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God, He hated Ranpo Edogawa. He hated him.
Two weeks after the midterms, Poe was caught in a situation: he was #2 Ranpo the test rankings.
On top, some student by the name of “Edogawa Ranpo” sat, #1 in their grade. An immature teen (if he was even qualified to be called one) in Crimology class. Guaranteed he never studied, he just spent his days annoying his friends or trying new candy. Ranpo's lack of effort angered him. But, on the brighter side, Poe and he conversed from time to time.
Admitting he thought he was adorable was something Poe would never do (He thinks so.). Such a knowledgeable boy, but with no use. He would consider them “Friends”, but Poe would never tell a soul about his admiration for him.
Poe threw that god-forsaken piece of paper on the ground.
“Uhm, you alright…?” Lucy, his Junior high friend approached him from behind. Her twin braids, with odd layers sticking out, bounced with each step.
Startled, “Oh! Ofcourse, just the midterm score.” He groaned.
She skimmed over the names, momentarily taking it all in. She glanced over to the bottom, all the way to the bottom.
“89th…” She muttered.
“Huh?”
“I GOT 89th???” This one was a bit louder than a mutter.
Lucy whined for a bit, it wasn’t exactly what she was aiming for. 89th wasn’t ideal. She’d surely get a lecture when she got home.
“Hey but! You got 2nd! What are you moping about?”
“2nd too that- him!”
Ranpos name, #1, shining through the paper.
“That’s not even bad! Stop being so depressed or people will think you’re ACTUALLY emo.” She assured (?) him. #2 was loads better than #89!
“This is insanely irritating.” He audibly ground his teeth, “How do I prove that I’m smarter! I’ve worked so hard!”
“Edgar, I don’t think he-“
“I do! I’ll… I’ll figure something out.”
“Okay.”
Lucy made her way to her locker, it seemed she couldn’t conjure up a way to reassure him. Poe didn’t look quite fond of her presence either. He noticed her somber expression in the corner of his eye.
He pondered hard. How could he have been beaten? It’s unbelievable. The first time they met, he had made the worst first impression! Not to mention his cockiness, strutting through the halls, correcting the teacher. And although he was always right, who cares! It was still immensely offensive!
And how could he compete? Every time a test was announced, he would win!
Something as big as finals, or as small as a quiz, he always eliminated competition. And for that, Poe was jealous.
“Are you gonna stay there until school ends or…?”
Startled, he snatches his test and turns up towards the anonymous figure, snapped out of his thoughts.
Ranpo. Ranpo Edogawa.
Could he be left alone for just a moment!
“Oh! Uhm. Excuse me?” He whispered, confused, why was he here?
“Stop being so emo down there and get up! You’re not failing the class, you’ll survive!” The man- Ranpo shouted down.
“I’m not sulking!” Poe retaliated.
“Yep!”
“No.”
“Yep!!”
“No!”
“YES!
“And how would you know that???”
Ranpo looked him up and down, observing his state.
“Well. By the big GIANT text on the board, you’re second to the one and only me! You’re on the ground, hunched over, your test is across the hallway, and I saw that weird girl with the bad layers scolding you. I know your patterns Ed, we’ve shared classes. So yes, I’m sure!”
Weird girl with the layers? And wait, when did they talk enough for nicknames? Why would he care? Patterns?
“First- wait- what? Ed?” Poe stared back, confused.
Ranpos confidence wasn’t helping Poe, he was looming over him.
“Yep! Ed! Would you prefer… allie? Or, ooh! let’s do eddiebedd-“
“No! I’d prefer an elaboration on your presence!” He yelled, a few students were staring, including a lady with a bob, and this gold hairpin?
“Oh yeah! Almost forgot, so you're angry that even though you're ‘smarter’ than me, your grade is lower, correct?” Ranpo emphasized the bunny ears on Smarter.
“Don’t mock me! You know I am.” He responded, offended by such a gesture.
He chuckled. “Well, make me a deal. If you really think you're all that.” He offered.
Poe got up, he was the one looming over Ranpo. His collared shirt rivaled by Ranpos shriveled tee-shirt, did he not understand the dress code?
“Is that a no?”
“Oh- Sorry, continue?”
“So!” Ranpo starts, “You know that big Criminology test in a few months? How about this! If I beat you, you have to buy me as many sweets as I want! There’s this new cafe down the road, and I'm so excited!! You know, they have this cupcake shaped like a raccoon! I think you’d enjoy it!-“
“Raccoon? Why..?” Poe interrupted, he had a pretty good idea.
“Your raccoon? Duh? The fur on your pants makes it all the more clear. Probably named him something dumb like Karl.” Ranpo put him in his place, and Poe gave up on questioning his tactics.
“Leave Karl out of this!” Poe complained.
“Wah wah wah! Anyways! If you win, well, I’d like to admit you're smarter than me? Anything of your choice!”
Poe glanced down at the floor. Beating Ranpo AND getting an admission of his superiority? He would have a field day. But that’s only if he was able to, and some cafes wouldn’t be the worst place to go to. In the low chance he loses that is. He probably would’ve preferred to focus on that group project they were starting, but who cares? Besides, he’d finally have some motivation to study! It’d been pretty hard, but some “friendly competition” (if they were even considered. Maybe more soon!) might motivate him.
“Deal? Oh, gracious Edgar Allen Poe?” Ranpo bowed, sticking out his hand, but Poe didn’t find it amusing.
“Deal.” Sealing off on the bargain, he was ready for this.
“Promise?” Ranpo stuck out his pinky, intending for a response.
Silence filled the room for a brief moment.
“Just do it!”
Poe sighed, lifting a hand of his own.
“Promise..”
“Perfect!” Ranpo grinned, “Can’t wait to try those cupcakes!”
Poe grimaced at him, as he skipped towards the door. His hat somehow stayed on despite his messy hair contradicting it, how could he look so handsome effortlessly?- Nope! He DEFINITELY didn’t just think that? Right?
“Wait!” Edgar reached out.
Ranpo turned around.
“I searched for you! I was sitting in the library, found this copy of some ‘The Fall of the piss houses’ or something… But anyway, it was pretty good! I have some notes, I saw that book, and I needed to find the author. Recognized your name from class! You’re not pretty good at hiding your pouting, so that part was easy. “
“You have some amazing writing, Id enjoy to see some more, so bring me more tomorrow, kay? I’m certain this isn’t your first. Not many challenge my intellect.” Ranpo answered, without a question being asked. Poe blushed, he had read his mind, “How’d you find out about.. How I felt? Or how’d he even find me??” wasn’t hard to deduce. Poe was a bit obvious.
He chucked the “Book” which was a stack of papers stuck together by the library’s stapler at him. On the cover, the print “Ranpo was here!” had gained its own corner. A sticky note accompanied it, a few digits scribbled on.
“Oh! Uhm, is this? your uhm..” Poe stuttered out. Numbers?
“Yep!” Ranpo gleefully replied, “You seem interesting, I didn’t expect you to be my secret admirer”
“I’m not!-“
“Potato tomato… See you later Eds! We’re gonna be best friends!” He walked out the door, leaving Poe confused, flustered, and flattered all at once. A compliment, insult, and jab? Ranpo was quite the surprise, but he’d figure it out. He strutted over to the girl with the bob.
Poe gathered his items, finally processing the fact that he was still at school and needed to attend class.
This was gonna be a long few months.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
12 PM, 3RD PERIOD
Poe walked into Criminology class, sick and tired of seeing people 5 hours into the school day.
He had loads of homework to do, a project that was soon going to be assigned, and an annoying pest challenging him.
The air there felt suffocating, and Poe wanted out. But he put it all aside for his favorite class. The teacher greeted him as he took his usual seat, and they were allowed to sit whenever they’d like. Some routine had been implemented, and he was in his designated spot. Now, he needs to focus if he wants to beat-
“Ranpo?” Poe whipped his head to the side, confused to see the shorter male sitter next to him.
“Hey Eds! Can I sit here? Well actually, doesn’t really matter ‘cuz I will anyway!” Ranpo exclaimed, a smile accompanied by a lollipop.
“Oh. Okay…” Poe looked the other way, a bit confused.
What was he supposed to do? Talk to him? Everyone knew his terrible communication skills. He messed up orders, and HATED presentations. But Ranpo had all of it down so effortlessly, disposable at the tip of his fingers. So, today he’ll make an effort.
“You know.. Professor Dostoyevsky kinda looks like a rat. You see it right? I mean, that nose. Oh god that nose!” Ranpo mocked, while their teacher was starting their lecture.
