hoping Minamoto hadn't noticed his face turning red and that this was just some mean prank. The exorcist had wedged himself into his mind and refused to leave. Not even the extra council work helped, since it only made his mind wander back to him. It was a horrible situation.
He did everything in his power to keep the president out of his head. He kept his head down, ignoring the lingering gaze across the room as the other members left the room. He busied himself with the rustle of unfinished paperwork and tidying of the desks, waiting for the room to empty. As the student president, Minamoto was usually the last to leave, and today was no exception. The silence that followed was suffocating. An awkward feeling filled the air, with no words spoken between the two, just the rustling of papers and pens breaking the silence. Once they were finally alone, Akane gathered his courage. Finally, clutching a stack of papers in his hands, Akane forced himself to speak up: “Will you stop with the staring already?” He kept it short and to the point. Teru didn't deserve any more words than that. He just needed him to stop.
“Staring? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Aoi,” Teru’s voice was light, laced with a deliberate, mocking amusement. Akane felt his jaw tighten. He knew that tone. So that's how it’s gonna be then, huh? he thought. Straight into his ragebaiting persona.
“Don’t start, president,” Akane snapped, his fingers already fidgeting with the papers in his hands. “Every damn meeting you're looking right through me, into my soul. I see you doing it. You aren't even trying to hide it.” He looked up, only to see Teru casually organizing some documents on a bookshelf. The blonde looked perfectly composed, his mind somewhere in his own world, but at least his eyes were finally off of him.
“Perhaps you’re only paying attention to me because I’m your superior,” he mused, back still turned. “That’s not really nice, is it? You really should pay more attention to the rest of the council members.” If his face weren't angled away from Akane, he would have seen the growing grin on Minamoto's face.
He’s putting the blame on me? Akane had enough. He shoved his chair back and marched across the room, heading straight for the president. Teru didn't flinch. He simply turned around and propped himself up on a desk, crossing his legs, like he didn't have a care in the world. Aoi stopped just short of him, not wanting to start a fight he knew he couldn’t win. It took all his willpower not to grab Minamoto by his collar and yank him off that stupid desk. “You’re glaring at me like you want me dead!” he hissed, before the realization hit him. “Is this about me being a Clock keeper again?! I told you several times I was tricked into this position!” he argued, pointing at himself. “I hate supernaturals almost as much as you do, so what’s the deal now, huh?” His tone was louder than he wanted it to be. He froze for a second, silently hoping the rest of the council had already headed home.
“I wouldn’t say glare…” Minamoto looked away, batting his eyelashes with a fake shyness, suddenly trying to sound innocent.
“So you admit it, asshole!” The last of Akane’s restraint snapped. He lunged forward, grabbing his shirt in a fist and yanking him to his feet. Surprisingly, he wasn't met with any resistance. Teru allowed himself to be hauled up, not fighting back. “Stop being an idiot and leave me alone, or I’ll–” he trailed off, his fury rendering him speechless.
“You’ll what, Aoi?” That menacing grin was back on Minamoto's lips, his arms lifted in a gesture of surrender. A fake one, to the other's misfortune.
The danger of the situation finally registered. Akane recoiled, releasing his fist immediately. He knew better than anyone that if a fight were to start, Minamoto would knock him down in seconds. His eyes widened in realization as he took two steps back, wanting to avoid an altercation at all costs. “I’m so done with you,” he said, heading for the door.
Just as he reached for the handle, a sudden, violent tug jerked his arms behind his back. Red beads were wrapped tight around his wrists, the other end held firmly in Teru’s hand. “You want to start a fight? Then finish it, you coward.” There was a dark, unsettling look in Minamoto's eyes. One moment he was angry, and the next he returned to that terrifyingly sweet, sly smile, which was somehow more terrifying than pure rage. “You’re not going anywhere.”
