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Idia’s mission should have been simple enough.
Get to Mr Sam’s store, grab all the supplies (read: snacks and sweets) needed for tonight’s gaming session, and book it before anyone tries to approach him. Social interactions in real life get a big fat NOPE from him, and he’d like to avoid any and all paths that lead to just that, thank you very much.
He’s completed this side quest countless times before— and without any incidents at that. So surely this time must be no different, right?
Wrong.
Because, while on his merry way to Sam’s store, Idia is suddenly struck by the realisation that Silver is probably in the middle of a club meeting right about now.
A second later, he also realises that he’s never actually seen Silver in action before.
That thought causes him to promptly skid to a stop. And that proceeds to almost make him fall flat on his face from how sudden he stopped.
He winces.
Has he seriously never witnessed Silver during training? Not even one quick visit to the Equestrian Club to show him support or something? Really!?
Silver always seems so proud of his progress at horseback riding too, something akin to hope flickering in his aurora eyes whenever he tells Idia about how club training sessions went for the day. Even despite that, not once has Idia even considered stopping by the stables to watch him practice!?
Oh Sevens, Idia Shroud is going down in history as the Worst Boyfriend Ever.
Idia deflates, for a fraction of a second.
He then vigorously shakes his head. Nope, this is not the time to be moping! Not when he’s in public, where literally anyone can see him sulking like a complete loser! (Not that he isn’t one, but still!) Get a grip, Shroud!
Okay, positive affirmations. You got this, Idia. Just like what Ortho taught you to do when you’re facing a midlife crisis. Idia takes a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself down.
He will not be going down in history as the World’s Worst Boyfriend Ever. In fact, he’ll be the best boyfriend ever by heading to the stables right now to watch Silver practice and support him. He’ll also be making Ortho happy by staying outside for more than fifteen minutes. And he won’t let himself be the subject of Azul’s teasing during the next Board Game Club meeting. (Nope. Never again.)
See— everything’s fine, dude. You’re fine. Silver-shi’s fine. Ortho’s fine. Hopefully, Azul-shi will embarrass himself in front of Jamil-shi, and I’ll get to make fun of him instead. Idia sighs softly, shoulders sagging in relief.
And in typical Idia fashion, not even a moment passes before he proceeds to panic again.
Why? Because how can he show up to watch Silver practice when he looks like a complete mess!? His hair is all over the place (when is it not?), his jacket is completely wrinkled (like it always is), and— wait. He’s been wearing the exact same jacket for the past five days… maybe even longer.
…Oh Sevens. What if he absolutely stinks!?
Idia lets out a noise that can only be described as both a groan and a whine.
Look, he knows that he always looks like a mess — which has led to him getting lectured by Vil Schoenheit on more than one occasion — but this is Silver Vanrouge he’s visiting! His boyfriend! The most gorgeous man to ever exist! He has to at least try to look a little presentable!
He quickly threads his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame the wild flames to the best of his ability, then smoothens his jacket to get rid of as many wrinkles as he can.
Once he’s done and deems himself looking somewhat decent, Idia nods to himself in quiet satisfaction. Good, that’s a good first step to completing this side quest. All he has to do now is head over to the stables, say hi to Silver and watch him practice for a bit, then return to the main-side quest of going on that supply run to Mr Sam’s store. He’ll be back in his room in no time.
Yep, he’s got this. One hundred percent.
Grinning momentarily to himself, Idia then promptly makes his way over to the stables, while avoiding any social interactions of course. (He nearly shits himself when he sees Cater Diamond of the extroverted Pop Music Club with that weirdo Trey Clover headed his way. Luckily, he ducks behind a nearby bush just in time before either of them spot him.)
At last, Idia breathes a sigh of relief once he’s finally arrived at the checkpoint (the stables.) Somehow, by some miracle, he’s managed to make it here completely unscathed (read: without having to talk to anyone.) He mentally counts that as a W in his book.
Now, to find Silver…
Frantically looking left and right to check if anyone is nearby (no one is, thank the Seven), Idia tiptoes his way over to the fence separating him and the training grounds for the Equestrian Club. He carefully positions himself behind a wall and peeks around the corner, eyes squinted and on the lookout for the familiar silver-haired man.
And lo and behold, there Silver is— gallantly riding his horse around the training area, clad in the Equestrian Club uniform… that has absolutely NO right to look that good on him!!
