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The sound of the alarm was what woke him up at seven in the morning. There was no time to waste, as his routine was perfectly calculated. So without further waiting, he sat on the edge of the bed, finding his slippers just where he left them the night before.
His first action was entering the kitchen. Without much thought, he led his body to the fridge to get the fresh juice his parents had prepared yesterday. Automatically, he began to look inside the nearest cupboard for a glass and a small plate and placed them both on the table.
Final but not least, he took some bread and after toasting it for a bit he placed it on the plate. Before sitting down to eat his breakfast, he took one single napkin from the bowl in front of him and moved it into his side.
His movements, although he was sleepy, were precise and firm. He ate his meal in silence, avoiding any unnecessary noise that would wake up his sleeping parents. He focused on the food, his mind still not fully awake to think about something else.
Ten minutes later, he was already leading himself to the bathroom next to his bedroom. Same order as always, the boy brushed his teeth, shaped his hair till it felt right and splashed some water on his face.
He looked good, he had to. Because he, Dekisugi Hidetoshi, had to be perfect everyday.
Since he entered high school, everyone had expected for him to be the ideal man. And he was, he worked hard to maintain the expectations that were placed on his shoulders.
Top student of his class, great with sports, popular among the girls. People were always kind to him, and every aspect of his life was praised. The guy was noticed and admired by everyone. In a way, it was rewarding having all this attention, like it was worth the stress was put on.
However, there was one person who seemed to hate him, and always made sure Dekisugi knew it. They were total opposites.
The boy wouldn’t have a problem with having someone who despised him. On the contrary, it made him feel human. After all, he wasn’t a god who could do anything, even though many people pictured him that way. It felt nice to not be called flawless.
Yet, he was hurting because of it. Every insult or remark from the guy stabbed through this heart like the sharpest blade. Because the only person he wanted to be admired from was him.
Every single time he accomplished something, he would search for the other’s eyes, seeking happiness for him. Instead, he would only get envious glances and angry comments. And each of them was able to hurt him in ways no one ever could.
He may have a perfect facade, but handling feelings had never been his strength. Nevertheless, he wasn’t afraid to admit it. Nobita Nobi was a special one.
And Dekisugi foolishly thought that if he continued being impressive, one day he would be able to impress Nobita. But it wasn’t the case, not nearly close. He was only pushing him closer to hatred, and he didn’t know how to show the other how much he admired him.
He could understand why Nobita would have resentment directed towards him. His perfect marks always were compared to the other’s low ones. His athletic abilities overshadowed Nobita’s attempts at being average. And he had always been praised by his looks.
Although Dekisugi thought Nobita wasn’t bad looking either.
Nobita wasn’t an ordinary guy. Even though no one noticed it, he was kind and gentle. Actually, Nobita was the first one to spoke with him during middle school, as not many people approached him back then.
He never gave up, even after failing many, many times. He kept trying. And Dekisugi knew that he had the greatest heart he had ever seen.
When he was younger, he had always been strangely drawn to him. Now that they entered highschool, he realised what his feelings were. He liked him.
And now the problem was he didn't know what to do with those feelings. Confessing didn't seem like an option, as the boy didn't even considered them friends. He first needed to make sure Nobita considered him someone likeable.
So, he continued doing the best he could, in hopes someday the opportunity to change the boy's perspective presented to himself. Maybe, if he could just spent some time alone with him…
Life always treated well those who are kind, right? He just had to wait.
And today, he woke up with confidence. Yes, he had confidence this day would bring something new to their relationship. Some advancement, any improvement would be welcomed. He would show Nobita how much of a good partner he can be.
He was nervously sitting in his usual desk, near the window. His fingers were fidgeting with the nearest pen he could find as he tried to mask his nervousness to the rest.
Class was starting in less than a minute, and Dekisugi had already perfectly displayed his utilities on the table. Everyone was already prepared for when the math's professor entered the room.
Everyone except for Nobita that's it. As usual, he was running late. What could have happened? He probably overslept, he often did that. Not that Dekisugi knew without questioning, it was definitely an assumption.
Definitely.
So, for the moment, the top class student kept drifting his eyes between the empty desk in front of him and the window with views to the entrance. And finally, finally, he caught glance of him, running inside the building. For someone who wasn't very athletic he was sure running fast.
And by pure luck, the clumsy boy was able to arrive just in time before the professor arrived. He observed him closely as he sat in front of him.
His black hair messy, indicating lack of brushing it. He had clearly put on the uniform in a hurry, as the shirt was protruding from below and the pants were wrinkled.
Why does he have to be this cute…
His mind returned to reality when the teacher demanded attention and began his class.
And between whispers, giggles and explanations, time passed fast. However, one thing lasted. Because last week they had a test, and now the teacher had to give them their results back.