With a ruthless flick of his wrist, Minamoto sent Aoi tumbling backward to the ground. He hit the floor hard, the air driven from his lungs in a pained gasp, his chances of escape ruined. He rolled onto his knees, chest heaving as he tried to regain his breath. He was still gasping for air when he realized Teru was already looming over him. The president had crouched down to his level, that constant smile firmly in place. It made Aoi’s blood boil.
“So, what will it be? Are you going to fight me?” Minamoto tilted his head, gesturing lazily toward the ceiling. “Or would you rather spend the rest of the evening dangling up there?” Akane was used to being tied up by him already. In any other case, he would swallow his pride after a while and endure the discomfort just to avoid fighting the bastard staring expectantly at him. But today was different, he had a new resolve. If he could just land one solid blow, maybe he could knock that smug look off Minamoto's face, or better yet, beat a confession out of him about the staring.
Lacking the use of his arms, Aoi threw the full weight of his lower body into a desperate kick. Teru dodged with ease. He had a different expression now. The displeasure vanished, replaced by a flicker of genuine, surprised joy. He was enjoying this, wasn't he? His next move was to release Akane's restraints from his wrists. Aoi’s eyes widened as the red beads uncoiled and fell away. It was a questionable move, probably a taunt, but Akane didn't stop to wonder what was going on in Minamoto’s head.
The moment his wrists were free, Akane charged right at him, aiming for his gut. Teru danced back, mocking Aoi with his flowing movement. While Akane’s punches hit nothing but air, Minamoto’s counter moves were precise, hitting or at least brushing Akane’s shoulders and ribs just enough to keep him off balance, leaving him disoriented and exhausted. The ginger’s rage grew with every missed hit, his movements becoming more frantic and less calculated. The most he could do was get close, but Teru always slipped away. Minamoto’s returning strikes weren’t even that powerful, but he was taking advantage of the close combat that he was so used to. Spotting a narrow opening, Akane managed to roll out of the way of a raised hand, his first successful dodge of the late afternoon. Emboldened, he charged and swung a fist aimed directly at that perfect, handsome face. He wanted to leave a mark on that flawless skin just enough so the rest of the school would stop looking at him with such adoration. He didn't know why he wanted that. It definitely wasn't jealousy, no, he just wanted to shatter Teru’s confidence. Thinking too much, he didn't even notice Minamoto’s new defensive stance.
Minamoto’s next moves were lightning fast. Before Akane could even register the action, a hand grabbed onto his shoulder and slammed his back against the wall. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, and before he could recover, Teru had pinned both of his wrists in place over his head. Akane thrashed, but the exorcist’s grip was too strong. “Pathetic,” Minamoto sighed, his head tilting down as he loomed over his vice president. Aoi squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for a blow that never landed.
When he finally dared to peek, he found Minamoto mere inches away, staring fixatedly, as if he were lost in thought. The silence between them was filled only by the sound of their synchronized, ragged breathing. Akane locked eyes with him. There was no reaction from Teru at first, but then came fast blinking and a pang of realization. They were too close, both breathing rapidly. Aoi felt the heat erupt across his skin, a traitorous blush staining him red. He hated it. He caught a glimpse of a similar little flush on Minamoto’s cheekbones, but he brushed it off. He couldn't care less about that right then. What is he looking at? He thinks. Was it some weird supernatural attached to him? His mind didn’t dare jump to other conclusions. Before Minamoto could come back to his senses, Akane drove his knee into his shin, bolting away the moment he escaped his grasp.
Minamoto didn't like that. He was mad, but not entirely at Akane. He was also mad at himself. It was obvious. Aoi could only think it was because he’d let him escape. Nobody could really read the president's emotions, and that seemed to be the case now, too.