Sure, Silver naturally looks really handsome all the time, but somehow his club attire totally enhances his already-charming looks tenfold! Eighty-fold, even!
Seriously, what kind of secret, hidden buff does the Equestrian Club uniform give to make Silver look so much more divine!? He looks absolutely gorgeous, beautiful, dazzling, breathtaking, alluring, astounding, amazing, beautiful— wait, did he say that already? (Ugh, whatever! Not the point, dude!)
His hair, tied back into a small ponytail that makes him look so noble-like? Stunning.
The fit he’s got going on, doing nothing to conceal his prominent muscles built up from years of training? Perfection.
Everything about him? A twelve out of ten.
There just aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the beauty that is Silver Vanrouge. Idia might just have to fill in a new one for that.
Slowly, his eyes wander over to the dark leather belt wrapped tightly around Silver’s muscular thigh. And like the absolute traitor that it is, his mind distantly starts to wander off on its own.
Oh, what he’d give to slide his fingers under that leather belt as he runs his hands up Silver’s thigh, drinking in the sight of him shivering in pleasure, and—
NOPE. Not going down that train of thought any further. Stop it right now, Idia Shroud! You can NOT be having these thoughts when the man you’re fantasizing about is literally RIGHT there!
Idia vigorously shakes his head.
Then he looks back up at Silver to continue admiring his— well. Everything, really.
No, because how is this Prince Charming who looks like he came straight out of a fairytale real!?
(And how is it that Idia of all people is dating said Prince Charming!? That’s right, him! The complete shut-in, introverted loser that he is! He must have been a hero and saved the world or something in his past life to be this lucky!)
“Is this man a walking SSR card!?” he whisper-shouts to no one but himself.
Or so he thinks.
“Idia Shroud-senpai.”
The man in question lets out an ungodly screech.
“NOPE, NOPE! I WASN’T STARING AT SILVER-SHI LIKE SOME CREEP! NUH-UH, DEFINITELY NOT!!”
He whirls around to face none other than Taskmaster Riddle Rosehearts, before promptly screaming again.
Riddle fixes him with a look of mild annoyance— and a hint of skepticism.
He then takes a deep breath, his expression turning neutral, before clearing his throat. “...As I was saying. Good afternoon, Idia-senpai,” he says with a small nod.
Idia can only stare at him with wide eyes. (In his defence, Riddle literally just came out of nowhere. Like, where did he come from!? Shouldn’t he be training too!?)
“Uh, y-yeah. G-G-Good afternoon, Riddle-shi…” he mumbles, fidgeting with the sleeves of his jacket.
Riddle crosses his arms, humming, “It’s quite a surprise to see you outside for once— and here of all places, no less.” He raises a brow. “Might I ask what you’re doing here?”
Idia internally panics.
“Er— S-So uhhh, I-I just wanted to… uhm…” He ends the sentence by coughing awkwardly.
…There is absolutely no way he’s telling the Demon Instructor about how he’s been ogling his clubmate! Nuh-uh, not a chance! He’d really like to keep his head, thanks!
While he’s in the middle of dealing with a midlife crisis (positive affirmations, Idia!), without warning, two hands suddenly grab his shoulders from behind.
Idia freezes, a chill creeping up his spine as a cold breath carasses his earlobe.
And then, a smooth voice whispers into his ear, “Firefly Squid~”
Idia shrieks.
He jumps nearly a full meter into the air at the same time, away from a cackling Floyd Leech.
“Oh man, I got ya real good, Firefly Squid!” Floyd laughs, clearly unapologetic about the fact that he almost sent Idia into cardiac arrest. Probably a stroke too.
Riddle frowns exasperatedly at him. “Floyd, behave yourself.”
Floyd ignores him. Instead, his gaze drifts over to Idia, mismatched eyes locked onto him.
Looking at him like a predator with his prey.
A singular bead of sweat trickles down Idia’s forehead.
He gulps.
“Saw ya droolin’ all over Jellyfishie,” Floyd drawls. A lazy grin makes its way onto his face, displaying his razor-sharp teeth. “You aren’t bein’ very discreet, y’know? Ya looked like you wanted to eat poor Jellyfishie whole— in more ways than one, ehe~”
“M-M-More ways than one!?” Idia squeaks.
