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When it first happens, they're in Mr. Smith’s office.
“Please, sir, we were just one hour late to the deadline!” Jean pleads for the third time in the last five minutes.
Mr. Smith shakes his head, his forehead wrinkling with disapproval. “Jean, I gave you ample time to prepare. You had a whole week to hand it in.”
“But!” Eren jumps from beside Jean, a disgruntled look on his face as he steps closer to their teacher's desk. “Can't you accept it from me at least? It was Jean's fault we're late.”
A loud scoff leaves Jean. What ridiculous bullshit! It was Eren who changed the folder’s theme a day before their due date, and Jean had to scramble to fix everything with the little time he had.
“It was not my fault!” He grumbles, glaring down at the shorter teen. “You were the one who kept changing his opinion!”
Eren gives him a displeased glance from the corner of his eyes. “We’d have been done if you had a proper grasp on the subject. But you're an idiot.”
“What did you just say?” Jean turns to him with a dangerous scowl. He doesn't even care if they're in their teacher’s office, he will beat the living daylights out of Eren if he tries to disrespect him again.
“That’s now how you resolve conflict.” Mr. Smith warns, but the two in front of him pay no heed to his words.
“What?” Eren crosses his arms and turns to face Jean. “Are you gonna hit me?” He challenges.
Jean narrows his eyes, taking another step closer until his chest bumps into Eren's arms.
“No!” Mr. Smith suddenly raises his voice, slamming a hand on the desk that gets the two to startle and turn to him. A disappointed sigh leaves the older man. “Violence is never the answer. Do you realize how much trouble you can get for this?” His brows pinch together as he looks at them. “You can get a jail sentence, that's not something you should be risking at your age.”
Eren and Jean deflate, each of them looking to the other side with shame.
Mr. Smith tuts before he lets out a heavy exhale. “I see, I see.” He nods and tilts his head to the side, understanding beginning to color his face. “So…” He clears his throat. “Trouble in paradise? Is that what all this is about?” He suggests with a motion of his hands.
The two teens frown in confusion.
“What…?” Eren asks.
Their teacher leans his elbows on the desk. “You two are dating, aren't you?”
Jean's jaw almost hits the floor. There's no way he just said that. What?! This doesn't even make sense. Why'd their teacher ever assume they're together? He and Eren may be constantly around one another, but it's never nice or even sweet enough to conjure up such absurd assumptions.
Eren seems to share the same response as his, completely frozen in his spot.
Disgust bubbles within Jean. As if he could ever settle for someone like Eren.
However…Mr. Smith is rarely ever lenient. Would he let them get away with this if they admitted to having…romantic issues?
A shiver goes down his spine at the thought.
When Eren opens his mouth, Jean jumps to respond before him. “Yes,” He heaves out, making Eren sputter next to him. “It's…it's a sensitive issue. It's been a really rough patch for us lately.” Jean sighs, lowering his head in defeat. He glances to the side, giving Eren a ‘just go along with it’ look.
Eren closes his mouth, turning his head away from Jean and Mr. Smith.
“Regardless of how hard it can get, violence is never the answer.” Mr. Smith points with narrowed eyes.
Jean purses his lips and nods. “I'd never hurt Eren, sir. I just…I was out of it. You know how bad exam season can get.” He mops with a dramatic tone. “We've been very stressed lately, along with the multiple projects...” He trails off before he shrugs helplessly.
Mr. Smith hums as he stares at his desk, hands clasped atop of it.
Eren doesn't say anything, but he doesn't deny it either. He glances towards Jean, the two sharing a brief prayer for Mr. Smith to go easy on them just this once.
After two minutes of intense silence (Jean kept his eyes on the clock), Mr. Smith sighs and nods.
“Okay,” he leans back in the chair. “I will accept your late submission, but only this time.” He points with his finger. “You've shown me dedication, and I have to appreciate it even when it's mismanaged.”
Jean and Eren perk up, turning to give each other wide grins.