Too close. Way too close. Aoi thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. He wanted to forget it ever happened. Despite it all, he glanced back, seeing Teru standing still, his gaze averted, refusing to look in his direction, as he fiddled with his hands. Akane realized he was finicking with his bracelet, the beads that could entrap him, a second too late. In one swift motion, Teru caught him by the waist and tugged hard, making Aoi crash into him. Next thing he knew, a fist whistled past his ear as Minamoto went on the offensive, his movements sharper and more aggressive than before. He wasn't going easy on him anymore. He didn't care if he was outmatched. He was going to see this fight through to the end, no matter how crazy it got.
After countless more minutes of fighting, Minamoto was visibly losing his patience. When Akane lunged for one last desperate strike, Teru didn't just dodge, he countered with a strong push that sent them both crashing to the floor. Before Aoi could scramble away, Minamoto was above him, straddling his waist and pinning him down. He made sure to bind Akane’s wrists together with the red beads so he couldn’t attempt to escape again. With one hand braced beside Aoi’s head and the other keeping the restraints tight, it felt like he had already won. Secured on top of him, Minamoto leaned down just enough to feel Aoi's harsh and hot exhales. “Got you now,” he rasped, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
Akane struggled hard, but to no avail. His legs wouldn’t help him this time. His glasses had flown somewhere in the room a while ago, leaving his vision a slight blur. His hair and clothes were a mess, though Minamoto looked just as unraveled. They were both breathing heavily, chests rising and falling rapidly in an uneven rhythm that echoed in the quiet room.
And Teru was staring. Again.
Those icy blue eyes seemed to be searching for something deep beneath Akane’s skin. With Minamoto’s weight heavy on him, his thighs held strongly on each side of Aoi’s hips, it was all a mess. The reality of the situation crashed down on Akane. This was bad, really bad. His mind began to betray him, conjuring images that made his heart stutter for a reason that had nothing to do with the fight. It was a disaster. He felt a wave of heat surge from his chest to his ears, a burning blush that he couldn't hide. He wanted to look away, needed to look away, but he forced himself to persevere, locking his gaze on Teru’s. He wasn’t going to fall into whatever trap this was. He was going to push down the thoughts muddling his mind.
Little did he know he was already too deep. Minamoto’s next words, “I’ve never seen you this red before. Did something happen, Aoi?”, paired with the fakest innocent smile, were all it took for him to lose his composure. He jerked his head to the side, hating the way the heat intensified across his cheeks. The blonde knew exactly what he was doing, enjoying himself too much.
“Get off me, you asshole,” Akane hissed, struggling uselessly. Surprisingly, Teru released the hold of the red beads, freeing his hands. But the weight on his hips didn't lift. Minamoto seemed more sure of himself than ever, grinning like an idiot. With a slow, deliberate movement that felt far too intimate, he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair away from Aoi’s forehead.
Then, he leaned in, his face so close that Akane could see the blush on his cheeks clearly. “Make me,” he whispered, staring right into his eyes. Aoi glanced aside furiously fast, his mind racing in circles. What was the meaning of all this?! The hair, the whisper, the staring, it didn't make any sense. What was his end goal? A terrifying thought flickered in his mind. Could he possibly have the same annoying feelings as him? As if. He crushed the idea immediately. This was just another one of Teru’s cruel methods to get under his skin, like he always did. It was just that it worked a little too well. He wanted to hate it, he should be hating this, but his instincts weren’t trying to free him anymore.
He started pushing hard on the other’s chest, but Minamoto wouldn't budge. Glancing back and seeing Teru as happy as ever, he resorted to the lowest form of fighting back: screaming anything remotely hurtful. “I hate you! L-let me go… You're the worst,” he yelled, the insults tumbling out in a breathless rush. “Worse than trash!” The swears kept pouring out while his muscles ached from the effort, but Minamoto couldn't care less. He just watched, mesmerized, his gaze following the way Akane’s features twisted with fury. He found it weirdly captivating.
“Oh?” Minamoto leaned in until the distance between them was nonexistent, invading every bit of Akane’s personal space. “Did I strike a nerve, Aoi?” That mischievous, melodic tone was sickening. Akane’s heart hammered against his ribs with hate, but he knew that wasn't the only reason.
