Chapter Text
Baby I’m a shadow of you; the first chapter
🎶‘Baby, I’m a shadow of you’ 🎶
These lyrics kept going through Nakasato’s head while he was sitting in class, watching Hioki and Watarai get all cozy with each other in class. His mind jumps from one unanswered question to another.
When will it be my turn? When will I get to be someone’s shadow? When will I finally become someone else’s reflection? Then, all of a sudden, he feels someone nudging him, it’s Morisaki.
‘Watching those two lovey-doveys again, Nakasato? Come on, do you really not have anything better to do right now?
I thought you were going to help me out with these economics assignments due in three days. You know, I could get started on these myself, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make much out of it without your help.’
Morisaki puts on the biggest puppy eyes ever, Nakasato gives in and decides to help him out with his assignments, albeit while keeping an eye out for any romantic interaction between Hioki and Watarai.
‘The school trip really made those two guys so close, didn’t it? I can’t believe I used to think Watarai was the least likely to ever be dating someone, but look at where we are right now.’ It’s Hotta. He looks over one of Morisaki’s assignments.
‘You did so well this time, did Nakasato help you again?’ Morisaki nods. ‘Man, Nakasato, you need to help me out too! It’s urgent!’ Hotta exclaims. ‘What’s the matter?’ Nakasato asks him.
‘Well, I planned on doing my homework after school, but I’ve also really been wanting to hang out with you. And you know, seeing you help Morisaki so well, all while talking so casually, really made me realize you should become my homework buddy.’
Hotta then starts petting Nakasato’s head. ‘Hey, Hotta, what are you doing, trying to win me over from Morisaki?’ Nakasato says, while secretly enjoying the attention he is getting, not just from Hotta, but also from Morisaki.
Even Watarai and Hioki, still holding each other's hands, look over from their seats to see Nakasato being petted by Hotta. ‘Ok, ok, Hotta, you won, but there’s one thing I need in return for helping you, ok?’.
Hotta’s eyes become bigger. ‘Yes, Nakasato, what is it?’. ‘I can’t say it in here, I’ll tell you once we are alone.’ Hotta gives an approving nod. ‘By the way, Hotta, I can only help you when we go to my place.
You know, my room is full of ‘smart books’ right?’. Hotta nods and laughs. ‘How did you remember what I called all of those books in your bookcase? It's been ages since I went to your place.’
Nakasato gives Hotta an awkward smile. ‘I just remembered, because ummm, you are ummm, SO FUNNY! How did you come up with that? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.’ Nakasato bursts out in laughter.
The laughter goes on for a good three minutes. Then Morisaki stands up from his chair and puts his left hand on Nakasato’s right shoulder, his right hand is covered in blue dots he made with his pen.
‘Are you okay Nakasato, like genuinely, is Hotta that funny? You know, the next time I tell you a joke, I want you to react the exact same. I feel like I’m missing out… Please leave these inside jokes between you guys.’
His tone, as well as his facial expression is surprisingly serious given the context. Nakasato gives him an awkward nod. ‘Ok Morisaki, I’m sorry to hear you felt like you missed out. To make up for it, I’ll treat you to some chocolate tomorrow.’
Morisaki’s face instantly changes from upset to happy and it’s not just his face showing this happiness. He squeezes Nakasato by hugging him with his big arms.
‘Thank you so much, Nako, let’s get Snickers tomorrow.’ Both have big grins on their faces now. ‘Did you guys see that?’ Hioki says all of a sudden. ‘What is it? Is it worrying you? Shall I get rid of it? Where is it? Tell me, my honeybear.’ Watarai says worried.
‘Don’t worry, Wawa, I just wanted to let you know this class is ending on 3,2,1….’ The bell rings. Everyone gets up from their seats as fast as they possibly can, everyone except for Hotta and Nakasato.
Whereas the other three left the classroom, Hotta and Nakasota remain seated in their chairs. ‘You know, I need help with economics too, but also with maths and probably with history as well.
Do you know if you have any books explaining marketing competition?’ Nakasato nods. ‘Let’s go to my place first, I can’t confidently say I can help you out with everything when I don't have my books around me.’
‘Let’s leave, Nako.’ ‘Hey, why are you calling me that, that’s the nickname Morisaki came up with?!’ ‘Who cares, he’s not here, he won’t hear it anyway. Is that right, N-A-K-O?.’
Nakasato blushes. Someone did hear them, they just didn’t know…. The walk is filled with chatter and laughter. ‘Wow Nako, I forgot you lived in such a cute house, it’s so you. I think those white dots are so cute too.’ Hotta says, pointing at a small red mushroom in the field growing in the grass near their school.
‘I get it, Hotta, my roof is red, yes, absolutely. And yes, because I tried to repaint it but forgot to bring the red paint, it has white dots.’ ‘You didn’t just forget to bring the red paint, you also dropped the bucket of white paint and it created all of those dots.’
Hotta laughs. ‘That isn’t true, if you look closely enough, those are white lines-.’ ‘No, no, no, no, look over there.’ Hotta laughs, pointing at the roof in front of them.
They arrived at Nakasato’s place. It doesn’t take the two long to get to Nakasato’s room, which is right next to the front door. Hotta instantly goes through the books in the big bookcase right across Nakasato’s bed.
‘Look! I found the right book, Nako!’ He points at a book about the different Japanese companies. Nakasato nods at him and the study session starts. Hours pass by and Nakasato feels Hotta’s gaze on him becoming stronger and stronger.
After three hours, the study session ends, but in a very unusual way. While Nakasato is still explaining the rivalry between Honda and Toyota, Hotta jumps up from his chair.
‘NAKO WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT FROM ME IN RETURN FOR HELPING ME?’ ‘Man, calm down, is this all you remembered from my lecture?
You are a very bad student, Hotta, you know that?’ Nakasato jokes. ‘IM SERIOUS BRO JUST TELL ME I’LL DO ANYTHING YOU TELL ME I ALREADY FEEL SO MUCH SMARTER BC OF YOU’
‘That’s good to hear Hotta, but can you please not yell at me. If you yell so loudly, you won’t even be able to hear your command.’ Hotta goes silent and bows his head.
‘Ok, I won’t yell anymore, I’m sorry Nako. Can you please tell me my command?’ Hotta asks very politely. Nakasato nods.
‘Alright, so what I want you to do is thank me in an extraordinary way, it’s up to you what that will be. I’ll give you three minutes to think through your decision, these three minutes represent the three hours that I’ve lectured you.’
As expected, the room goes silent for three whole minutes. Then Hotta stands up and kisses Nakasato on the lips.
‘Thank you my Nako, I couldn’t be more grateful for the help you and your ‘smart books’ were able to give me today.’ He goes in for another kiss on Nakasato’s now pink cheeks, he can't hide that he’s blushing.
‘Oh Hotta, thank you, thank you, thank you-.’ Then Nakasato too makes a very unexpected move, he grabs Hotta’s neck and initiates a few passionate kisses. After a total of 6 kisses, they both let themselves drop to the floor. ‘That felt so fucking great’ They say in sync. ‘I never thought you als-.’