“However,” Mr. Smith starts again. “You’ll be doing a lot more extra work after this.” He warns them before his tone softens. “And I suggest you consult a counselor for your…problems. Or perhaps a friend you can trust.”
Jean and Eren nod eagerly, rushing quick thank you’s before they walk out of his office.
When they're out in the hall, Jean laughs in disbelief at how well that ended up working. Who knew that Mr. Smith, of all people, can understand that students are juggling too many aspects of their lives at school?
“That was disgusting.” Eren grunts as he runs a hand through his hair.
“Shut up, I just saved our asses.” Jean scoffs. “A thank you would be nice.”
Eren snickers. “Fuck you.” He gives Jean the middle finger, then walks in the direction of his next class.
Jean rolls his eyes so hard back his skull.
Truly, how can Mr. Smith think he could ever lower his standards enough to date Eren?
When it happens for the second time, Jean has no one to blame but Eren.
Their day is going perfectly fine, until Eren decides to make a tweet subtly mocking him.
“Why are scrawny tall men all so fucking annoying” the post said. And while Jean is confident in his physique, he won't let Eren get away with making fun of him so publicly like this.
So naturally, the second he spots him in the hallway, he immediately beelines to him.
“What do you want, horsie?” Eren says in boredom, stuffing the locker with his books.
Jean puts a hand on his shoulder and turns him around. “You think you're so fucking funny, huh?” He grits out, eyes glaring with barely restrained agitation.
Eren glances at the hand on him before looking up at Jean. “Not really, being a clown is kind of your thing.” He laughs with a small smirk.
Jean glowers, grabbing the front of Eren's shirt. “I swear to god I will beat you into the goddamn floor.”
Eren's face hardens, his hand coming up to grab Jean's wrist. “Let go of me, asshole, you're gonna tear my shirt.”
“I don't give a shit.” He tightens his hold before he slams Eren back against the locker, pressing closer to him.
Their faces are inches apart, with Eren's nails digging in Jean's wrist as they scowl at each other.
Before either of them can run their mouth or swing first, a voice tuts from their left side.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are you two fighting?” Dr. Zoë says, their glasses lowering on the bridge of their nose as they look them up and down, hands on their hips.
Jean and Eren freeze, slowly turning their faces to look at them.
Jean's grip loosens as he stammers. “N-no, we weren't.” He rushes out, letting go of Eren and smoothing a hand over his shirt with a shaky chuckle.
Eren scoffs, turning to Dr. Zoë to complain, but Jean grabs his arm and yanks him closer before he can.
“I was just trying to give Eren a kiss!” He exclaims in a high pitched voice, his eyes frantic as he realizes what just left his mouth.
“Huh?!” Eren's confused sound rings loud in the hallway, turning to look at Jean with a flustered frown.
Jean's eyes flicker between Eren's face and Dr. Zoë’s narrowed eyes. “But as you can see…” he continues and motions awkwardly. “He's really shy…heh.” He rubs the back of his neck, his heart racing and face burning hot.
“Hm,” Dr. Zoë crosses their arms as they study the two. “I understand you're hormonal teens, but that's still inappropriate conduct.”
Jean nods quickly. “Yes. Sorry. We won't do it again.”
Eren finally turns to Dr. Zoë, his face beet red as he nods back.
Dr. Zoë stares at them for a few seconds before they grin, their voice a happy chirp as they begin to walk away. “Alright! Have a good one.” They wave and disappear into the hallway.
Once they're out of reach, a heavy sigh of relief leaves Jean as he slumps back against the lockers. Coming out of this unscathed was an actual miracle.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Eren clenches his teeth, looking up at him with sharp eyes. “I don't want all our teachers to think we're together!”
“Yeah, well, me neither.” Jean scoffs in offense. “But be grateful I didn't get the chance to beat your ass.”
Eren laughs, a sarcastic edge lacing his voice. “As if you can.”
Jean's eyebrows furrow. “So that tweet was about me!”
“Huh? What tweet?” Eren recoils with an incredulous expression. “Wait, wait. What the hell? Are you stalking my accounts?!”