He scoffed. “You’re dead to me.” The threat was empty, a phrase he’d thrown at the president a thousand times before, never once affecting how Minamoto remained the most present person in his life. Even if it was usually just a competition between them.
Teru let out a breathy laugh, clearly not taking anything seriously. “Stop flattering me already,” he murmured. He knew exactly how to pull Akane’s strings. It was all working in his favor.
Minamoto was too close. The heat radiating from his body, the tension between them, it was all too much for Aoi’s brain. He couldn’t focus on anything. Rage took over him, trying once again to weakly escape. “Scum! You’re driving me insane! You’re the worst!” he snarled.
Aoi’s display was utterly hilarious to Minamoto, enjoying it far too much. The esteemed, helpful vice president was now throwing insults left and right like it was all he knew. With a daring movement, he reached out and curled his fingers around Akane’s tie, his knuckles barely brushing against the sensitive skin of his throat. “I can show you worse,” he whispered, his voice dropping to a low, bold invitation.
Akane’s squirming stopped abruptly. He found himself playing along, the words leaving his mouth before he could weigh the consequences. “I’d like to see you try.” He rolled his eyes, forgetting the predicament he was in. He actually wanted to see what Teru would do. The "worst" thing he could imagine was probably a punch to the face, but he was willing to take the risk.
He wasn't ready for this.
Minamoto’s eyes flashed with a sudden, sharp determination. He yanked on the tie hard, smashing their lips together. It wasn't a soft kiss, their teeth clashed painfully in the suddenness of the impact. Teru’s eyes squeezed shut, his entire world narrowing down to the desperate, rough contact of their mouths.
Aoi’s eyes shot wide open, nearly jumping out of their sockets. He was too stunned to think straight. He shoved Minamoto away with a frantic, desperate strength, scrambling backward. He couldn't believe what was happening. Their lips touched. He kissed me. On the mouth. Like a psychopath. Was Teru out of his mind? Was this some sort of sick and twisted prank? Akane found himself hyperventilating, slowly lifting himself up from the floor, his fingers trembling as he pressed them against his own lips. The phantom sensation of Minamoto’s mouth was still there, searing and impossible to ignore.
Then, a crushing realization clicked into place. The blushing, the staring, the way Minamoto occupied every corner of his mind, it all came crashing down. He was losing it. Out of everyone he knew, it just had to be him. He couldn’t have chosen somebody else to like? It had to be the one who got on his nerves daily and made his blood boil, the bastard who existed solely to make his life miserable. It didn’t even matter that it was a boy. It mattered because it was Minamoto, an absolute asshole who liked to piss him off for fun. A sadistic human being. He was the worst person Akane knew, yet his brain had decided he was the only one. Idiotic. He felt a pathetic urge to either punch himself or burst into tears at the same time, absolutely mad at himself.
But as he spiraled through his self loathing, a second, quieter realisation dawned on him. The simple words: Wait. He likes me too? took over his thoughts. While rethinking his entire life, he forgot the threat that still loomed. Teru wasn't finished. Now that he had actually gotten close enough to press his lips to Akane’s, he couldn’t back down. He wouldn't give up that easily. All the signs were there. He just had to try his hardest to make Akane accept his feelings. But now, he needed more. He sprang up, tackling Aoi and slamming him back against the wall with the full weight of his body.
Akane gasped as a knee wedged firmly between his thighs, pinning him in place while their hearts hammered a frantic, matching rhythm against each other’s chests. Minamoto didn't give him a second to breathe. He slammed Aoi’s wrists against the wall, pinning them on either side of his head, and leaned in with a desperate, raw fervor. This time, Teru kept his eyes open, watching with a dark intensity as Akane’s face flickered through every emotion in rapid succession. He didn't hold back. He poured every ounce of his yearning into a harsh, demanding kiss.