Poe gave him a look and covered Ranpo's mouth. He’d never admit he almost laughed.
“Quiet! Do you want detention?”
“Well, detention with you can’t be THAT bad…”
“Believe in me, it most certainly will be.”
“Well, maybe you gotta stop thinking so hard!”
“I am very opposed to not thinking about my actions.”
“Well… I don’t care!”
“That’s not a convincing argument!! Aren’t you in debate?”
“Quiet! Shh!!”
Poe sighed.
“Will a book quiet you down??”
Ranpo's eyes lit up.
“I mean, it won’t shut me up but… I’ll take it!”
He snatches it from the exact place he had left it in his backpack. Poe has exactly no idea how he knew, but it saved him time nonetheless. Ranpo looked over the cover.
“Edgy… It’s cute!” Ranpo poked his shoulder “Just what I expected.”
“It’s supposed to invoke fear!” Poe grumbled.
“Oh like you could scare me? The most you do is sit still and look pretty.”
What?
“Anyways! I’ll check this out later!” Ranpo quickly shoved the book farther onto the desk. It frightened Poe just a tad.
Professor Dostoyevsky’s voice echoed through the room, “Everyone satisfied with their partners?”
The majority of the room nodded, and Poe sat there confused.
“Excellent, I’m passing out the syllabus.” The man said, Poe and Ranpo looked at each other.
“Guess we’re partners!” Ranpo chuckled, watching Poe intently.
“On which assignment?” Poe was VERY CONFUSED. He, regrettably, missed a bit of the lecture due to Ranpos blabbering. Wouldn’t happen again.
“The project! Better start planning.” He said as if it was common knowledge (it was, Poe just wasn’t paying attention.)
“Project? With you? Are you certain?”
“VERY certain, emo boy.”
“Hey!-“
“Do you want to argue about this or accept your emo-ness?” Ranpo challenged.
“I AM NOT-“
“Poe, quiet down please.” The professor cleared his throat across the room.
Ranpo giggled at Poe, and it DEFINITELY didn’t awaken anything in him. Poe, embarrassed, giggled a bit too, hand covering mouth.
“Hmm, how about we play a game?” Ranpo questions, leaning over into Poe's personal space.
“Isn’t this the ideal timing to plan our project? And didn’t he just request no chatting?” He was pointing at the syllabus, scooting back.
“And…? We can just go meet up after school! Library. Now. Let’s play!! Class doesn’t get any funner then this, party pooper. ” Ranpo, now making plans, turned his chair Poe's way. He wasn’t fond of the nicknames. Guess he would have to cancel with Lucy, he didn’t have the confidence to reject Ranpo.
“Okay… What game?” He turned his body to face him, fixing his bangs.
“Hmm… When’s your birthday?”
“Uhm? J-“
“January 19th!”
“Correct…” Poe was amazed, how exactly did he figure that out? It makes no sense, but Ranpo doesn’t make sense in general.
“Yep! Now guess something about me.” He squinted his eyes, waiting for an answer.
“You like.. candy??” Poe points at the sweets, not quite understanding the point of this.
“Well, no shit sherlock.” Ranpo covered his mouth and giggled.
Poe rolled his eyes.
They conversed for a while, guessing facts, giggling, and sharing about themselves. Poe decided it wasn’t the LEAST enjoyable aspect of his day. Ranging from Karl, this suspicions about those white and black haired freshman’s being together, how the creation of candy changed the world, and not one thing about class.
“How do you decipher facts like that? It’s preposterous.” He quizzed him, he needed to know.
“Well, my parents were detectives, at least my dad. But arguably, my mom was better, she used to break his spirit in all their arguments. It might just run in the family, I never got a chance to ask them.” Ranpo played with his pencil, unfazed by the sad undertones he was inferring.
“Oh-, they sounded like entertaining people to be around.” Poe had no idea how to reply, not expecting an answer like that one.
“They were! What about you? You and your “Unrivaled skills” Must’ve come somewhere.” He changed the subject, Poe sensed it was a good choice.
“My parents, don’t quite play a role, I was indeed an independent child. Very curious as well, I’ve been writing for most of my years. Although, they had always been proud of me when I brought home a new achievement.” Poe explained, Ranpo seemed like he was listening. Not that he believed he cared.
“Cool! I had a feeling that was the case, intuition!” He bragged, picking up his bag.
He quickly stuffed a few items into his bag, and carefully placed the “book”.
“Why are you packing up?”
“The bell? Hello? I know I’m distracting but check the time sometimes?” He exaggerated the fact.
“I told you I'm not! Ugh… I give up.” Poe slumped over his desk, slowly starting to collect his materials as well.
They walk out of the classroom together, bickering about some mystery novel. They had found a few common interests during those days of conversation.
“I told you it’s easy to figure out! Catch ya later emo boy!”
Poe sighed. He gave up.
“I’ll see you later.”
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
LUNCHTIME
“Hey Edgar!!!” Lucy ran up from behind him, grabbing his shoulder, scaring him.
“AHHH!- Oh! Uhm, Hello Lucy.” Poe turned to face her, an awkward smile on his face. She chuckled at his shock.
They walk to their lunch table with one another, grabbing their food and taking a seat.
“Question, who’s that guy that you were walking with?” Lucy asked, and she seemed surprised.
“Oh? We’re doing a project together, he’s my-“
friend?
“…Friend” Poe replied, not sure.
“Friends? I didn’t know you could make those..” Lucy teased, she was proud that he was talking to more people.
“Oh quiet!”
Poe started to pick at his lunch, taking a few bites. Lucy and him causally conversed.
“So, are we still on for later with Louisa?”
He forgot to tell her, Oh shit.
“Uhm- No, I’m sorry, it’s just, uhm. I have that project due soon.” He stuttered out, he felt bad, but who could reject Ranpo? Maybe someone who wasn’t him.
“That's fine! Stop being so scared to cancel, God.” She didn’t mind, and it made Poe feel a bit better about the situation.
“Yeah, thank you. I have to meet up with Ranpo at the library.”
“Wait- Ranpo? As in that boy you were weeping and yearning about?”
“Yearning…?”
Lucy looked him dead in the eyes, an Are you serious? look on her face.
“Yes, the junior on the board,” Poe stated, as he was preparing for a lecture.
Lucy face-planted.
“Well! Goodluck.” She sounded like she really meant that.
“Actually!- I should message him!” He remembered, whipping out his “Book” and phone simultaneously.
“Number exchanges? So far in just a day huh?”
“Quiet!”
He typed in the number and started texting. He deleted the message a few times. then retyped, then deleted.
: Hello? This is Poe. Have I reached Ranpos Cell?
“Look. Is this good?” He slips the phone to Lucy.
“Hmm.. Let me retype this!” She snatched it, clicking swiftly, and a small sound effect emerged from his phone. She sent a message.
: ay ranpo dear… they call my edging eddie in the streets. do they call you “ran” po cuz of “run” and like… people wanna run through you… cuz ur so fine darling 🤤❤️
Poe shrieked. Loudly.
“OH MY GOODNESS!”
Lucy wasn’t able to stop laughing, it wasn’t a function in her body to stop. He took his phone at lightening speed, and typed out an apology message, before Ranpo replied.
xxx-xxx-xxxx: BEJSKSLWOSWJAKSISIWNSKDOAJ i know for a fact that isn’t you edgar your too wimpy to do that so fast (╥﹏╥)
: I’m so very dearly sorry Ranpo. It was my acquaintance.
xxx-xxx-xxxx :
oh it’s fine i just inhaled some of my food that was hilarious
Poe could tell he wasn’t quite the typer.
xxx-xxx-xxxx :
wait lemme justttt
Your Nickname has been set too, “emoedgingeddie.”
emoedgingeddie:
Ranpo.
xxx-xxx-xxxx :
they call you that in the streets!◜( ˘ ³˘ )♡
xxx-xxx-xxxx Nickname been set too, “RanpoIsUnintelligent.”
RanpoIsUnintelligent:
that’s the worst you could do? for a writer you lack insultss
emoedgingeddie :
I am more proper than idiotic nicknames.
Lucy was still cracking up behind Poe, he didn’t appreciate it.
xxx-xxx-xxxx Nickname been set too, “RanpoDear.”
RanpoDear :
see all better! it’s even capitalized teehee
emoedgingeddie :
This conversation was supposed to be about the project, not whatsoever this is.
RanpoDear :
hah! almost forgot. soo. the libray lwk sucks, cna i come over?
edgingeddie :
Instead of the library?