Dekisugi wasn't worried. He knew he had done well. He wanted to be humble, but he probably was the top mark again. It wasn't ego, it was facts. Not that he was extremely excited about it.
He knew however Nobita had struggled doing the exam. Out of all the subject they had, this was easily the most difficult one. His suspicious were confirmed when the boy received the papers and his face was anything but happy.
Suddenly, a pair of well known troublemaker approached the boy.
"Another fail, huh?"
Suneo was able to take the exam from his hands and handed it to his companion Gian. They were both laughing at him, and Dekisugi wanted to do something. He couldn't stand watching how these pair of idiots laughed at the other.
And when he was about to act, already getting up from his seat, another sweet voice interrupted all their bickering.
"Don't be so mean guys, I'm sure Nobita did everything he could" Shizuka suddenly appeared. Arms on her waist and slightly angry face.
"Shizuka, you are too kind"
Nobita looked at her with puppy eyes. He thanked her kindness furiously. His face said it all honestly. He looked at her like she was perfected, like she meant the world to him.
Oh how he wished Nobita would look at him like that. How he desired for him to notice how incredible Dekisugi was. He wanted to show him he was kind too, he was worried about him too. Would he be able to spare a fraction of time to look at him that way?
"Nobi, Hidetoshi, stay a minute behind please". The teacher called them, getting the attention of the two people in question.
Dekisigu was relaxed. He knew he hadn't do anything wrong, but he was curious what they were calling them both for. Nobita on the other hand well, he could literally see the boy's hands sweating.
When the bell rang, everyone gathered their things and began to exit the room. Some were happy, some others not that much. But one by one, the my were leaving them behind.
Finally, he and Nobita were the last ones. Before approaching the teacher's desk, said boy dared to give a death glare to Dekisugi, who was slightly hurt by the interaction. I didn't even do anything to him…
"Nobi, I know you been trying to make an effort on improving you grades. And for that I'm proud" the older began, choosing his words carefully.
Nobita's shoulder relaxed, his nervousness leaving his body. He probably was glad the professor valued his attempt and being better. However, they were both waiting for the 'but' they knew it was going to come.
"But"
There it is.
"I've been thinking about how to help you, but I might need some extra hands for this" He then turned to Dekisugi.
"Would you be so kind to tutor him, Hidetoshi? I know it's a lot to ask. Especially since you don't have a lot of time. But I think it would benefit him"
Dekisugi was taken aback, and didn't know how to react. Me?! Tutor Nobita? God, this is a chance! I need to not seem too excited.
"Oh yeah of course. I'm happy to help"
And as he turned his head to watch Nobita's reaction, his face fell when he realised what the other thought. His eyes were down, avoiding eye contact, and his eyebrows were furrowed. He clearly wasn't pleased with the arrangement, and also knew he couldn't say no.
"Great, I think two times a week would be enough" the professor stated.
"Two times?! Isn't that a bit much?" Nobita suddenly expresses, not liking even a little the idea of being obligated to spend time outside school with mister perfect.
"Nobi, calm down. It would be good for you. And besides, maybe you find out you have somethings in common. You are both dismissed"
As soon as he heard those words, the smaller one stormed angrily out of the classroom, leaving a very concerned and sad Dekisugi on his spot.
I'm sure our next meeting will be better…
Between complaints and grunts, they have finally set the date for the first tutoring session. Well, more like Nobita stated his preferences and Dekisugi just complied. Not that he minded.
It was now Wednesday afternoon. School had already ended and he was at home. But he wasn't doing nothing. Nope, he was preparing himself for their study date. Because somewhere between their arguments he had offered his house for this and the other accepted. The poor boy was trying to make everything look perfect.
He had cleaned the already perfectly tided bedroom. He had also rearranged the table and chairs three times at least. The boy also spent fifteen minutes deciding what to where, wearing in the end some comfortable clothes to ease the stress. To say he was nervous was an understatement.
It was going the first time they hang out alone in a non school time. And in his house nonetheless. It was a great opportunity to create new bonds and to show him he wasn't the so called perfect man people tend to claim he is.
His thoughts were interrupted as the bell from the front door rang. Which only meant one thing. He is here.
Looking back one more time to ensure the room was well organised, he made his way downstairs, almost falling in the act. Come one, get it together.
Taking one last breath of all the air he could fill inside his lungs, he put on his best smile and opened the door to be found with judgemental eyes.
"Hello! You can come in. I already prepared what we need in my bedroom. Feel free to ask for anything"
Was he talking too much? Yeah, surely he was. He laughed nervously as hr scratched the back of his head. Then , he moved aside to let the other enter, realising he have been blocking the door for too long.
Nobita watched the other carefully, not understanding what was going on inside his head. He muttered a small "thanks" and entered the house.
Dekisugi showed him where he could place his shoes and change into a pair of slippers he had brought for him. Nothing weird, he just wanted his guest to be comfortable. Nobita accepted them and proceeded to change.