Aoi was struggling. He couldn't wrap his head around why Minamoto liked him and wanted to kiss him out of everyone. They were natural opposites, the bane of each other’s existence, arguing and competing over the smallest, pettiest things. An exorcist and a half supernatural, it was all too confusing. To be fair, he was in the exact same position, having these stupid feelings despite everything. It was laughable. They both hated each other's guts, yet they felt mutual attraction, forcing those feelings down and hiding them every day. He supposed it made sense that Minamoto, with a shorter temper than himself, would be the first to snap and let his feelings escape. But for it to happen so suddenly? He was infuriating.
Mustering every ounce of his self control, Akane resisted the incessant kissing, which was only stopped by gasps for air. He didn't want to give Teru the satisfaction. He was stubborn enough not to give in, hiding every hint of enjoyment even if he wanted to lean in so badly. The heat was unbearable, staining his skin from his neck to the tips of his ears. In a moment of weakness, he risked a glance, opening one eye just a fraction, only to find Minamoto’s gaze fixed on him. He wasn't lost in the moment. He was meticulously documenting every flicker of Aoi’s internal war. The eye contact sent a fresh surge of heat through Akane, turning his face a deeper shade of red as he squeezed his eye shut again. To his absolute horror, a violent shiver ran through him. At that moment, he wanted to dig a hole in the ground and die right there.
Minamoto felt every tremor, every bit of defiance still left in Akane’s body. Instead of backing off, he grew even bolder, leaning in despite the resistance he was met with, pinning Aoi even more firmly against the wall, pressing their bodies even closer together. He was relentless, his tongue tracing the seam of Akane’s lips, searching for an entrance that was stubbornly being denied. Even when Minamoto interlaced their fingers, forcing a physical connection Aoi couldn't ignore, he was still met with desperate refusal. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, even trying to bite at his lower lip, a silent, desperate plea for entry, but Akane’s pride held strong. Teru began to lose his composure, his kisses growing sloppier and more demanding. He knew this was his only chance to feel Akane’s body heat, to taste him, and he wasn’t letting it go to waste.
Then, something snapped. Aoi gave up.
Fuck it, Akane thought. He couldn’t pretend any longer. He really wanted to kiss him back, worked up more than ever. His body went from rigid to soft and pliable in a heartbeat, his lips finally parting under the pressure. The moment he gave in, Teru didn't hesitate. His tongue slid in, viciously exploring Akane’s mouth with an insatiable hunger. A small, broken sound escaped Aoi’s throat, a muffled whimper that was immediately captured and swallowed by Minamoto. Teru’s eyes finally slid shut, concentrating only on the taste and heat of the boy beneath him. Their tongues met, sliding together, slowly at first, hesitant, before growing desperate. They had both craved this for far longer than they would ever dare to admit, and now there was no stopping.
They broke apart for a second, panting for air. Before the silence could settle, they went right back in, deepening the kiss. Minamoto freed Aoi’s fingers, his hands sliding down to grab his waist and pull Akane flush against him, as if trying to become one. Akane’s hands, now free, didn't push him away. Instead, he reached up and tangled his fingers into that soft blonde hair, glad to finally be able to touch him too. He finally let go of his stubbornness and melted into the heat of the boy he’d spent so long pretending to hate.
The friction of their bodies and the mingling of their ragged breaths made the air in the room feel heavy. The kiss grew more desperate and messy, breaths mingling together as short gasps escaped their mouths. Minamoto finally pulled away with a wet sound, only to immediately start trailing kisses down Akane’s jawline, nipping at the sensitive skin beneath. Realising what he was trying to do, Aoi yanked on Teru’s hair hard, pulling him away. “Don’t you dare,” he hissed, his voice hoarse. Minamoto looked up with a devastating expression, making puppy eyes at him.
“Please?” Minamoto begged, his voice a raspy plea as his hands squeezed around Aoi’s middle. His gaze flickered from Akane’s eyes to his exposed collarbone, tie loose from all the pushing and pulling.