RanpoDear :
yep dumbass. We can hangotu and work. and then you’ll buy me choocolate ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
edgingeddie :
Pardon? Fine. Meet me at xxxxx xxxxxx. Around 5 PM.
RanpoDear :
YOOHOOO! kaykay! cya later
Poe put down his phone, Lucy staring into his bang-covered eyes. He took a sip of his drink.
“So when are you kissing?”
Poe spat out his water.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Poe was totally not cleaning his room. And not wearing his favorite corset he saved for special occasions. And not making cookies! Nope! Not one chance.
Except he was.
Each room was squeaky clean by the timeframe, he had put way too much effort into being presentable.
He was wearing some casual dark-brown pants, a long-sleeve turtle neck, and a corset over it, with smaller accents like a tie. He personally believed he looked decent.
Why was he nervous? One of the only mysteries he couldn't solve. Other than that Ranpo. Everything was perfect, not that Ranpo would care.
CAW! CAW! CAW!
He guessed it was Ranpo, pulling out and answering his phone.
“Hello-“
“A MANSION??”
Poe heard excessive knocking at the door.
“Coming! The cookies might bur-“
“COOKIES??”
Poe unlocked the door, letting Ranpo enter, jaw dropped. He hung up the call.
“How- You have the house Ed’s.” Ranpo didn’t try to hide his amazement.
“Thank you…?” Poe questioned.
Ranpo quickly got comfy in Poe's kitchen, observing his cooking supplies, and watching him follow behind.
He watched over Ranpo, he looked quite tired, but still energetic as ever, how could he do it?
Poe walks over to his oven and is careful not to burn himself. He removes the cookies and presents them in front of Ranpo.
“Uhm. Would you prefer to try one?”
Ranpo had already taken a bite, he didn’t need permission.
“Whoa! I didn’t-” Crunch “-know you could bake!”
“I tried my best.” Poe rubbed the back of his head, he was quite flattered.
“You know, maybe this is your real calling!”
“Ranpo. I’m sure you know it’s not.”
“Oh hush, let me dream!”
Ranpo got a good look at Poe's outfit, inching towards him. He outlined his waist with his index finger.
“Corset huh?”
Poe, now releasing the physical contact, malfunctioned.
“Oh, Yes. I was- experimenting.” He had pulled that out of his ass, he’d worn this millions of times.
Ranpo squinted his eyes.
“Well! You look, very nice. I think it was a success..” He trailed off, seeming a little embarrassed.
Ranpo? Complimenting me?
Ranpo moved and approached a certain section of his living room. Tracing over a picture frame with his finger.
“You went to… Hawaii?” Ranpo was trying not to laugh. Poe? Swimming? Imagining that wasn’t pleasant. Actually, he reconsidered after imagining the shirtless part.
“As one does. It wasn’t pleasant, my skin burned in impossible places.” The Debby-downer, Poe informed him, cheeks still red from the interaction. Maybe he was getting sick.
The smooth-sailing conversation continues, with them talking about trips on both sides. They spent a bit over half an hour just talking. Poe was lucky he survived.
“-And then he called me an amateur? I am NOT an amateur!” Ranpo complained, mid-storytime.
“I don’t think he’s personally greeted the Dearest Ranpo, huh?” Poe taunted, he isn’t quite good at making jokes.
“Neither has he the emo-boy who has an obsession with black cats!”
“Hey- How did you know that?”
“Just a hunch!” Ranpo giggled into his hand.
“Shush! The only black thing that exists in my life is your teeth.”
“Again with the terrible insults… Don’t insult my pearly whites! I brush every night.” Ranpo retorted that he would not take slander.
“Are we all in tandem that you are lying? There’s an abundance of candy wrappers in your backpack that prove my claim!”
Poe gets up, and makes his way over to his room, symboling to Ranpo to follow. They both take a seat on his bed, a king-sized mattress with a large flat-screen TV at the end.
“So, what should we get started?-“
“Let’s watch Twilight!” Ranpo cut him off, scrambling for the remote.
“Twilight..?” Poe wasn’t up-to-date with the media, he had no idea what Ranpo was talking about.
“The corny, vampire, werewolf, bad acting movie!!! You live under a rock!” Ranpo pokes fun at him, who hasn’t heard of Twilight?
The movie clicks on, and they lie across Poe's bed. He was trying his best to pay attention, but the closeness made him a bit weak.
Ranpo quickly swiped his legs over Poes and started his long rant session about his undying rage against the acting. Legs entangled, Ranpo seemed nonchalant.
God. Legs? Seriously? How could legs make Poe feel such a way? Not murder, like the ones he had written about in his books. Or gore, which he had his own personal stories about. He had no idea, and no intention of expanding on the thought.
The project materials spread out around them, but were untouched nonetheless. They had completely forgotten about the assignment sitting among them. They sat like that, complaining and talking for an hour and a half. Ranpo was really starting to grow on him.
“Exactly why I’m smarter! I figured out Eduardo was a vampire before you!” Ranpo flaunted.
“It wasn’t established early on! How would I predict that plot twist? And Eduardo?” Poe was not giving up.
“This is the exact reason why I will be on top for the test. You can’t change the future!” Ranpo wasn’t gonna let it go either.
“Not happening! I WILL top you!-“
WHACK!
A pillow hit Poe straight in the face. It slid down at a comically slow pace.
“Fine! We will be doing this!”
Poe grabbed a pillow, clenching in his fists. Ranpo knew what he caused, and was prepared to fight.
Ranpo chucked a pillow his way, and Poe dodged at the speed of light. He wouldn’t let Ranpo get the upper hand.
Safe to say, they were both getting pretty beaten up.
Pillows flew across the room, accompanied by giggles and grunts. They spent a few minutes battling to the death.
Poe slammed Ranpo down onto the bed with his Pillow.
“Is that all you got!” Ranpo yelled, lying on the covers catching his breath.
Poe retaliated, and their pillows crashed head to head.
But due to his larger frame, he overpowered Ranpo.
Pillow to his chest, Ranpo fell back into the bed. Poe's arms were near his sides on his shoulder, he was pinning him down.
“I-“ Poe panted. “I am topping you!”.
Ranpo raised an eye and smirked. Why was he smiling? He should’ve known Poe wasn’t lying.
Wait.
“ON THE TEST! THIS IS A VERY COMPROMISING POSITION AND-“
Ranpo clenched Poe's tie and pulled him in closer. Their noses almost touching, but both froze. Had Ranpos green eyes always been so piercing? Holding so much story beneath them? He was a writer, but he couldn’t describe the emotion he felt at this moment. He observed his face, and Ranpo likewise did as well.
They caught each other's eye for an awkward moment.
Has he always been so captivating?
He lifted a hand, brushing away his bangs, “Did you always have such pretty eyes?” Ranpo mentioned casually, breathe steadily. Like it didn’t mean everything to Poe.
Poe had forgotten everything he knew. The sight before him was too important, too luring. Ranpos face, tinted with pink.
“I-.. Uhm…” He flushed, how was Ranpo doing this to him?
Suddenly, Ranpo's face imploded with a cheeky grin. He grabbed onto the tie tighter and flipped him over onto his back. Their position were reversed, Ranpo straddling Poe.
“Who’s topping now?”
Poe malfunctioned, again.
He didn’t know he could feel more emotion than that.
He didn’t move for a moment, just sat there. Face flushed, staring into his eyes.
“You should look at yo-“
BAM!
A pillow hit Ranpo straight to the face. And this time, Poe couldn’t contain his laughter. He couldn’t stop, and Ranpo slowly got back up.
He saw him laughing, and smiled, starting to giggle with him. He adjusted himself to sit next to Poe. Putting a pillow under his legs, and throwing the blanket over them. He grips the remote and unpauses the movie.
“Let’s finish, kay?” Ranpo whispers, getting comfortable.
“Of course, Ranpo Dearest.” Poe pulled the blanket over him.
They watched the movie for a while longer, Poe making comments now and then. At some point, Ranpo had stopped replying.
“And then- Ranpo?” Poe turned his head, facing the boy lying against his side. He had fallen asleep, resting the shorter male.
Poe watched him, somehow becoming even redder.
He’s adorable.
But- so annoying, and full of himself! But at that moment, he didn’t care. He watched his chest fall and rise, admired his hair, and smiled. He didn’t mind this.
Poe reached out a hand, then retracted. He wanted to feel his hair so badly. But would he be overstepping?
All of a sudden, Ranpo turned over. Body now on Poes.