Riddle sighs, “Floyd, stop teasing him.”
“Ain’t my fault he’s fun to make fun of,” Floyd cheerfully chimes back.
All of a sudden, he leans closer to Idia, who shrinks back instinctively.
Floyd raises his brows, a menacing smile creeping onto his face.
“Bet ya wanna be that horse sooo bad, don’t cha?”
Idia shrieks. “NO I DON’T!”
Riddle huffs at Floyd’s comment, despite the faint amusement in his eyes. “Well, you did look quite engrossed by the sight of Silver,” he turns to Idia while saying this.
“I WAS NOT!” Idia snaps.
Floyd merely laughs at that before carelessly slinging an arm around Idia’s shoulder.
And despite Idia’s yelps of protest (and the beseeching look he shoots at Riddle— Riddle only raises a brow at him and follows them. Damn you, Taskmaster Riddle!), he’s still forcefully dragged to the fence separating them and the Equestrian Club training grounds. Completely without his consent, by the way! Seriously, what happened to free will!? And in this economy too—
“Nee, Jellyfishie!” Floyd suddenly calls out, startling Idia and jolting him back to reality.
Instinctively, Idia follows Floyd’s line of sight… and accidentally makes eye contact with Silver.
Time seems to blur in between the lines of eternity at this exact moment.
Idia’s breath snags in his throat.
Meanwhile, Silver’s lips part in surprise for a split second.
Then he smiles oh-so gently at him, those beautiful aurora eyes of his crinkling at the corners as he offers a small wave from atop his horse.
Something warm stirs in Idia’s chest. The corners of his lips twitch upwards into a small smile, and—
Hold on.
Wait a second.
Oh.
OH NO.
Why is Silver dismounting from his horse!? And WHY IS HE HEADED RIGHT HIS WAY!?
For a fraction of a second, Idia’s brain short-circuits.
Then, he panics.
NOPE. This is NOT how this side quest was meant to go! All he wanted was to say hi to Silver before going back to that supply run! This is definitely NOT going according to plan!
If Silver so much as comes close to him, looking so charming and handsome, Idia might just die right on the spot! (Yes, he’s very serious about this.)
RUN IDIA RUN, his brain desperately shrieks at him.
Well, he’d love to do just that, if it isn’t for a certain Floyd Leech holding him firmly in place! (And also because the sight of Silver is making him weak in the knees, and he might just fall flat onto his face if he tries to make an escape. He’d rather not embarrass himself in front of his boyfriend too!)
And as Silver draws nearer to them, Idia has already resolved himself to his inevitable fate.
Idia Shroud is going to die on this very day.
Cause of death? Silver Vanrouge in the Equestrian Club uniform.
A muffled whimper escapes his throat as he offers up a quick prayer to the Seven to please let him live past this interaction.
He’s not ready to die yet! He still has so many games he needs to grind, so much manga he hasn’t read yet, not to mention the fact that he hasn’t bought the newest Premo merch that’s supposed to drop in two hours, and—
“Hello Idia-senpai.”
Nevermind. Not even the Great Seven can save him now.
Idia turns around, and his jaw immediately goes slack at the sight of the divine beauty that is Silver standing right in front of him.
Oh Sevens, he is beyond cooked.
It’s all he can do to muster up a quiet and shaky, “H-Hey…”
Silver doesn’t notice anything amiss. He simply smiles faintly at him, before nodding at Riddle.
“Riddle,” he greets.
Riddle nods in return, a hint of a smile on his face. “Good afternoon, Silver.”
Then Silver turns to Floyd, giving him a curious look. “Oh, Floyd. You called my name earlier, right? Did you need something?”
“‘Sup, Jellyfishie.” Floyd grins, easygoing.
A second later, that smile is replaced with a frown. “Eh, maybe I did. Orrr maybe I didn’t. I don’t know. Can’t bother to remember.”
“Oh, I see.” Silver nods in understanding, patient and understanding as ever. “Well, you can always come to me if you end up remembering. I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll do my best to help you.”
Floyd suddenly releases his grip on Idia, as if he’s been burnt (which Idia silently thanks the Seven for.) He shrugs. “Eh, I guess. Meh, whatever— I’m bored now,” he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.
He then approaches Riddle and wraps an arm around him, before sauntering off with the redhead in tow.