“No!” Jean rushes out quickly, his face blazing hotter than before. “Shut up, Jaeger.” He gives him a light shove then turns around. “I'll deal with you later!” He shouts as he speeds through the hallway.
Eren is always so damn audacious.
Why'd he stalk Eren, anyway? There's nothing interesting about him at all.
Despite believing there's no way for this to happen for a third time, Jean and Eren find themselves in a prickle once again.
As annoying as Eren is, Jean will have to admit that he's one of the best smoking buddies he knows. They both like the same brand, and they both enjoy the cigarettes flavored with berries, so Jean never gets any complaints from him in contrast to his friends. To Jean's absolute shock, he also stays quiet and only talks when he needs another one.
Eren has been his go-to company in each party they attend for over a year.
Admittably, smoking behind the school’s building is a terrible idea, but they just had the most stressful exam known to mankind. Mr. Smith must have made this test as a punishment for their late submission, because that was actual torture.
It takes only one glance between the two after the exam to know their next step. Once recess begins, they make it out to the science building, the emptiest one at this time, and take a pack out of Jean's bag, which is hidden between piles of notes and his spare shirt.
“Mint again?” Eren mocks as he takes a cigarette from Jean, leaning against the wall.
“I didn't find anything with good flavors.” Jean huffs, lighting his cigarette up before handing the metal lighter to Eren. He takes a small puff before exhaling and allowing his shoulders to slump.
Eren hums, taking a deep inhale of his own as he returns the lighter. “It's not so bad.” He mumbles as he stares at the cloud of smoke hanging around them.
Jean takes a deep draw from the cigarette, letting it out before it begins to burn his chest. He’s never able to keep it down like Eren, despite the shorter trying to teach him how many times before.
He turns his head to look at Eren, then leans back against the concrete, cigarette hanging from his fingers. His eyes roam over Eren’s face, watching the way his lips wrap around the filler, smudging it with his glossy lip balm. Probably berry flavored, if Jean had to guess. A good choice, he too likes these the best.
Eren’s head tilts towards him, a curious glint in his eyes.
Instead of looking away, Jean remains still. His eyes flicker to where brown strands stick to Eren's nape. Of course the asshole is letting his hair grow. As if that could ever make up for his shitty personality. When his gaze catches on the two moles dotted on the neck, Jean looks back at Eren's face.
Eren doesn't say anything, only taking a puff of his cigarette before he blows between them. Jean would usually scold him for this move, but right now, he's busy deciphering the red on Eren's cheeks. Maybe he's feeling the heat. The weather is quite nice, but Eren runs hot almost all the time. Who wears one hoodie when it's raining? Jean swears everything he does is just a desperate call to seem like a cool, nonchalant jerk.
Jean takes a deep inhale, cigarette forgotten between his fingers as he presses the side of his head to the concrete, still staring at Eren.
Only when they hear a shout does Jean realize how fast his heart was racing.
They both straighten up, watching Ms. Rall walk towards them across the field.
“Shit,” Jean grumbles, stomping the cigarette on the wall before dropping it from his fingers.
“Don't litter, idiot.” Eren groans from his side.
Jean turns to glare, but he doesn't have time to mock Eren's fucked up priorities as their teacher gets closer and closer to them.
Before Ms. Rall can say anything, Jean speaks up. “It's Eren's pack!”
“What the fuck?!” Eren snarls.
“Hey, language. Don't make this worse for yourselves.” Ms. Rall scolds, hands crossed as she gives them a disappointed look. “It doesn't matter whose pack is this. I'm still calling both of your parents.”
Their eyes widen in fear, glancing at each other before looking at her.
Jean tries to think of something on the spot, something to get the two of them out of this. As laid back as his mom is about him smoking, she will actually punish him for doing so on school grounds. He can't deal with this when summer break is so near by.
He wracks through his mind for a way to self-pity, because no excuse can work after she caught them red handed. But how? And what?
Jean's eyes wide with an idea. Eren is seriously going to beat him up for this.