Oh god.
Poe stopped moving, he had no idea what to do. Ranpo. On top of him. Embracing him. He was starting to feel things he couldn’t name.
He decided he was hugging him. He was doing it.
He slipped an arm around Ranpo's waist, pulling him in closer. His head rested in his hair. Rubbing circles into his back. He enjoyed this, he didn’t wanna move. But god, having such a cute boy under him? He couldn’t even cover it up with hate, he never wanted to let go.
Bzzz! bzzz! bzzz!
He shudder by the sudden movement. Poe grabbed the phone lying next to him, making sure not to wake up the younger male sleeping atop him.
“Fukuzawa” was the contact calling, name followed by some emojis. Poe contemplated waking up Ranpo, but ultimately didn’t. He answered the phone, maybe his dad was scared he was hurt. He’d let him know he was okay.
“Hello,” Poe muttered out, not above a whisper.
“Oh hello there. Is Ranpo Edogawa there? I assume you’re Edgar Allan Poe?” The man replied.
“Yep! Sorry- uhm, he’s still at my house.”
“May you please give the phone to him?”
Poe looked down at him, confirming he was still sleeping.
“Ranpo, fell asleep. I’m currently immobilized.”
“Oh.” Fukuzawa seemed surprised.
“Yeah! But if he has to go-“
“I apologize if he’s overstepping any boundaries. He doesn’t quite take social cues into perspective.”
Poe smiled.
“Oh no! I’m perfectly fine with this! I really don’t mind, in fact, I quite enjoy him in my arms. He’s so pretty when you get a good look at him. Don’t worry.”
Poe's smile dropped
“OH! Uhm- Forget I said that! please! Goodbyeandhaveaniceday!!!” Poe hung up faster than he had ever before.
Let’s just pray he didn’t tell Ranpo that.
He placed the phone back into its original spot and decided he’d try to accompany Ranpo in slumber. How could he even sleep with such a man on him?
Ranpo snuggled closer to his chest.
“See? This isn’t so bad.” Ranpo whispered.
Huh. Maybe it isn’t.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
That night Poe sat in his room. Ranpos guardian has picked him up around 10, he fell asleep around 6:30, and carried him out. He could barely make eye contact with him after that phone call. At the moment both of his closest friends accompany him. He was facing a crisis.
“Edgar, sweetie, why exactly did you call us so frantically?” Contradicting Lucy’s sweet words, her tone was harsh. She had gotten out of bed at such a late time to come.
Louisa added, “Uhm, yes, are, are you alright?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be with Ranpo?” Lucy questions, when Poe had heard his name, he flushed.
Lucy and Louisa connect eyes, at a state of understanding. Poe stood a tad confused.
“If you really don’t mind me asking, what happened?” Louisa muttered, she was curious.
“It’s!- It’s just, Ranpo came over right? And I made him some cookies right?”
“Right…” Lucy and Louisa said in unison, flatly.
“And! And he put his hands on my waist! My waist! What’s so intriguing about my waist! And I quote, he said You look very nice, it was a success’ after I said I was experimenting with a corset! Right!”
“Right…” Lucy and Louisa said in unison, intrigued. They shared another glance.
“That’s not even the best- I mean worst part! After we were watching this film called Twilight, I had never heard of it.”
“How could you not hear about Twilight? It’s like awesome?” Lucy frowned.
“That’s what Ranpo said. But, he fell asleep mid-way on my shoulder!”
“Seriously?” Louisa’s mouth gaped.
“That’s so cliche!! What else?” Lucy was fan-girling. She lives for romance.
“And! I swear I could feel my body breaking down. I can’t put the feeling into words, but it was exhilarating!”
Lucy already knew what it was, and was pretty sure Louisa did too.
“He turned over and slept on me. His body was on mine! And my heart almost beat out of my chest!”
Both girls were gagged, romance? with the most un-romantic man they know?
“Edgar-“
“But- I didn’t know what to do. So, I just, pulled him closer. It’s what I had wanted to do. And know i don’t know how I feel. It’s, it was so different.”
“Edgar. Listen to me.” Lucy grabbed his shoulders and shook him.
“And, Lucy! How am I-“
“EDGAR!”
Poe shut up, and Louisa commented. “Edgar, please. listen to us, I’m not- uhm- very knowledgeable in this subject, but you might be inlove with him.”
Poe froze.
Love?
“But- I’m not even a homosexual! And Ranpo would never like me back! And, and i’ve hated forever! I mean, yes, he might be way too pretty for his own good! I mean, have you seen him laugh! He’s just so, so!-“
Louisa and Lucy shared a knowing look.
“Oh my, maybe I am in love with him.”
Lucy started, “Edgar, you might just be.”
Louisa added, “I wouldn’t be too surprised.”
How could he, Edgar Allan Poe, be inlove with his rival? He couldn’t fathom the concept.
“But-!”
Lucy grabbed and shook his shoulders. She was getting tired of this.
“Pop quiz! One, do you think he’s pretty?”
Poe was caught off guard by the sudden question, “Of course I do! It’s an fa-“
“Number two, do you feel different around him than us?”
He thought for a moment, “Well-Uhm, just a little”
“And finally, are you inlove with him”
“Lucy!” Poe groaned.
The redhead sighed and sat down with a frown.
“I mean, I may be. But even so, this is of no use! How could such an intelligent man like him like me? Me!” He threw his hands into his hair. Why did this have to be so unnecessarily hard?
“Hey, don’t say that! You’re an, uhm, awesome guy!” Louisa rubbed circles into his back, her friend looked out of it.
“He’s just so! So perfect. He’s smart, he’s funny, he’s Ranpo! How am I supposed to get him to like me back in that case? I bet he probably already despises me after yesterday and that occurrence. He’s what fuels our school! He’s like a painting, one you glance at and know it’s your favorite, one that holds so much practice and pain just by the technique!”
“ He’s an unfinished book, one that makes the mystery so much more immersive by that small gimmick. He's crafted at the hands for God! He’s like an I poem I wish I wrote! He’s- He’s Ranpo Edogawa! How would he even take a moment to think about a man like me?-“
“Just! Shut up already!” Lucy got up in an instant and tackled him in a hug. The other girl accompanied her, a bit gentler with her actions.
“Listen to me Edgar Allan Poe! What you're gonna do, is talk with him, get to know him, and tell him how you feel when you're sure of yourself. Okay!” Lucy gently slapped both sides of his face.
He paused for a minute and thought about the entire conversation as a whole. This was going to be a long night.
“Alright…” Poe sat, embarrassed, he tended to overshare when unnecessary.
Louisa got up with a clap, followed by the other.
“Now! Please retell us the story in full detail!” Louisa demanded, a bit louder than usual.
Poe started to rant. Maybe he didn’t really hate him.
Both girls slept over that night.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
4 MONTHS LATER ; BEFORE SCHOOL
Poe and Ranpo had gotten closer, sometimes now accompanying each other to class, and hanging out quite often. More or less together most of the time. Friends on both sides had gotten used to the sudden change, and classmates had too. Their bond grew stronger. But Poe still couldn’t set aside his feelings, were they really love?
Poe arrived at the front gates which towered over the school. He was not ecstatic for the day. He desperately wanted to leave, but the work won’t do itself. It was rainy, and he had only a small umbrella to keep him dry.
He glanced around, expecting an energetic Ranpo to appear, but was left alone. He usually had made it to school before him, so where had he been?
Poe flipped around and quickly scurried through his backpack, grabbing his phone. He pulled up his Messages app and opened Ranpos contact.
emoedgingeddie:
Ranpo, are you running late?
Poe waited for a minute, standing in place in front of the school. Do I really have to go in alone?
emoedgingeddie:
Ranpo? You will be late.
Another few minutes passed.
emoedgingeddie:
Ranpo?
The sound of the warning bell rang out throughout the halls. It was Poe's sign to give up. He threw his phone back into his bag and reluctantly made his way to homeroom and first period.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The first 3 periods of the day had passed without trouble, still somehow with no sight of the younger boy.
Did Poe do something wrong? Had he been avoiding him? He never realized how deeply his perception of him mattered. Maybe he had just spelled in? Poe could spend his lunch day-dreaming about Ranpo's tired face, but now was not the time. He had missed him, the halls felt longer and the classes felt quieter without him.
He decided to take a walk around campus, needing a minute to think. The air around him was compact, the halls filled with unfamiliar faces. He took an extra glance at his phone, which he swiftly swiped from his back pocket.
“Still no messages.” Poe sighed, draping his arms around his sides.