“Bye-bye, Jellyfishie~ Firefly Squid~” he calls out, glancing briefly over his shoulder and giving them a half-hearted wave while ignoring Riddle’s indignant shouts.
Hah, that’s instant karma for you, Taskmaster! Take that, Riddle-shi! Idia grins victoriously to himself as he watches Floyd and Riddle disappear into the stables, with Riddle still desperately trying to free himself from Floyd’s grasp.
“Idia-senpai?”
Oh. Oh no. Idia completely forgot about the final hidden boss.
He turns to Silver, who softly smiles at him, eyes focused on him and him alone.
Physically, Idia’s heart stutters. Because how is this gorgeous man looking at him as if he’s his entire universe?
Mentally, Idia knows he’s doomed.
Yep, that settles it. He isn’t making it out of this alive.
“U-Uh, h-h-hey Silver-shi,” he stammers.
Silver’s smile widens an inch. “I didn’t expect to see you here today,” he says earnestly.
“Y-yeah. Uhm. Y’know, you always talk ‘bout your Equestrian Club training sessions and how you’re proud of your progress. S-So I thought I’d just, uh, pay you a visit. Show support, or s-something,” Idia mumbles, voice barely audible.
Silver seems to catch what he said anyway. His eyes widen momentarily. “Oh, I see. Well, what did you think?”
Idia squeaks, “W-What do you mean?”
“I mean, if I rode well.”
Oh, you have NO IDEA, a part of Idia’s brain supplies unhelpfully.
Idia ignores said part of his brain. “Uh. I-I mean, I’m not a pro at horseback riding or anything, b-but you look good— I MEAN, your, uhm, form. And p-posture. Looked good. Yeah.” He clears his throat loudly.
Luckily, Silver either doesn’t notice his slip-up or chooses not to mention it. He beams proudly, which does something funny to Idia’s weak heart.
“Mhm, I see. Thank you, Idia-senpai,” he replies. “I’m glad that you stopped by to watch me train, even though you don’t enjoy going outside much. I really appreciate it, truly.”
There he goes again, making full use of those maxed-out charisma stats and saying those prince-like voice lines like it’s nothing…
Idia coughs. “I-It’s nothing, seriously. Y’know, was just going on a supply run and remembered you were at your club meeting, s-so I decided to check you ou— SEE YOU IN ACTION.” He coughs again to hide his blunder. “Y-Y-Yeah. That’s all. Just to see you practice. Nothing else to it. Yeah.”
He then dissolves into a coughing fit from the amount of times he’s forced himself to cough.
Silver’s brows knit together, mild concern evident in his eyes. “...Idia-senpai? Are you alright? You seem quite flustered, and your hair has turned pink too—”
“YEP YEP, I’M FINE! TOTALLY! NOTHING’S WRONG, DUDE! EVERYTHING’S FINE! I’M NOT FLUSTERED, YOU’RE FLUSTERED!” Idia screams, out of pure panic.
Somehow, this only makes Silver look more worried— and baffled. “Well, I’m… glad?”
Sevens, he probably thinks I’ve lost it! Way to go, idiot!
Idia mentally kicks himself.
Silver frowns. “Uhm… Are you really… alright…?”
“Yeah! I’m fine, fine! Just peachy!” Idia cringes at his own words. “I-I mean, I’m alright, s-so don’t worry, lawl.”
Tch. Can you stop fumbling for once in your pathetic life, Radish Sprout? a voice that suspiciously sounds like Leona’s drawls in his head.
Idia hisses back, “I’m trying!”
“What was that?” Silver asks.
“NOTHING!” Idia shrieks.
He then forces himself to take a deep breath as he recites more positive affirmations in his head. Dude, calm down. You’ll be fine. He’s your boyfriend for Seven’s sake— he won’t judge you. He won’t mind… maybe.
He winces at that last bit. He doesn’t like those odds!
…Or actually, y’know what?
Screw it.
“S-Sorry, Silver-shi,” he mumbles, avoiding eye contact with the silver-haired man. “I, uhm. Y’know. Your…” He makes vague hand gestures. “Uh. That whole f-fit you got going on.”
“Fit?” Silver echoes, raising a brow.
Idia shakes his head. “Outfit,” he corrects himself. “Sorry.”
Silver nods slowly as he crosses his arms. “Oh, I understand. What about my outfit?”
…Dude, you’ve got to be kidding me.
How can he be so painfully oblivious about how good he looks!?
Idia desperately grasps for the right words, before he hesitantly continues, “...You look r-really good in that fit. Like, a total Prince Charming out of a fairytale— that kinda vibe. D-Don’t get me wrong, you always look really charming and handsome, but your club uniform just enhances your looks even more, like a super OP buff, y’know?”
Silver opens his mouth to speak, but Idia quickly carries on, his words starting to jumble together from how fast he’s rambling. “And, uh, you look really gorgeous, not that you don’t usually do, but like, you look extra gorgeous and pretty and charming in this fit, and it makes you look so much brighter and shinier which makes my eyes hurt — but in a good way! — and your muscles really stand out a lot when you’re wearing this, and they’re super defined, especially your thigh muscles, and it’s super hot, you’re super hot, like you could strangle me to death right now and I’d say thank you and HOLY SHIT I NEED TO SHUT UP RIGHT NOW I AM SO SORRY SILVER-SHI I’M A TOTAL CREEP AND I’LL LEAVE NOW!”
Idia spins on his heel, fully prepared to make a swift escape before he further embarrasses himself.
Or at least, until Silver calls out from behind, “Idia-senpai.”
For some reason, Idia chooses to come to a stop at that.
Slowly, he turns around to face Silver, who’s looking at him curiously.
“You think… I look good?” he asks.
Idia gulps. “U-Uh, yeah? I mean, look at yourself! You’re, like, super handsome! And—” He cuts himself off before he can start rambling like a complete loser all over again. “—Nevermind! Y-You get what I mean, right!?”
Silver nods. “...Ah, I see,” he whispers, eyes darting away from Idia. “...Thank you.”
He then presses his lips together, face reddening.
The rare sight of Silver being genuinely flustered sends Idia’s heart aflutter, and he feels his own face burn up as he averts his eyes.
“...Y-Yeah. No problem. Uhm… yeah,” he mutters softly.
They stand there in an awkward silence for a long moment.
Then another, before Idia decides to make the first move and say something first. (Go, Idia Shroud! Time to stop fumbling and be the man for once!)
He clears his throat. “U-Uh, so—”
“SILVER!!”
Idia promptly shrieks at that, and instantly forgets what he was about to say.
So much for making the first move…
(The voice in his head that sounds like Leona barks out a laugh.)
Meanwhile, Silver wears an exasperated expression as he turns to Sebek. “I can hear you just fine, Sebek. You don’t need to raise your voice.”
From where he’s sitting atop his horse, Sebek huffs in obvious annoyance.
“What do you think you’re doing out there, Silver!?” he shouts. “Return to training at once! You can slack off and do—” He gives the stink eye to Idia. “—whatever it is you two were doing once club is over! Need I remind you why club training sessions are so important again!?”
Silver releases a long sigh. “...No, you don’t. I’ll be there in a few.”
Sebek clicks his tongue. “Hmph, you better!”
Shooting one last death glare at Idia (Geez, he gets the message dude!) Sebek guides his horse away, leaving the two of them alone.
Idia turns back to Silver, who sighs again and frowns apologetically at him.
“Sorry about him. Sebek can be…a bit much at times.” He bows his head slightly. “I’m afraid I have to go now. I apologise.”
Idia shakes his head. “Nah, it’s all good. Ortho’s probably wondering why I’m taking so long anyway, so I GTG too.” He gives Silver a small smile. “See you later, I guess. Bye, Silver-shi.”
He’s only just started to walk away when he hears Silver call out, “Idia-senpai, wait!”
Idia pauses midstep, about to ask what he needs, when a cool pair of lips captures his own in a soft kiss.
His eyes widen as his breath hitches, face rapidly burning up.
He must be dreaming, because there is no way Silver Vanrouge of all people is kissing him right now!
(Yes, he knows Silver’s his boyfriend, but still!)
The kiss lasts for about two seconds before Silver pulls away, cheeks flushed pink.
“...Goodbye, Idia-senpai. I’ll see you tonight,” he murmurs with a fond smile. Then, he turns around and walks back to the stables.
Idia can only stare after him, mouth wide open and eyes practically bulging out of their eye sockets.
Slowly, he recovers from his previous state and shakes his head.
…Sevens, Silver Vanrouge will be the death of him one day.
(And maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t mind that.)