“Ms. Rall.” He starts with an exaggerated sigh. “I understand you're doing your job but…please don't tell Eren's parents.” The two turn to him at that, Eren's shock twisting on his face. Jean clears his throat and concentrates on his act. “They're doctors. Do you know how much trouble Eren can get in if they find out about this? It could actually get scary.” He tries to reason with her, his tone melodramatic. “You don't want that for Eren, do you?” He gives her his best crestfallen expression. “Especially not over a measly cigarette.”
She frowns at Jean's attempt in guilt tripping.
“Well, I don't either.” He sighs and shrugs. “So please, just call mine only.”
God, this better work.
“W-what, no!” Eren huffs. “I can't let Jean get punished by himself.” He lets out a shaky exhale and places a hand on his chest, looking at Jean before back at Ms. Rall. “What kind of boyfriend would I be?”
Their teacher looks between them in confusion, not knowing what course of action to take.
Jean's heart blares, and he shakes his head as he steps forward. “No, please don't. I'm okay with taking the punishment by myself.”
“No, no.” Eren grumbles and grabs Jean's bicep. “I won't let you go through this by yourself. We'll do this together. Don't we always?” He pleads with wide eyes.
Jean almost laughs at the sight, but he sucks it in with a deep breath. “No–”
“Okay, okay!” Ms. Rall exclaims in defeat. “I won't call either of your parents.” She huffs with a scowl.
Eren and Jean exchange a subtle look.
“Thank you.” Eren bats his lashes and lets go of Jean.
She narrows her eyes, extending her hand out. “But I'm taking that.” She points to the pack in Jean's hand. “And you'll be cleaning after recess for the rest of the week. If I catch you smoking again, it will go on your records.”
Jean and Eren nod and grin at each other in success.
The fourth time it happens, they actually plan how their act will go.
“God, I don't wanna go to gym class today.” Jean whines, dreading walking into class with Mr. Ackerman.
Eren sighs from his side as they walk in the busy hallway. “Me neither.”
Jean turns to him with raised eyebrows. “I thought you liked it.”
“Yeah, before Mr. Ackerman made me his designated assistant.” Eren huffs with a roll of his eyes.
Jean purses his lips and looks ahead. “Wanna ditch?”
“He'll hunt us down.” Eren snickers. “He saw us earlier in the morning.”
A defeated sound leaves Jean. It's true, there's no way to skip Mr. Ackerman's class. He will find you no matter where you hide.
Unless…
“Wait, what if we fake being sick?” He suggests.
“Both of us?” Eren says skeptically.
Jean shakes his head. “One of us gets sick and the other has to take care of him or something.” He shrugs. “Oh! We can pretend to faint after getting hit by a ball.” He stops in front of Eren, giving him an expectant grin.
Eren hums, considering the idea in his head. “Okay, fine.” He decides. “But you're the one passing out.” He points to him.
Jean rolls his eyes, but he agrees anyway.
Per their agreement and further planning, the two change into their gym clothes and head to class outside. As usual, Mr. Ackerman makes Eren help him get everything out into the fields and arrange the equipment.
Jean watches from the sides, arms crossed as he waits for Eren's signal.
Before Mr. Ackerman can start handing out tasks, Eren “accidentally” drops a ball from the basket, and it rolls on the ground in front of him.
Jean takes his cue. “Aye, pass it to me.” He calls out.
Eren looks at Mr. Ackerman for approval, who waves his hand dismissively. He turns back to Jean with a grin, taking a few steps back before he kicks the ball towards Jean, all according to their plan.
What's not according to their plan, however, is how hard the ball hits Jean's face.
He grumbles, biting back his retort with a pained groan as he pretends to fall on the grass. His head throbs, and he grits his teeth as he puts on a dramatic performance that may or not may be real. Fuck, why did Eren kick it this damn hard?
“Jean!” Eren calls out before running towards him.
A few other students run to him, but Eren makes it there the fastest, kneeling beside him with an exaggerated terrified look.