He lifted his head, accidentally hitting the shorter woman in front of him dab-smack in the jaw! He waddled backwards, dropping his phone. Steadying his footing, Poe's head jolted up, he shouldn’t be focused on other subjects in large places. He recognized the woman, the one Ranpo used to walk with. She was Yosano, and they had shared a science class last year. A shorter woman with a black bob, they spoke sparingly.
“Oh, it’s you?” Yosano rubbed her chin, bending down to grab Poe's phone for him. Taking a short glance at the screen, she giggled.
“Oh! I’m terribly sorry, are you alright?” Poe nervously put himself together and stood up straight.
Seeing her laughing wasn’t helping either, considering the fact that she had his and Rnapos messages open.
“I’m fine, I’m fine… Yosano, by the way, just in case you had forgotten. And you’re… Poe? Correct? Ranpos friend?” She spoke out in between giggles, approaching Poe.
He nodded at the statement.
“I knew you both acted gay but not at this level!” She, still chuckling, pointed at his device. Poe flushed a bit, looking quite offended.
“Hey! He is not inlove with me!” He firmly stood his ground, grabbing the phone from her grip.
“Alright… So that means your inlove with him huh?” She whistled sarcastically, turning around and trotting away, but not before taking a brief moment to leave a comment, “By the way, he’s sick at home. You should check up on him. I’m sure he’d feel appreciated. I bet you’d enjoy it too!” She winked at the last part, making her way down the hall.
What a woman she was, taunting Poe like that?! And he had no excuse for blushing, it was fairly cold and he was in perfectly good health. But yes, maybe he’d visit Ranpo's estate. He made a mental note to thank her the next day.
Meanwhile, Yosano had walked over to Poe's collection of friends, Lucy and Louisa. She was out of earshot.
“50$ Poe confesses first.” Yosano's eyes darkened, and she slammed her hands on the table where they sat.
“No way! He’s too much of a wimp for that. I bet Ranpo for 50.” Lucy kicked her feet up, fully confident in her choice.
“I believe in Edgar, so, uhm, I think he’ll win!” Louisa added, softly, she didn’t get any money on it.
“May the best win.” Yosano grinned.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
How down bad did the, Edgar Allen Poe, have to be to be inside a crowded grocery store? filled to the brim, just how exactly did Ranpo have to get sick?
It’s probably because of all that candy. Poe thought to himself that he could never imagine Ranpo sick. Maybe he was at home being taken care of by his father, (which he assumed). Either way, it wouldn’t hurt to visit.
Or maybe Ranpo had just been ignoring him? Yes, he may be sick, but a sick person still has the ability to operate a phone. That option made Poe feel a bit worse.
He strut done each isle, observing what would be ideal for his situation. It wasn’t an obligation for Poe to go visit, but it wouldn’t hurt. He knew for sure Ranpo wouldn’t take care of himself, and he never minded being with him. He had selected a healthy amount of different soup types, which he guessed he’d have to shove down his throat.
What he would do for Ranpo.
Poe made his way over to the cash register, but not before a short individual caught his eye.
Isn’t Ranpo supposed to be sick?
He quickly followed behind. It wasn’t expected that they might have collided here, since it was located so close to Ranpo's home, but he was sick!
Poe had caught up to the man, wearing a simple T-shirt and some pajama shorts. He was squinting at the candy labels, seemingly absorbed.
Poe looked around, tiptoeing behind the younger boy, watching his every move. He didn’t seem very sick.
“If you take a picture it’ll last longer.” Ranpo sighs, spinning on his heels to face the other man. He pokes at his chest.
“Ranpo! Aren’t you sick?” Poe leans forward, grabbing his wrist. The boy's posture was standing high, and very healthy.
“Sick? Why would I be-“ He stopped for a minute, and groaned. “Akiko! I swear to god!”
“So, you’re alright?” Poes smiles and catches Ranpo's gaze. Looking at his outfit just made him cold. The warmth in Poe's cheeks was keeping him toasty, Ranpo always made him feel better.
“Ofcourse I am! I just ditched out on school ‘cuz I wanted to! How could the amazing Ranpo get sick?” He rests his hands on his hips, his usual grin enveloping his face.
“Promise you’re not sick?” Poe stuck a finger out, throughout their friendship, it had become clockwork.
“Promise! There is no possible way I’d be sick!” He hooked his pinky around the others.
“Maybe that horrific outfit! I think I would freeze.” Poe exaggerates, pointing at his shorts. His legs were exposed, and they were staring at Poe. Or maybe he just couldn’t stop looking. Who knows?
“I’ll be fine!-“ He sneezed.
“I told you! Just-take this.” Poe removes his arms from his sweater. It was a simple, black one with a logo on the back, but he wore it consistently. Fluffy on the inside, cozy as well.
He shoves it over Ranpo's head, pushing his arms into the correct places. It fit a tad larger than usual, but it had been expected.
“I, Uhm, Thank you.” Ranpo looks down at the sweaters, fiddling with the sleeves. Was he, blushing?
“Either way, you’re here now! So let’s hang, kay?” Ranpo bursts up, as good as new. A large smile on his face, flashing his teeth.
“Alright..”
Ranpo quickly grabs the other's hand, leading him out the door. He had not a single idea where they were heading, but he trusted Ranpo. Rain, still pouring, hair soaked. It seemed both had cared, as they kept running.
“Ranpo! Dearest! Slow down!” Poe complained, could he not try to get them both killed?
They were sprinting down the street leading up to the arcade. Poe squeezed his hand, a feeble attempt to slow him down. He also realized they were still holding hands. He took a moment to process that fact, but he wasn’t complaining. It felt a bit freeing, just the two together.
They passed by a few stores, most becoming a blur. One that blasted an unhealthy amount of music. It lingered down the street. They had almost reached the entrance of Ranpos residence, which Poe had recognized from all their previous outings.
That was until Ranpo almost got himself killed. It was bound to happen, traveling at that speed with such heavy rain. He had slipped over his own feet and was heading straight to his demise. It wasn't the exact way he wanted to go out.
But Poe conflicted with that decision. He swiftly wrapped his arm around Ranpo's middle, protecting him from the fall. He pulled him closer, keeping him up. The only thing sounds coming from the blasting music.
“Are you, uhm, alright?” Poe whispered, Ranpo close enough to hear. Now very aware of his hands gripping his waist. Fingers indenting into the other male's shirt. Shit, we’re way too close.
He felt a small sense of Deja vu, holding Ranpo close wasn’t a distinct blessing anymore. Ranpo had always been touchy, so it wasn’t new, but it still got to him every time. How much longer would he be able to hold in his feelings?
Ranpo let out a small chuckle, seemingly planning something devious. He lifted his hand, fitting it into Poe's. His eyes flashed back and forth, in between his intertwined fingers, and Ranpos unhealthily-gorgeous face (at least to him).
He suddenly twirled out of his grasp, and both boys connected by their hands. Water splashes around their shoes.
“Can you hear the music?” Ranpo giggled, now that was music to Poe's ears.
“Yes, ofcourse.” He replied, hand holding Ranpos, both boys standing away from each other.
“Then let’s dance!” Ranpo beamed, twirling Poe into his arms.
“Wait a second! I-“ He was cut off by the sudden change in stance, wobbly movements followed. Dancing? Did he not take into account that he could hurt himself? Poe wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he had hurt Ranpo. Nonetheless, he was still being swayed.
A shriek exerted Poes mouth when Ranpo happened to dip him. This was not the way he imagined them dancing going.
“Ranpo! Let me go this instant!” He shouted, feeble attempts at wiggling away from his grasp. Had he been working out? If so, Poe would’ve known.
Ranpos just laughed, that intoxicating laugh Poe would never forget about. He had gotten so pathetic, a month ago he would’ve passed out being that close, so this is considered an improvement.
He couldn’t let Ranpo boss him around! On more than most occasions, the taller one leads! Poe wouldn’t allow this. Although, he did enjoy being held, he felt- Nope! he wouldn’t allow this.
Suddenly, Poe pulls Ranpo inward, almost tripping over the other, and reverses the situation. Poe now leads Ranpo, he twirls him, careful not to cause any harm.
“I didn’t know you could be a gentleman!” Ranpo declared, leading Poe's left hand onto his hip, right holding his. Their clothes were slowly getting progressively more soaked, but that hadn’t mattered.
The motions they both made were synchronized, a romantic melody leading each movement with grace. They weren’t professionals, far from it, but they were enough for eachothers taste.