Once they were done, he led the other upstairs, stealing glances of the boy behind to check if he was still there. Finally, they reached the bedroom.
"As expected, your room is too clean"
It had been a whisper what came from Nobita's mouth, but he had heard it. Maybe he shouldn't have spent that much time cleaning it…
"Eh I tend to like order and neat spaces. Sorry if it's too much-"
"It's fine, it's just that my room is the total opposite" the boy commented, chuckling to himself.
"I could give you some tips if you want" Now, why did I say that…
"Sure"
I think that's the longest conversation we ever had.
"Well, you can sit there, I'll bring something to eat"
And as Nobita waited for Dekisugi to return, the later couldn't help but replay on his mind all the words they have interchanged.
"Okay so, you have to solve this equation in order to obtain the solution. It starts like this"
For the past hour they have been going through all the problems the professor had assigned. In the beginning, Nobita had been awfully distracted and had been unable to concentrate.
Although Dekisugi didn't give up, he tried and kept trying till he was able to make him at least listen to his explanations.
At some point, Nobita managed to follow the other's pace, and he could feel they were making some progress.
However, Dekisugi had spent the last ten minutes thinking about how to propose a break. A moment to relax where they could talk like they were friends. It would be a good opportunity.
Fortunately, he didn't had to gain the courage, as the smaller boy, already exhausted, had decided to ask for one himself.
"Could we stop for a few minutes? I think my mind is going to explode if I have to do another equation" he said, hesitantly. He probably thought the other wasn't going to agree. If only he knew.
"Yeah yeah, I actually was going to bring it up myself" he answered rapidly, maybe a bit too fast and eager.
"Great"
Then, an awkward silence filled the room. The taller was going through all his knowledge on how to initiate a social conversation. Must he sound casual? Curious?
Should he talk about the weather? Nope, that's too cliché. Maybe he could ask how studies were going. On another note, the boy would most likely get angry. He should just-
"So, do you spent all day studying or do you have any hobbies?"
Is Nobita…starting a conversation…with me?!
"Oh yeah, I pretty much study all day" he shrugged, too taken aback to properly think. Nobita, on the other hand, was clearly surprised by his response.
"Really? I thought you would be doing cool stuff. Or go out with friends more"
"Not really" Don't say it, don't say it, please don't say it. "I actually don't have that many friends. Not the ones one would hang out with to be honest"
Dekisugi was mentally slapping his face. Why did he have to sound so vulnerable in front of him?
He didn't really mind, not having friends. It was obvious how people only approached him for favours or things he could provide. His life had revolved in being useful to the rest, and he had gotten used to it. He didn't even try to form real bonds anymore, it was no use.
The other boy surely thought it was crazy. How could the most popular kid, the one who apparently has it all, have nothing at all? How he longed for real connections. He craved for real relationship, although not just with anyone.
Because Nobita had never really used him like the others did. Sure he had asked him a couple of things here and there, but he never actively used him, praised him and talked to him with superficial motives. Getting hated by him hurt, but at least it was something real.
"That's…surprising. I thought being popular just guaranteed you a bunch of friends"
"Well, not always I guess. People just tend to come to me for something, nothing more"
And Nobita looked at him weirdly, as if he was inspecting every move and expression his face said. And for a moment, he looked sad and lost in thoughts.
A pause.
Silence.
And then.
"I know you probably think I hate you…but I actually think you are super cool. Like, you always have an answer for everything and you are incredible on sports"
Dekisugi was now blushing, not to noticeable but the light pink blush could be seen. He was too stunned to speak.
"Look, I'm sorry. I was just jealous. Because you are everything I want to be"
"You…you glaze me too much. I'm not even that impressive" He didn't even know how he managed to respond, still trying to hide his blush.
"Nono, you are incredible. Literally the best tutor I've ever had. And if you let me, we could …be friends…for real"
No, this isn't happening. Is he seriously asking me to be his friends? For real? This is definitely the best day ever.
"Of course! I mean, if you want" great job hiding your excitement, Dekisugi. Great job.
"Cool. Should we get back to math?" Nobita offered with a small smile that shined just as bright as the sun.
"Sure!"
Right now they were back to the porch. It was late afternoon and after their conversation, they called back into the studying. Although this time, they would occasionally bring up casual questions about themselves, lightening the mood.
Instead of just studying, they were bonding. Chuckles every now and then, weird questions that weren't uncomfortable to ask. They finally seemed like two friends who were having fun. And Dekisugi would remember each small moment.
"So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. This was surprisingly fun. Bye"
"Bye!"
With one last gesture, they waved to each other goodbye. The taller observed as the other exited his house, still too stunned about all that had happened.
He had been the luckiest man in the world. How could he not be happy when the one he liked had asked to be friends?
He was so happy, he just couldn't stop smiling.
Best day ever for sure!