Akane felt his resolve shatter. He was so desperately curious about how far this would go and how it would feel. He knew the fucker wouldn’t give up no matter what, so he let his hair go with a tired “I hate you.”
Minamoto’s eyes lit up. “You love me,” he teased, his voice playful, a low vibration against Aoi’s skin as he buried his face in the crook of his neck. Akane squirmed, a shiver running through him as he felt Teru’s tongue on his skin, licking and kissing at his throat.
Then, Minamoto’s hands found the hem of Aoi's shirt, sliding upward until his fingers met bare skin. The sudden contact made Akane’s breath hitch. Aoi tried to say something, but the sensation of Teru’s cold hands against his sides, combined with the sucking of sensitive skin on his throat, forced a moan from Akane’s lips. The sound echoed in the empty room, startling them both. Aoi instantly slammed his hands over his mouth, mortified, but Teru only grinned against his pulse point, his hands wandering further under the fabric. Akane wanted to kill him right then and there, to hide the evidence, but unfortunately, he was enjoying it. He tried to grab Minamoto’s wrists, to stop him, but to no avail. He was already too far gone. He stopped fighting, his arms looping around Teru’s neck to pull him closer, his head falling back to offer a better angle.
Teru took the invitation greedily. He focused on a single spot, the suction deep and insistent, before biting down hard. Sharp canines drawing blood, he marked Aoi as his. Akane’s back arched as he hissed in pain, regretting his life choices. He hugged Minamoto tighter, his fingers digging into his shoulders. Licking the bite mark to soothe the pain, Teru pulled back just enough to take a good look at his work. Akane was disheveled to the core. Flushed a deep red, his lips swollen and bruised, and a bleeding mark standing out just above his collar that would be impossible to hide. Minamoto leaned in, pressing a light kiss to the corner of Aoi’s lips before diving back in, his tongue sweeping through Akane’s mouth, trying to memorize every inch of it and remember the taste. He didn't want this moment to end, feeling like he would lose everything if he stopped.
Akane was going along with his every move, moving in sync with him. Minamoto’s hands were a burning weight at his waist, pressing them together so tightly that Aoi could feel every beat of the other’s heart. A small, distant part of his mind was still making plans to punch Teru the moment they pulled apart, but that initial anger was long gone. He was too invested in the moment to care. Despite all the irritation he harbored for Minamoto, he liked kissing him. He liked it far too much. It was ironic. He thought back to the past, when he used to say that he was saving his first kiss for his childhood friend, Ao-chan. Back then, he was still blinded by what he thought was attraction for her. He never could have predicted that his first real kiss would be his number one rival.
He felt like a total hypocrite. He spent all his time complaining about how he couldn't stand Minamoto, only to daydream about him without even knowing it. He’d spent years acting disgusted by the couples in the school hallways, yet here he was, locked in a messy, desperate embrace, Teru’s tongue down his throat, in the middle of the council room after hours. He was letting president Minamoto touch him in ways he would’ve never allowed before, and he was hating himself for how natural it felt. What a fucking loser.
Teru finally pulled back, his breath coming in ragged, hot puffs, his chest rising and falling in fast succession with Akane’s. For the first time, Aoi saw the "perfect student president" completely unraveled. He was taken aback by the blush reaching Minamoto’s ears. He never thought he’d see Minamoto looking improper. The guy usually looked unshaken even after a fight. Now, his blonde hair was a chaotic mess, his tie was a lost cause, and his mouth was reddened and swollen. Before Aoi could process the view entirely, Minamoto leaned in close once again, this time wrapping his arms around his back, hugging him tightly. He smushed Akane against him, burying his face in the crook of his shoulder as if he were trying to hide away. There was a desperate, silent weight to the embrace, a silent confession that he wasn't ready for the moment to end. Aoi hesitated for only a second before his own arms found their way around Teru’s shoulders, hugging him back just as fiercely. They stayed like that for a long while, the silence of the room broken only by their slowing heartbeats. Then, Minamoto moved. He lifted his head just enough to brush his lips against Akane's ear, his voice returning to that low, infuriating lilt. He started whispering something, but it wasn’t anything heartwarming. He was right back to his teasing self.
“Finally found a way to shut you up.” The smirk was audible in Teru’s voice, radiating a smug satisfaction that gave Akane goosebumps. Yet, despite the jab, Minamoto didn't pull away, only tightening his hold on Aoi.
Akane had nothing to be afraid of now. He could come up with any response he wanted. “Eh, I’ve had better,” he said, lying through his teeth while fiddling with a strand of Teru’s hair.
The reaction was instantaneous. Teru pushed himself upright, his hands clamping onto Akane’s shoulders with a grip that was almost bruising. “From who?” he demanded. He was wide-eyed and genuinely panicked, his brow furrowed in a dark, possessive flash of anger. Akane stared at him for a heartbeat before letting a giggle escape. Minamoto was jealous! He couldn't contain his laughter anymore while Teru looked at him, confused. Only after tears were starting to appear at the corner of Aoi’s eyes did the taller one realize what was happening.
“Jealous much?” Aoi managed to wheeze out, wiping his eyes while his grin remained dangerously wide. For the first time all day, Minamoto looked genuinely embarrassed. He averted his gaze, scratching the back of his neck with an expression that was, to Akane’s horror, actually adorable. It was a word he never thought he’d associate with his rival, but there it was.
“You’re not appreciating my effort,” Teru pouted, finally turning back. His expression softened as he reached out to wipe away the last of Aoi's tears, checking out his features again, leaning in close enough to feel his breath, cupping Akane's cheek in his palm. “But we both know you loved it,” his voice dropping to a low hum. His thumb brushed across Akane’s lower lip, a deliberate reminder of what they’d just done. Aoi was dumbstruck, throat going dry as he gulped. Minamoto tilted Akane's chin up, stealing one last, soft kiss while brushing his fingers through his hair. Teru’s fingers trailed down to the red bite mark on Aoi's neck, the touch sending a shiver through the vice president, tickling him. “Can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” his eyes full of mischief. “Kou’s waiting for me at home.”
Akane’s hand shot up to his neck, feeling the fresh and stinging teeth marks that were definitely above what his collar could hide. How was he supposed to hide that tomorrow? How was he even supposed to go home? It wasn't winter, he didn't have a scarf. I’m doomed, he thought, feeling his soul leave his body. “You fucker!” he roared toward Minamoto, who was stepping toward the door. “What am I supposed to do with this?! This is your fault! Get back here! You’re unbelievable!”
“Love you too!” Teru blew a kiss and waved goodbye, shutting the door after him. Then, silence. Akane stood alone in the dark room, his neck burning and his heart still racing, wondering how on earth he was going to survive tomorrow morning.
Left on his own in the ringing silence of the council room, Akane began searching for anything to cover the bite mark. Minamoto had left him absolutely fuming. He stomped across the room, tidying up the wreckage of their fight while searching for a first aid kit. Once he finally found one, he covered the wound with a bandage and called it a day. He was too exhausted, mentally and physically. That damn bastard… echoing in his mind.
The walk home was a blur. He managed to come up with a stupid lie out of nowhere, that he somehow slipped on the stairs and scratched his neck. A story so unbelievable that he was amazed his parents bought it and didn't question further. That night, his subconscious wouldn't let him get any rest, dreaming only about Teru. His mind replayed the sensation of Minamoto's mouth on his, which was still so clear in his memories. Now that he had finally accepted his feelings, his brain was conjuring all kinds of lovey-dovey domestic scenarios that felt like a personal insult. He didn't even know where they were coming from, hating how much he actually enjoyed them.