“Now why wouldn’t I, my dearest, Ranpo?” His hand settled, slipped over his side. A slower melody began to play, and both boys' steps became appropriately-paced. They followed the others' moves, both too in the moment to make a mocking remark.
Ranpo was seemingly focused on his footwork, but Poe was focused on Ranpo.
Ranpo raised his gaze and caught eyes with him. His eyes sparkled, connecting sight with the other. He smiled and changed his grip. Poe slid his arms behind Ranpo's back, closer than before.
He lifted his arms, allowing Ranpo to spin, with the assistance of the Poe himself. He took that opportunity to pivot, over exaggerating each movement. A small “woo!” sound exited his mouth, perfectly fitting into Poe's arms, finishing the circle. Dipping lower than expected, Poe caught the outer leg, the other arm occupied with his waist.
Ranpos right arms lay around Poe's neck, the latter flailing out. They held that position for a moment, panting as if they had pulled off a routine. In reality, simple gestures were displayed, and both males had an unexpected amount of fun.
Quickly, Ranpo brought the vacant arm with the other, both resting around Poe's neck. But now what was Poe supposed to do? Restart their dance? The music's volume has died down, and now they have been sitting in silence. Instead, He brought his face closer to the other, a simple decision at heart. It’s what he wanted to do too.
His cheeks heat up, he thought he had adapted to proximity, but guess not. He was so caught up in his own thought, Poe hadn’t noticed Ranpos red face, which he was evidently good at hiding.
Both turned their faces, ghosting each other. They were so close, way too close for comfort. His gaze turned down to Ranpo's lips. He always yearned to feel the softness, for the taste. He wanted Ranpo, all of him.
He wanted the pettiness after he won a competition, or the insults when he got embarrassed. He enjoyed the light in his eyes when he ranted about what he enjoyed, or the excitement when he bought a new snack. Poe wanted to be there for all of it, for all of the small habits. He wanted to ignite that excitement, the light in his eyes. He wanted to make him feel better after a bad class, after a test gone wrong.
He really, just really wanted Ranpo.
Ranpo moved an inch closer, lips inches apart, maintaining eye contact.
“You are at such a kissable distance. You know that?” Ranpo whispered, afraid to break the moment. Someone needed to talk, someone needed to break the silence.
“I do. I’m quite fine with that.” Poe's lips lingered over Ranpos. He was so tempted. So inclined to make that step, to lean into the embrace. But Ranpo had beaten him too, leaning impossibly closer.
Their-
“Ranpo Edogawa! Where have you been!” A loud voice rang out throughout the yard, utterly scaring Poe and Ranpo. It had completely shattered the moment, removing all traces of romantic interaction there once been there.
Poe's head snapped to meet the eyes of the male. A tall, silver-haired man had been approaching them. He had recognized him, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint the situation.
Oh. It was Fukuzawa. Ranpos dad.
He almost dropped Ranpo, straight into the rain.
He swiftly pulled Ranpo back up to his feet, and an awkward blush still lingered on both of their faces. They couldn’t make eye contact with each other.
They had been so close. Poe thought he’d never forgive him.
“Heyyyyy Fukuzawa! What’s up!” Ranpo pointed finger guns at the man.
“Ranpo! And, Is that Edgar Allan Poe? The one who had answered the phone and-“
“Yepthatsmeokayillbetakingmyleavenowgoodbye!!” He cut him off in a hurry, nobody needed to learn about that conversation. He spun on his heels, aiming for the street ahead of him. he wanted out of this situation as soon as possible.
“Wait!” Ranpo called out, running up to Poe, catching his hand.
He swiftly placed a peck on his cheek and ran over to his house.
“Goodbye!” He smiled, waving him off.
“Goodbye, Ranpo dear.”
He thought he would have fainted at that moment.
Not for the fact that the test was monday anyways.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
MONDAY, 6 AM
Poe frowned, the alarm clock ringing throughout this room. He had gotten a limited amount of sleep last night, reviewing for that stupid test.
He turned onto his side, slamming the clock, silencing it. Groaning into his pillow, he reluctantly opened his eyes, the light burning.
Running off of 3 hours of sleep and a black coffee wasn’t ideal, but he’d make it work today.
He gripped the phone, bringing it up to his face.
RanpoDearest:
goodmorning!! It’s test day hope ur hopes arnt too high!! ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧
Poe giggled lightly at the remark.
emoedgingeddie:
Quiet, I just had awakened, atleast let me have time to prepare myself for your antics.
RanpoDearest:
nope never!! see you at school
He threw his body off the bed, dragging himself to the bathroom, turning on the faucet.
God, he thought he looked atrocious. He quickly scrambled through his drawers, finding a brush, and a few hair ties. He continued to detangle his hair, which was proven to be a hard task.
After the 100-year-war-of-hair (It was 10 minutes), he had thrown it into a small ponytail, accompanied by a ribbon. He thought this was certainly the upgrade.
Poe found comfort in his morning routine, having time to himself, and pondering. Until his mind came up on a certain topic: Friday.
Ranpo had kissed him on a cheek, and they haven’t spoken about it since. The conversations that followed the occurrence were smooth-flowing, Ranpo immediately eliminating any awkwardness. Or, maybe Fukuzawa had told him what happened on the phone! What was going on? Did Ranpo forget about it? Or maybe Poe is hallucinating because of the lack of sleep?
He’d go with that option. Besides, he should be thinking about the test!
If Poe hadn’t been lying to himself, he’d admit how nervous he was.
This test was what had built Ranpo and his friendship. It was finally the day, and Poe was so not ready. All those hours of studying didn’t reassure him.
But, the worst outcome was, what if Ranpo stopped talking to him? What if he had decided that he was too “stupid” or “dumb” after the test? The only reason they had started talking was because of it, since it’ll be over, will they stop being friends? Stop being best friends?
That’s what worried Poe the most.
He had been standing in front of the running for a bit, until a notification had interrupted his thought process.
RanpoDearest:
stop overthinkingggg and get to school this is the only day I’ll be early !!!
Poe smiled at his phone and turned off the running water.
He could do this.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
After the mishaps his morning had brought him, Poe had finally made it to the gates of hell. School.
He wasn’t necessarily excited, but it felt nice to stop worrying about the upcoming test. That was the only perk, otherwise, he was scared shitless.
Poe really didn’t want to enter, but putting one foot in front of the other, he made himself.
Now expected by routine, an ecstatic Ranpo had come running up to greet the taller male.
“Hey!” Ranpo smiled, sprinting straight over.
“Hello there Ranpo.” He returned the energy, hoping he had been masking his worry. He hadn’t looked Ranpo in the eyes, nervousness overcoming him.
They made their way through the halls, with just under 20 minutes to spare. Both boys took their usual route, ending up at their designated classes.
Ranpo had usually dropped off Poe at his first period, which happened to be closer. The situation was an un-discussed arrangement.
“Bye Eds!! Don’t die before the test, kay!” Ranpo waved, running off.
“Why would-, Alright, goodbye Ranpo dear..”
Ranpo continued, making his way over to one of his closest friends, Yosano. She had been waiting for him, leaning against a locker near his first period.
Meanwhile, Poe took his leave. He saw Ranpo trotting off, and had noticed his sweater from behind, was it new? Either way, it didn’t matter.
She wore the normal school uniform, and her iconic bob, the only person in the shcool sho could pull it off.
“Is today that little test competition you're doing with your boyfriend?” She smirks, casually remarking.
“He’s not!- Yes, it is. I hope it doesn’t crush his spirit too much when I destroy him. I'd feel a bit bad.” Ranpo, catching himself before snapping, shrugged.
“Good luck on that, he looked so terribly nervous when I told him you were ‘sick’, I’m surprised he even trusted me.” Yosano giggled, she had instigated the interference on Friday, with no regrets.
“You were the one who said that! I swear to god, that man thought I was going to die! He even gave me his sweater.” Ranpo exaggerated, a now-known trait of his.
“Is that what's up with the new style you got going on?” She crossed her arms, waving a finger up and down.
Ranpo, now realizing that the sweater was a few sizes too big obviously wasn’t his, snapped his head away. But why did this make him flustered, it was just a sweater.
Would it be corny to say it made him feel like he was Poe?
“Be quiet! Shush! I just didn’t wash my other ones, that’s all.” He raised his hand to her mouth, silencing her.
“Uh huh…” Her taunting tone didn’t put Ranpo at ease.
“Don’t you have a first period to get to?” He groaned, turning the opposite way.
