Work Text:
Mugman has always been the A+ student in the entire school. It was rare for any other student to get a grade as high as his. Well, in this case, “was” really became a thing of the past... Because now there was a second A+ student, Boris.
At first, Mug wasn't paying much attention to this new student, he was just another one of the bunch, after all! But when rumors started that this wolf was extremely good without even trying very hard... Concerns began to fill Mug's mind.
He needed concrete proof of this in front of him. Maybe asking Boris to study with him would be a good chance to analyze how smart he really is? It was a great idea! And of course, that's what Mugman did.
Dodging his own brother during the break, Mug went in search of where the wolf was in the meantime. It didn't take him long to find him in a more isolated corner, eating some random candy while staring into space, looking somewhat pensive and bored—the best moment for Mugman to approach!
“Hey. You're Boris, right?”
He didn't even think about being polite when he arrived, knowing that it might take the wolf by surprise, and that's what happened. Even after the question, Boris stared at Mugman, looked around a little confused before answering.
“...Yes? Is there a problem?”
“No. I wanted to ask you to study after class. At the library, if you're not busy.”
For Mugman, that invitation was perfectly normal, especially for someone he had just met and who hadn't even told him his name... That's right! He didn't even say who he was! Well, never mind that for now.
Boris seemed thoughtful about the invitation, scratching the back of his neck, clearly nervous.
“Okay? I... I'll be there, yes.”
“Great. See you later.”
He didn't even wait for Boris's response, immediately leaving, feeling victorious for having gotten what he wanted... Now all that was left was to see his plan in action!
Hours later... Finally, the bell rang for the end of classes.
Instead of going home, Mugman stayed at school. In his head, he rethought the plan he had to put into action as he walked hurriedly to the library. It didn't take him long to get there, and it was reasonably empty. As it was a quieter week without many tests, it was normal for it to be less crowded.
Scanning the room, Mug found a table that was a little further away but cozy. It was the perfect place so that no one would disturb them while they studied. Before going to the table, he grabbed a few books from the shelves and placed them on the table, along with his backpack. Now all he had to do was wait...
He didn't have to wait long, as he could already see the wolf at the library entrance looking for him. Mug just raised his arm slightly to get his attention, and he immediately found him and approached where he was.
“Sorry if I'm late... I had to find someone to replace me in the drama club...”
“Don't worry about it. I just got here, so it didn't take long.”
Boris hung his backpack on a chair next to Mugman and sat down on it right away. His body language still seemed very nervous and even slightly uncomfortable. After all, he had just met the guy.
“...Before anything else, uh... What's your name?”
“Mugman. Nice to meet you.”
Mug extended his hand to greet him. He was met by a paw holding his hand. Warm and comfortable. Just what you'd expect from a wolf like him.
“...Boris, nice to meet you too.”
And so, they began their studies.
At first, Boris hadn't fully loosened up yet, giving short answers without much effort. But after a while, the more difficult the questions became, the more interested the wolf seemed to get. Long discussions about certain questions that genuinely made both of them curious about how one or the other had arrived at such an answer, laughter when they realized that both were wrong, frustration at getting something obvious wrong...
It didn't even seem like those two had met today.
It was there, at that moment, that a question genuinely surprised Boris. Even though Mugman repeated it, the wolf didn't seem to understand exactly what it meant. He looked at the book from a distance from him and Mug and still didn't seem to understand.
“Wait a minute...”
Out of nowhere, Boris got up from his chair and went behind where Mugman was sitting. His face was above one of Mugman's shoulders, his arms passing under Mugman's to hold the book together. A simple and innocent action, all to understand what was in that book...
Even though it seemed innocent, Mug was boiling inside. The sudden approach, the wolf's face so close to his, their hands close together holding the same book... His chest was racing just because of that. He couldn't even concentrate properly on what Boris was trying to explain to him.
He was supposed to be understanding, he had no excuse for not listening to him when the guy was almost glued to his face. And even if he tried to focus on what was in the book, he was immediately distracted by the soft fur of the wolf's face rubbing against his cheek.
And when he finally seemed to concentrate, to stay focused on what was in front of him... He felt his shoulder grow heavy, and a furry face press against his own.
“Is it normal for your cup to be this hot? It looks like you're bubbling...”
Mugman almost stuttered when he was about to answer him, but he managed to maintain his composure, feigning a cough and keeping his expression serious, even though the heat in his face remained.
“...Yes. It's very normal.”
“Hm...”
The mug's breath almost stopped when the arms that had been holding the book close to him now wrapped around him, hugging him. Mug hates to admit that he loved it, it was warm and comfortable. He was comfortable.
“Eh... Sorry if this is weird... I'm just kind of tired and... Well, your warmth made me sleepier...”
The innocence in that sentence hit Mugman right in the chest. His stomach felt like thousands of caterpillars had undergone metamorphosis and only now turned into butterflies. It had been a while since he had felt this way; the last time he had similar feelings was when he had a two-week crush on a girl.
He still didn't know how to respond to the wolf, it was impossible to hide how nervous he was getting, but he continued to maintain his composure. Something very difficult in the situation he found himself in.
“R-relax. You can... stay like that. If you want, I'll... Stay here and you rest.”
His statement made Boris snuggle closer into the embrace, sighing heavily and closing his eyes. Now Mug no longer needed to pretend to be serious. But surely he still could hear his heart going fast...
“Thanks, Mugman...”
...
That was the first time in a long time that Mugman got only an A on a test, the same grade as Boris.
And, ironically, he didn't feel bad about it.