He arrived at school the next morning wearing his most murderous expression. He was secretly hoping the bite would heal overnight, but he wasn't that lucky. Knowing he’d lose his dignity no matter what excuse he had for the bandage, he cursed Minamoto under his breath and in his mind, refusing to look his way all day. He chose to ignore the boy completely, which was harder than usual as Teru had become clingy, ignoring the concept of personal space. As much as he was intrigued by the new development, he had to stay strong. The asshole needed to be taught a lesson.
Minamoto spent every spare moment between classes trying to catch Aoi’s attention, but all he was met with was ignorance. He had expected a backlash, even preparing himself for a solid punch in the gut, but the silent treatment he was receiving was much worse. For once, he wanted to indulge in the simplicity of being a normal teenager, to enjoy the thrill of a shared secret with the boy he liked, despite his job as an exorcist. But Akane was proving once more how stubborn he truly could be.
He didn't pay that much mind to the situation until he was also being ignored through text. Teru had sent what he thought was a perfectly sweet, carefully worded apology, followed by numerous spam texts containing his name, genuine questions or nicknames, only to be met with a sharp, dismissive reply. Akane wanted the apology face to face, saying the usual shit about actions speaking louder than words. He then went right back to leaving him on read. Minamoto was sulking. He knew he deserved it, but right now he was feeling lonely and regretted being so aggressive. He felt a rare pang of regret for his lack of restraint. In his defense, he had been dropping hints at Aoi for months, trying his best to show his interest in him, even if he did it in his own odd ways. He thought Akane would notice at some point, but he was totally oblivious to his attempts. Minamoto had finally snapped, and now he was paying the price.
The following day, Teru asked Akane to meet him on the rooftop during lunch. Once the time came, he was waiting impatiently, pacing around like crazy. It still felt a little weird to apologise to Aoi, given the way things had been between them, but he missed him, even in that short amount of time. To his relief, Akane actually showed up. The moment he stepped into view, Minamoto threw his dignity away, dropping to his knees right in front of Aoi and started begging for forgiveness. He made a total show out of it, acting like an overdramatic fool, promising to at least not leave any more visible marks. Akane tried to maintain his scowl, but the flush on his cheeks betrayed him. Minamoto finished the performance by clinging to Aoi’s legs, hugging them, looking up with a needy, desperate gaze. All of that just to make Akane feel like the bad guy in the end.
Akane stood with his arms crossed, looking away, a heavy sigh escaping him. He actually missed Minamoto’s antics, being ready to accept his apology. But just as he opened his mouth to speak, he felt a sudden pressure as Teru’s hand wandered up and grabbed his butt lightly. Some things never changed. Akane’s eyes narrowed instantly, frowning as he reached down to snatch Minamoto’s wrist and pull his hand away.
“Apology accepted,” he said through gritted teeth. “Now, would you stop grabbing my ass?” his annoyance clear in his voice.
Minamoto had what he wanted, so he stopped immediately and stood up with a graceful, fluid motion, his abandoned puppy act dropping in an instant. “Sigh… The things I have to do just to get my boyfriend to stop being mad at me.” he said to himself, still acting upset, though his smirk gave it away.
The word boyfriend hit Akane differently this time. That’s right. They were boyfriends now. The anger finally drained away, replaced by a warmth he actually allowed himself to feel now. He guessed he could let some of this stuff slide from time to time. He was tired of giving Minamoto the cold shoulder. He looked at Teru, ruffled, ridiculous, and finally his, and couldn't help the fond smile that tugged at his lips. He was about to retaliate with a witty remark of his own, but the infamous school bell rang, signaling the end of their brief meeting.
Refusing to let Minamoto have the last word, Akane stepped forward, getting on his tiptoes and grabbing the president by the collar pulling him down just enough to plant a quick, chaste kiss on those smiling lips. Without waiting for a reaction, he spun around and headed for the stairs.
Their rivalry wasn't over yet, they would always be two idiots who lived to piss each other off, but for now, the "enemies" could wait. They had to experience being boyfriends together first.