“Yep! See you after school! I’ll look for you.” Waving him off, she makes her way to her Medicine class.
Ugh, Ranpo was tired and the day only just started.
Well, only 3 more periods until the test.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Both boys entered Mr Dostoyevsky’s classroom.
“You ready?” Ranpo turned over, addressing Poe directly.
“How could I not be?” A million ways he could not, because he was going up against Ranpo fucking Edogawa.
They took their usual seats, both next to each other.
Their criminology teacher had begun to give his lecture, but both were not listening.
The test Poe had spent months preparing for was now occurring, and he was clenching that pencil.
All these months of friendship, talking, and quality time were up. It was the biggest assessment they’d have yet.
Either he would go out in glory, being able to be deemed the smartest, or take Ranpo out to some stupid cafe.
He refuses to acknowledge the latter.
He could do this.
But what if he couldn’t? What if he failed?
What if he lets Lucy down? Or Louisa? Or his parents. Or even Ranpo?
What if he ruins everything?
His hand was squeezed momentarily, by the shorter male accompanying him.
“You okay?” Ranpo whispered, being sure Mr Dostoyevsky wouldn’t hear them.
Poe nodded quickly, eyes glancing down at the desk, now with a test on it.
“You all have an hour, results will be published afterschool.” Their teacher informed them with his heavy accent, starting a timer.
“You shall start in, 3, 2, 1.”
Okay. Poe could do this.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
It was the last period. 3 minutes before the bell.
Poe's experience with the test wasn’t terrible.
In fact, he believed he did his best.
But the undying nerve that he failed himself and everyone else was devastating.
Ranpo had walked out of that door so confident, so modest. He was everything Poe wasn’t.
And for that, He hated him.
But he loved him, he loved him so, so much.
3 minutes until he found out the results, if everything he had worked for went down the drain. If he had to take a step back.
It was just some silly test, but to Poe, it was everything.
He steadied himself, taking a deep breath. Was he shaking? He swore he hadn’t been minutes ago, but the stress was too much. Too overwhelming.
Seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours. How long could this take? If Poe stood in that room any longer, he was afraid he’d be too out of it.
What was he gonna do if he failed? Never show his face again?
What were his parents gonna do? God, they’d get way too angry. They knew about the stupid bet, and its stupid consequences.
Why did he even accept? He could never beat Ranpo. He could never even imagine it.
But what if he did? What if everything was gonna be okay? That’s what fueled him to walk over to that classroom. To see his victory.
He sprinted, not stopping to pay mind to a single person.
Each corner he turned, each second he felt wasted.
His criminology class was fairly far, and Poe wasn’t quite the athlete. But boy, was he fast. Poor Lucy and Louisa had tried catching his attention, but none mattered at the moment, just the test.
He had practically broken down that door, with no regard for anyone else. He saw faces, Classmates, and Ranpo.
Ranpo. Smiling at the board.
Oh no.
Poe had pushed his way through, making his way to the front.
He spent a moment, investigating the paper. Titled “Test Scores”. He was way too scared to check, but he’d have to someday.
He brought his eyes up to the top, reading each name listed. He hadn’t been at the bottom, or the middle, therefore he must be at the top.
Neither was Ranpo, which didn’t put him at ease.
He made his way into the top ten, but had still not located his name.
Or Ranpo's name, again, didn’t help.
He made it to the top three, but an irrelevant name had been placed in third.
That meant him, or Ranpo were number one.
He glanced up, witnessing what he had been preparing for.
- Ranpo Edogawa
- Edgar Allan Poe.
How.
His eyes widened, breath quickening.
He had been beaten. By Ranpo Edogawa.
He took a deep inhale and exhaled.
It was going to be okay.
He hadn’t just ruined everything. everything he was working for. nothing went down the drain.
Except it did. Everything.
He had failed.
Now he has to admit defeat, take Ranpo to some dumb cafe. He really didn’t want to.
He wanted to win.
He could imagine Lucy, or Louisa coming and seeing these scores. They believed in Poe. And he let everyone down.
He stood in shock momentarily, time seemed to stop. He didn’t care if people were staring, or if anyone cared. He needed a minute.
He had no idea what to do now. His worst nightmare had come true.
Everyone would hate him. Everyone would tell him how stupid he was, how he couldn’t do a thing right.
Everyone would tell him that he, Edgar Allan Poe, couldn’t do-
“Edgar?” Ranpo tapped him on the shoulder, snapping him out of his own little world.
Poe registered the man behind him and calmed himself down. He may have lost to Ranpo, but he couldn’t let him see what he had been going through.
He couldn’t let Ranpo have another reason to look down on him.
He wanted to be seen as an equal, someone worthy of loving. The consequences weren’t bad, he’d just have to take Ranpo out, which was like clockwork now. But, the undying nerve that he wasn’t enough tugged at his heart.
“Hello Ranpo..” Poe stuttered out, avoiding eye contact.
“Edgar,” Ranpo said, a bit louder this time.
“Uhm, I have to go. You’ll get your reward tomorrow.” Poe struggled, “Con.. Congratulations.”
He darted for the door, going past anyone else in his path. He ignored Ranpos calls behind him. The hallways were infinite, and he ran down each one.
“Ed’s wait! Please!” Ranpo urged, scurrying behind him. How would he get him to stop? What could he do? He never wanted this to happen. He knew Poe would listen to him, so he decided they were talking, and nobody could stop them.
Ranpo suddenly had an idea, Janitor's closet.
Ranpo and Poe kept running, playing a game of chase.
He rounded the corner, almost making it to the exit. When a hand had grabbed his shoulder, and pushed him into the closet, the body came after him.
Poe lost his footing, gripping onto the closet wall. While Ranpo swiftly shut the door, not realizing it was probably locked. He didn’t care either way, they needed to talk.
Panting from all their exercise, they got themself situated.
Poe straightened himself up, now forced to admit how he felt.
Both boys looked around the tight space, it could fit them both, probably around 6 people at most.
“Oh,” Poe whispered, “Uhm, Yes? Ranpo Dea-“
“Quiet!” He asserted.
Ranpo slowly inched towards him, each step synchronized with Poe's step backwards.
Poe had made it to the wall, back up against it.
“Listen to me.” Ranpo places his hands on his hips, looking Poe up and down.
“Ranpo, there is no need to talk-“
“I said listen!”
Poe gave up, he had sealed his mouth shut.
“Okay! Good. Listen to me. This is just some stupid test, okay?” He exemplifies the stupid part.
But was it really?
“It doesn’t matter who beat who, or when where, or what. You are smart Edgar, very smart, so why in God's green earth are you so damn worked up!” A finger was stuck in Poe's face, Ranpo trying his very best to get the point through.
“So I don’t know why you’re so sad, and why you refuse to talk to me! It’s just a test. You are the most worthy opponent I could ever ask for, and an even better friend. So stop mopping!” His volume rose with each word.
Poe finally locked eyes with Ranpo. He had never seen Ranpo show so much emotion before, he sounded so angry, but with an undertone of care. Of love.
But he said friend, and that’s all they’ll ever be.
“You know, this is what I hate about you,” Poe winced at the word hate. “You always put yourself down when you can’t beat the unreasonably high standards you set for yourself! And let’s be honest, who could beat me? I just hate it so so so much! You’re always so oblivious to everyone’s true thoughts. Nobodies disappointed!”
He yelled out, face-to-face with Poe. A bit out of breath after his rant.
It had made Poe feel an ounce better, but he did still have that underlying sense that Ranpo would stop talking to him. That this is the end.
“Uhm… But Ranpo, are you sure you still want to be my acquaintance?-“
“Edgar Allan Poe! What reason would I have to stop being friends with you? Stop worrying yourself over such silly things. And yes, I know some of your other friends may have gone south out of the blue,” How did he know that? “And don’t question how I knew it! I’ve already told you you’re pretty obvious! And it’s just so irritating! Ofcourse i want to be your friend!”
He swiftly lifted his arms, grabbing hold of Poe's shoulder. He shook him with the intent to get his words through. Ranpo wasn’t very good at assuring people, but he sure was trying his best.
His eyes widen, a bit flustered by Ranpo's statements. Was he that obvious, if so, he would’ve figured out about the crush ages ago.
Maybe he had, and never brought it to light. But he’d be sure Ranpo would hate him then.
“I’m sorry,” Poe muttered, breaking eye contact, he threw his head down.
Ranpo took a breath, bringing a finger to his chin, lifting it up.
“Good. Never do that again? Okay?” He face planted into Poe's chest, voice cracking on the last word.