Jean glares at him. He swallows down the insults, holding his head with a pained groan as they wait for M. Ackerman to walk up to them.
“Shit, Jean, are you okay?” Connie asks from beside him, with Sasha peering over his shoulder.
Eren places a hand on Jean's chest, almost making him wheeze in surprise as he flinches at the touch.
“Oh my god, baby, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?!” Eren days with a loud, uncharacteristically concerned voice, with one hand pressing on Jean's face to check the damage.
The students all freeze around them, confused at the weird exchange as their teacher stands near.
“Baby…?” Mikasa mumbles, looking at Armin in question.
Jean's face blazes under the sun, his lips pressed into a tight frown as he looks away, flustered from the embarrassment.
Suddenly, Eren's eyes widen in genuine panic. “Holy shit, your nose is bleeding!”
Surely enough, there's blood where Jean lifts his finger up to his nose. He curses under his breath, his heart beginning to thrash in his chest.
Eren turns back to Mr. Ackerman. “Sir, can I please take him?” He pleads with wide eyes. “Please?”
Mr. Ackerman frowns, shaking his head with disgust. “Yes, take him. Just give him a damn tissue first.”
Students hurry to give Jean a tissue as Eren helps him up. They walk out of the circle of students, with Eren's hand on Jean's back as he guides him out of the grass field.
“Sorry about that.” Eren whispers and giggles once they're far away enough.
Jean laughs, pressing the napkin closer to his nose. “It’s worth it.”
When it happens for the fifth time, it takes Jean off guard.
In all the instances they've pretended to be an item in front of their teachers, it was always his idea. This time around, it's not with a teacher or brought up by Jean.
“I…I like you, Jean.” Oskar, one of Jean's classmates, bats his eyelashes at him, smiling sweetly with a bashful look on his face.
Jean's lips part, his guts churning at the sight.
This is the worst day of his life.
Don't get him wrong, Oskar is a nice person. Really, he is. Jean sometimes wonders if that's all there is to him. And it's exactly why he doesn't like him at all. Exactly why he has no idea how to turn him down without angering a few students who feel weirdly protective of him.
“O-oh,” he mumbles dumbly, blinking and shifting on his feet, his face burning hot.
Fuck, he hates this. Why is this happening to him? Why'd he ever come up to him and confess?! He's a cynical, loud asshole. For all of Jean's ego, he doesn't understand why someone like Oskar would fall for him. This has to be a prank. Or a punishment. Probably the latter, his bad karma has been building up a lot lately.
“So…” Oskar tilts his head to the side, stepping closer, making Jean stumble back. “Do you like me too?”
Jean stares, dumbfounded as his lips part and close around nothing. “Uuh,” He tries to look for an out, not knowing where to go with this.
That's when Eren slams his locker from behind Jean. He jumps at the sound, turning to look at Eren as he comes to stand next to him.
Eren wraps an arm around Jean's midsection, causing his breath to hitch and for his body to tense up. Eren remains undeterred, resting his head on Jean's bicep. He gives Oskar a pointed glance before he looks back at Jean.
“Jeanbo, are you done? We need to hurry back, you promised me you'd take me to the arcade today.” He pouts, squeezing Jean's hips.
His face lights up on fire, goosebumps running down his arms as his heartbeat quickens. He clears his throat. “Yeah, I'm almost done.” He turns to Oskar, who purses his lips with dejection.
“I understand.” Oskar murmurs. “I'm sorry, I didn't know you two were actually together.” He nods before he walks away from them.
Jean almost feels bad but his relief is way stronger. He sighs heavily, shoulders slumping down as he shakes his head in exasperation.
Eren pulls away, rolling his eyes as he picks his bag up from the ground.
“Thanks.” Jean murmurs, his cheeks tinged red as he looks away from Eren.
“No problem, loser.” Eren remarks before he disappears into the hallway.
Jean watches him, his skin still burning where Eren touched.
The library is the most suffocating place in school, but Jean still drags himself there because it's where Eren likes to work on their projects.
Mr. Smith is making them do yet another assignment, a final one of their semester. Some bullshit equations and chemical concoctions that Jean can never bring himself to care about. Why can't all subjects be as fun as geoscience and art class?
Jean gets fed up half an hour in.
“I can't wait for summer break.” He grumbles, leaning his temple on his hand as he looks at Eren across from him.
Eren sighs, flipping another page of his book. “Me too. This assignment sucks.”
Jean looks at the multiple books on the table, the paper piquing zero interest in him. “I'm gonna lock myself up and play through the entirety of Resident Evil’s new release.”
That gets Eren to look up. “You play that game?”
“Duh,” Jean snicker. “I played through all seasons.”
Eren lets go of the book, giving Jean an excited smile. “No way, I did too!”
The librarian gives them a look from across the hall, and Eren grins as he lowers himself in the chair. “Which one was your favorite?”
Jean takes a second to think. “Maybe Resident Evil 7?”
Eren rolls his eyes. “Lame. I like the older ones more.” He shakes his head before he beams at Jean and leans forward. “Would you like to come over during the summer and play it together?”
Jean gives him a surprised smile. “Hell yeah.” He chuckles and straightens up in his seat.
“Cool.” Eren smiles and leans back in the chair, opening the book again.
He can't believe he's going to Eren's house. Who knows how many times he'd have to go to complete the game? Will they stay in Eren's bedroom? He's been there before during a friends gathering, but he never got to take a good look, let alone stay there for hours.
Wait. Is the invitation only for him? Eren didn't say their other friends will be there. Are they going to spend the entire summer…alone, in Eren's bedroom?
Jean stares before he blinks and frowns. “Hold up...is that a date?” He asks carefully, his heart beginning to thud in his chest.
Eren looks up from the book, a small smile growing on his face as he blushes. “Maybe.” He mutters. “Maybe it's just to enhance our acting.”
“Enhance our acting.” Jean repeats, cheeks flushing pink as he holds Eren's gaze. “Does this mean we'll practice kissing too? Our teachers would want proof at some point.” Jean tries to suggest in a casual tone, his lips tingling at the thought.
Eren laughs in surprise, his eyes widening as he gapes at Jean. “What? What kind of teacher would want to see us kiss? That's so fucking creepy.”
“I-I don't know!” Jean stammers, grumbling under his breath when the librarian shushes them again. “Shut up.” He huffs and looks down at the books, his face burning.
Eren grins in mischief, closing the book and putting it down. “I'm not opposed to the idea.” He smirks. “But we'll have to practice our dates first. Then kisses.” Eren explains lamely. “Just so that…you know, we're on a correct timeline. Keep it as authentic as possible.”
Jean grins from ear to ear as he looks up, looking way too eager. “Yes, we should be accurate, keep it realistic so that everyone believes.”
“Mhm,” Eren nods along. “Do we…have to wait until summer break though?” He looks at Jean through his lashes.
Jean's heart hammers at the sight. “No.” He rushes out. “We should start as early as possible.” He stands up and starts to collect his things.
Eren giggles, following in suit and puts everything away in his bag.
Once they're done packing, they chuckle as they walk around the table and towards each other. Their hands bump as they stride side by side, and Jean hesitates for only a second before he laces his fingers through Eren's.
Eren looks up at him with a shy smile, giving his hand a firm squeeze.
Jean tries to remain calm, praying his hand doesn't sweat as they walk towards the entrance with flushed cheeks. Shit, his friends will give him hell if they see him like this.
“Where do you think you're going?” Mr. Smith's voice echoes from behind them.
They stop in their tracks, their smiles falling as they look at him over their shoulders.
The older man crosses his arms with narrowed eyes. “Did you finish your assignment?”
When the two remain frozen, their eyes averted away with shame, Mr. Smith tuts. “Get back to your work.”
Eren and Jean sigh, letting go of each other before they walk towards the table, shoulders slumped down and their faces twitching with annoyance.
Seems like their practice will have to wait a couple more hours.