He suddenly pulled him into a tight embrace, Ranpo squeezing as hard as humanly possible.
“Ranpo, Dear, are you alright?” It was Poe's turn to ask the questions, he had never been like this.
“I’m alright, I just, I just thought you hated me.”
Hate? God no, he could never describe Ranpo with such a word anymore.
Poe giggled at the audacity, “How could I ever hate you?”
Ranpo broke their hug and caught his eyes.
“You promise?” He gently brought up his hand, pinky sticking out.
“Promise,” He interlocked pinkies, “It’s quite the opposite.”
Ranpo grinned, seeing Poe brighten up.
“I don’t think I could ever hate you, Eds.” Ranpo blinked and kept their pinkies in contact.
“I’m not so sure about that,” He teased, it was his turn to get back at Ranpo.
The conversation had made him feel better, a weight was lifted off his back. The pressure of being perfection, of being Ranpo.
Ranpo had been standing in front of him in proximity, and Poe had still been against the wall. He got the point across. He had no escape.
“How could I ever hate you?” He mimicked, his grin growing.
“Because I love you.”
Woah. That’s not what he meant to say.
Poe had whispered out the statement, praying to the spirits above that Ranpo hadn’t heard. Why did he say that? Did he want to ruin everything? Truth be told, he wasn't lying. But what if Ranpo didn’t like him back, what if all the emotions were just a lie? There was no possible way he could love him, no possibility.
Poe turned his head down, avoiding his glance, cheeks scarlet.
He could feel the reaction coming, the yells of rejection. He knew this was such a terrible choice, but if he kept it hidden for another moment, he wouldn’t get through.
The nights he spent, the hangouts, the calls, the journal entries, everyone dedicated to Ranpo.
The love letters he wrote, but never gave. The affection, all of it was there. And he knew he could never like him back, because who would?
Nonetheless, he still made that stupid decision. And he prayed, that Ranpo wouldn’t ignore him. Or hate him, or, or!
Before Poe knew it, his feet were moving, dashing towards the exit. He was unstable, shaking, he could’ve cried at that exact moment.
Also successful with his escape, Ranpo gripped his shirt and pinned him to the closest wall.
Ranpos face, hidden by his messy, black hair, the hair Poe loved so dearly.
Was he mad? Angry? Disappointed?
Poe's hands clenched onto his sides, too scared to look up.
“I told you how oblivious you are to other people's feelings.”
The word stopped spinning for a moment.
Ranpos face snapped up, challenging Poes red-color.
“I told you that I care! That you matter to me.
“Whatever nonsense you think I’d say, get it out of your head! Okay!”
His hands traveled, gripping the other man’s.
“So when I tell you that I love you, you better believe me!” He shouted, looking directly into his eyes. He was panting, his voice echoed, the silence broken.
Love? No possible way.
Poe stuttered, not sure what to say, eventually giving up, A shaking hand lifting,
“Promise..?”
“Promise.”
Ranpos interlocked their fingers, for the second time that day. He leaned in with the motion, challenging the closeness they had shared the day they touched, the day they danced.
This had taken a turn, Was Poe dreaming, or had Ranpo admitted that all those nights he spent stressing, he returned his feelings?
Ranpo's hands released, cupping Poe's face.
“I love you, Edgar Allan Poe.”
Could his face get any redder? He wasn’t sure if it was possible, but he was sure blush was overtaking him.
“I love you too-, more. Ranpo Edogawa.”
Poe smiled, a soft one. Not the fake ones he put on for others, no, the one reserved for Ranpo.
Poe leaned ridiculously closer, foreheads now in touch. Silence overtook the room, just for a second.
Love. The only name it had to it.
This could be the happiest day of his life, when it took a swerve. Yes, he lost to Ranpo. But who cares about that? He had gained Ranpo, gained him and Poes.
“Hey, Ed’s?” Ranpo whispered, scared to break the moment they had created. Normally, Ranpo had been some know-it-all, confident teen. But right now, he was a mess. He was nervous, and he had never felt this way before.
“Yes, my love?” Ranpo had been upgraded from my dear to my love.
“Can I kiss you?” He whispered.
“Please.”
There was a silence, and Poe could hear the gears turning in Ranpo's mind.
Hesitantly, Ranpo leaned, just an inch closer. He paused as his breath hitched. He’s doing this, he’s really doing this.
Both boys were terrified, scared of what they may have gotten themselves into too. But god, they loved it.
Cautiously, Poe's hands linger over Ranpo's hips. while Ranpo rested his arm around this neck. Poe's back to the wall, Ranpo and he, alone.
Poe closed the distance, an urge of confidence overtaking him.
Their lips finally met. The pair was stiff and so very unsure of what to do. But what they were sure of, was that they wouldn’t trade this for the world.
It was more than Poe could describe, more than the books described, more than the meaning of such a simple word meant. “Kiss” wasn’t doing this sensation justice. The word held no meaning compared to the real thing. To feeling hidden behind it, each touch exhilarating.
Ranpos lips were soft on his, and one touch made Poe melt into his embrace.
The kiss had marked the beginning of something new. It had taken their friends and destroyed it, for it was replaced with something much more meaningful.
Ranpos head tilted in the slightest, deepening the kiss. Poe could feel his composure slipping.
Hands had drifted into Poe's hair, pulling him closer, afraid to let go.
Quickly, but not unnoticed, Ranpo slides his tongue against Poe's lips. It was an invite, an invite to something so much more.
And who was Poe to reject?
He had parted his lips, letting Ranpo envelope all of him.
The kiss had evolved to something quick, fast-paced, there was a need behind each movement.
He had the taste of sweetness on his lips. Most likely from all of Ranpo's colorful lollipops. And he surely didn’t mind it.
Lips still connected, with no plan of releasing, Poe had lifted Ranpo. A moment of shock took him over. Yet he got straight back into rhythm.
Briskly, he switched their position with Ranpos back now facing the opposite wall.
Ranpos had wrapped his legs around the taller male. He had liked this side of Poe. The times when the fear of messing up hadn’t taken over his mind.
Hands on the bottoms of Ranpo's thighs, making sure he was supported, Poe took control of the situation.
Both males had forgotten the purpose of breathing, abruptly ending the embrace. Pants had released from each, catching all the air they had missed.
Poe had taken a few deep breaths, steadying himself.
He looked down at the position they had ended in and got just a tad embarrassed.
“Oh, uhm, I’m sorry if-“
Ranpo had cut him off with a quick peck to the lips. This one holds nearly as much emotion, with such a feathering touch.
“What’s there to be sorry for? If anything, I enjoy this side of you much more.” Ranpo smiled, he’d pay so much more money for that to recur.
Rapidly, Poe caught Ranpo's lips for the second time, this time with much more confidence, this time with so much more yearning.
Between the stolen moments, Poe's name had slipped off of Ranpos tongue. And he wasn’t one to oppose.
He had no plans of stopping, he would mess up Ranpo. Make sure the only thing he could think of was him.
This kiss was alike from the first one, he needed Ranpo, and no matter the number of kisses the sensation wouldn’t differ.
His hands progressed against his body, reaching the underside on Ranpos shirt. The grip on his hair tightens.
God, the thing he would do to this man-
Behind each action, the door creaked open, which had gone unnoticed. Ranpo's dearest friend, Yosano, had been looking for both of them.
She peeked in, Oh, this went better than I expected. She had thought to herself.
With ease, she sneaked out her phone and snapped a quick picture.
Now, she should probably get them because of the school closing, but this would be much better.
“So who confessed first?” She smirked. How much did she have to spend for the night?
Both boys shook, whipping their heads towards the woman. Faces, and lips are red.
“What? I’m just asking?”
Ranpo frowned, “Did you seriously just ruin my moment? Can’t you see I was enjoying it?” That statement made Poe feel proud.
“Oh don’t worry, I can clearly tell by the way you're pinned up against that wall, and my god, I saw the way you ate eachothers faces-“
“Okay, okay, enough!” Ranpo stared her down. “Go get your 50$ from the redhead and leave me and my boyfriend and me alone!” He rolled his eyes, shooing her away.
The use of the word boyfriend made Poe's heart flutter, they were finally official. No more fantasizing.
“Perfect! Thank you!” Yosano grinned and strutted out with more energy than she arrived with.
“My dear, what was that about?” Poe questioned.
“Nothing, just make me forget how to breathe again? okay?” Ranpo slipped his hands back into their original position.
“As you please, my love.”
God, He loved Ranpo Edgoawa. He loved him so much.
˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*: