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Chapter Text

Shun Kaidou, a second-year at PK Academy, lived a double life as a hero most of the time. Every day, he imagined the world as his oyster, which he could call his own. Of course, this didn't take his attention away from the fact that he was walking to school through a small neighbourhood that felt cramped after a hundred walks down it. That seemed to be his life.

His life was crammed into a small routine that played out like a comedy anime gag. He was labelled a chuunibyou. Even though his fantasies and story made him feel liberated, they also made him feel like a caged bird. He needed something to guide him through life, something to give him the adrenaline and excitement he craved. And, wouldn't you know it, this story will provide him with exactly that.

Was this story a Disney movie?

Now, dear readers, You're probably thinking, "Oh, this story has been done so many times before," and you'd be correct. But, at the very least, it adds fuel to the fire for what's to come. Now, let's stick to the plot of the anime and manga. Kaidou bowed his head, looking down at the concrete as if it were a painting, observing the cracks and spots in the pavement. As his mind wandered far from his brain, his brows drew together in concentration.

They're probably hiding in those cracks, and if I don't stop them, they'll drag me and others to the pits of hell!

"It's just boring pavement, I tell you. What are you, a five-year-old who thinks monsters lurk beneath the pavement cracks? "

Here is the anime/main manga character. You can tell by his expression, with those emotionless eyes and straight lips, that he is Saiki Kusuo, the all-powerful psychic who desperately wants to be alone and wants nothing to do with Kaidou or the rest of the so-called 'squad,' which was composed of clueless morons who invaded his peace.

However, for the time being in this story, he remains one of the side characters, which he greatly appreciates, but what he is most pleased with is the conflict later in the story. Yes, because he is a psychic, he already knows what will happen.

"Don't worry, dear readers; you will be able to see the story unfold in due time if it pleases you. Depending on how the execution goes, it may or may not."

So he keeps his distance as far as he can, not wanting to be seen by Kaidou and ruin his peace.

Shun tightened his lip, and as he looked back up, his eyes were treated to a not-so-familiar face.

Aren Kuboyasu:

He didn't know much about Kuboyasu; after all, he was the new kid in his class, and he didn't say much. He didn't appear much after his initial introduction; he was always in the background or didn't appear at all in the episodes, despite being one of the main characters.

In Kaidou's eyes, he appeared completely normal. He imagined himself to be a powerful hero, capable of reducing anyone to ash in a matter of seconds. while also believing that the others were innocent civilians in need of his assistance.

In Kaidou's opinion, Kuboyasu was a nerd. His purple hair, uniform, and glasses that covered his eyes were all neatly arranged. Even though they both have common interests, such as "The Grant Cross," however besides that he didn't pique his interest that much.

These were two completely different things, but they managed to have a full conversation. Kaidou kept staring at Kuboyasu, a little disturbed by how creepy he was standing in the middle of the street.

However, the purple-haired guy made him want to get to know him more. There was something about this person that he couldn't grasp entirely.

Even though Kuboyasu was of a lower class than him in terms of power, Kaidou decided that he could make him a second class soldier.

They won't know what hit them.

He inhaled deeply as he called out, "Hey, Kuboyasu—" he squeaked as he came to a halt in mid-sentence as he heard another guy's voice.

"Watch where you're going! A simple "I'm sorry" isn't going to cut it! "

"You nearly broke my arm; that's a thousand yen!"

Kaidou wanted to flee, but the other guys were much taller than Kuboyasu and appeared ready to fight. Kaidou could tell by the way their eyes narrowed in anticipation and their voices rose, making him shake. He could feel the thugs towering over him even though he wasn't being confronted. Kuboyasu hummed as he raised his brows at the two thugs, assessing them. After hearing a faint squeak, he looked over his shoulder. He was convinced that someone was just around the corner. He returned his attention to the thugs, attempting to be as unobtrusive as possible.

"Look, fellas, I don't want any trouble, so please let me pass." "Strange, hostile guys I've never met," Kuboyasu demanded, his eyes narrowing and casting a dark shadow over them, like an animal waiting to pass. Kaidou took a step back, high-tailing it back to where he came from.

Shit! This cannot be happening in a street brawl. But I can't leave Kuboyasu alone to fight them. He'd be killed.

"Wait!! I'm a hero who can help! "

He slid to a stop and sucked in a breath as his eyes widened. Kuboyasu strangled one of the thugs. His hand was like a vice that wasn't letting up. His whole body radiated an aura of violence and mystery.

"No... how... that can't be."

Kuboyasu perked up at the sound of a different voice. It was a lot higher and squeaker. He noticed a bob of baby blue hair ducking around the corner. 

Fuck, someone caught him.

Not to mention, a person he remembered, a kid in the same class as him.

Dammit, his whole life could be ruined if he dared tell anyone. 

Shit, if he told anyone... Kuboyasu thought, What else do I have to lose? I've already been caught.

He swung his fists and directed them towards the thug's faces. They can't even hold up a fight. He groaned pathetically. Those guys were supposed to be scary and tough, but now here they were, crumpled on the ground like skinny kids.

He snapped his attention towards someone talking from somewhere else. He made eye contact with a red-eyed boy, who was shorter than the average male and had fluffy blue hair. Kuboyasu froze in place, looking as horrified as Kaidou. 

He felt his heart rapidly pounding in his chest, and felt his throat clog up. He gritted his teeth before speed-walking towards the school,  muttering at himself.

Kaidou ducked around the corner, his breathing hitching. Oh sh*t, I am next.

But that was the least thing Kuboyasu was worried about. He wouldn't go after Kaidou, the only thing he's worried about is if Kaidou were to tell everyone.

If he tells everyone, then I'm done for!

He gripped his bag strap tightly, trying to shake the urge to lash out at other students who bumped into him. I suppose goodie-goodies don't react every time they brush shoulders. Ugh, contain yourself, Aren.

He could erase the fact that he was caught by someone, a classmate no less. What was his name? Wasn't it Jet Black Wings or something?

He didn't even get his real name. He thought it might be a code name. Kuboyasu had plenty of code names, like Carnage's Middle's Murder Weapon, Kuboyasu the Demon Killer, and Mullet-Wearing Aren.

But he doubted that kid would tattle on him. Yet, what if he does? He bowed his head as he entered the school grounds. Has this school always been cramped?

The number of students chatting and side-eyeing him made him feel more uneasy. Even the corridors of the school made him feel suffocated, but that was okay, he wanted to live like this. However, the only thing he didn't want was for everyone to know about his delinquent past. Their eyes were waiting to expose something. He could feel it. And then what? He'll get expelled from school, and maybe he'll have to get a full-time job. He is 16 and has had a part-time job before.

This seems pretty tame right now, but this could be everything to Kuboyasu. His dreams of reforming into a better person seemed to wash down the drain. Maybe he needed to be caged to make sure he didn't hurt anyone again, or so no one could fear him.

He's already done that, though. He could see the surge of fear in the other boy's eyes; he'd seen that look before.

Great going, you've probably ruined your reputation! You're a freak!

He felt like flying into a rage; his whole body twitched with anxiety, and he needed to let it out. Maybe he will find somewhere secretive to let these feelings out. His hands trembled as they balled into fists.

No, control yourself, dumbass. Maybe if you can find Jet Black Wings, you can sort this out. Yeah, I'll explain what's going on.

"Do you think something's up with Kuboyasu?"

He poked his head through the door, noticing Kaidou talking to Saiki and a larger guy, Nendou. Kuboyasu's heart pounded in his chest.

Fuck, don't you dare tell them! Damn it!

"This morning I saw him-"

"What about me?"

Kaidou screamed as he straightened up like a stunned goat, pausing in a freeze-frame.

"Nothing!" He shouted like he was caught by a parent watching something risque.

"What's up, new guy?" Nendou greeted her with his usual good nature and dumb attitude.

"What are you guys doing? I want in on it. "

This is what Kaidou saw. He saw an unhinged male towering over him. His eyes were crazy, he had a wicked smile on his face, and his voice lowered, sounding huskier.

"Are you okay?"

Kaidou jumped like a chipmunk as he hid behind Nendou as if he were a human shield.

In reality, Kuboyasu had a look of nervousness in his eyes and was rubbing the base of his neck.

He chewed the inside of his mouth before asking, "Hey, can I talk to you? Privately. "

Kaidou's heart picked up the pace, pounding faster than before. Privately, in what way. Are you going to fight me for spying on you? Oh god, I mean, I could take him on any day, yeah. Haha, you don't want to mess with me.

"I know he's scary, but this is too much. He just wants to clear up some things. " Saiki rolled his eyes.

"What can't trust us?" Nendou laughed dismissively. He pushed Kaidou out from behind him. Now Kaidou and Kuboyasu were facing each other.

One was concerned and one was mentally screaming.

I just want to clear things up.

Holy shit, he's way scarier up closer. 

"Don't drag me into their nonsense; I'm not interested," Saiki glared at him, then at the rest of them.

"Is that okay?" Kuboyasu focused on Kaidou, ignoring the others for the most part.

"NO! I mean, I suppose so. Anyway, we have PE now! Maybe another time." He replied in a shrill voice.

If you keep screaming like this, your throat will strain.

Kaidou raced towards the door, almost slamming into it, but twisted his body so that he made it out of the door "smoothly," but then they heard.

"Sorry, I'm late for class."

He must've bumped into someone.

"What was that about?" Nendou asked, "Are you bullying him?"

"What-no! and... I don't know. "

That was a lie, and he knew it because he had the exact truth. He couldn't hold it against him. Kaidou must believe he is a monster. But what else is new?

 Throughout the day, Kuboyasu could tell Kaidou was still afraid of him because he would shake silently whenever they made eye contact. Kaidou freaked out when he saw Kuboyasu's shirtless body in PE. It was most likely due to the scars and scratches on his arms and chest.

Throughout PE, Kuboyasu would quietly creep up behind him and stand next to him, attempting to converse. Yet Kaidou would ignore him. He even shouted, "I can't talk to you right now" despite doing nothing.

That's fantastic; he hates me now. The good news is that he's not telling anyone about me. It wasn't going to be easy to clean things up, especially since Kaidou is a hypochondriac. Maybe if he just kept his anger in check this wouldn't happen. God, he wished he was a normal guy. He wished he was a different person before coming to PK Academy. 

Yes, he was the one Kaidou saw beating up those thugs, but he didn't think Kaidou would be so terrified of him. All these days, he's tried to act like a normal kid, wearing the most stereotypical clothes that normal people wear, acting like normal kids, speaking like normal kids, etc.

He was just putting on a show in the hopes that people would like him. If he exposed his delinquent side he'd be alone with no one. He didn't want to be perceived as a bad guy.

He wished to be happy and at ease. If fighting could be called "exciting," his life was full of adrenalin and excitement, but all he wanted was to be happy and calmer.

As he walked home, he kicked a few stones and his brows furrowed as his lips trembled curling up into a snarl.

Nobody can accept you now because you're a fucking failure. If I had only-ugh.

He wanted to punch something to let out all of his frustration and anxiety. He'd been side-eyeing Kaidou all day, trying to be friendly, but the scared boy would just turn away.

Why did he think this was going to be easy? A person doesn't change their markings. Maybe this was all for nothing.

His knuckles were pressed tightly into his pockets, attempting to push all these unwanted thoughts away. Perhaps this will be forgotten in the morning? No, something like this would go on indefinitely.

"Unhand me!"

Kuboyasu was snatched away from his thoughts when he heard a high-pitched voice calling out for help. Curious about this Kuboyasu walked faster along a chain fence. That voice sounded familiar.

"Kaidou?" he muttered.

So, what should he do now? He had no idea what was going on, but he did know one thing. Kaidou required assistance. How should he go about it if he wants to help? Should he be nice and gentle or direct and blunt? He turned the corner and saw two of his classmates. Saiki was standing off to the side and Kaidou was pushing and kicking away from a gang of thugs who wanted to shake him down for money.

"A shakedown?"

The leader's arm was pressing against Kaidou's throat. His eyes darted around, a glimmer of regret and shame in them. Instead of fleeing like a coward, he should have simply listened to Kuboyasu. Then he wouldn't be so ashamed to ask him for help.

No, he wasn't a coward, and forcing Kuboyasu to fight for him would be terrible.

"Kuboyasu! Don't stand there, run! Get out of here now! "

In a daze of shock, Kuboyasu froze, his mouth slightly open. No way, no how. Is this scrawny, frail kid who was terrified of him going to take a lifetime beating just for his sake? And to say that to protect him? Kuboyasu's eyes were filled with the image of a badass standing right in front of him. He could see that Kaidou was still shaking like a chihuahua.

Now, you all probably know how the rest goes. Kuboyasu beats the crap out of the thugs while telling them his life story and saves Kaidou, and the day is saved. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Of course, with a judgemental Saiki tailing along.

"So, you knew about me." Kuboyasu broke the silence after walking undefined Kaidou in silence.

"Of course I did. No one can hide from my divine magical eyes."

"I thought I blended in like a normal kid just fine."

The frail and scrawny guy who was freaking out anytime he was around now smiled at him playfully, as if he'd forgotten the past hours.

Yet that didn't make him any less of a badass, which he could see now. He was a compassionate person who would do anything to protect others, despite being cowardly.

Now that's brave.

Maybe he's braver now that he's cool with Kuboyasu's past. That did bring questions like, why doesn't he run away from me, why did he tell me to run? I thought he was afraid of me.

Could he accept me despite my past?

"You know, I don't care about your past anymore."

Kuboyasu froze, as his gaze fixed on Kaidou, standing frozen in place. He shook his head, as he started, "Weren't you afraid of me?"

"I was, but I shouldn't have acted the way I did. If I had just heard you out, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid. However, I realised something after you saved me."

"And what would that be?"

"That I don't care about your past. Now I know you're willing to move undefined towards the present and future. I think that's as great as it gets. You're a good person, Kuboyasu. Sorry for panicking."

Frozen in place, he sized Kaidou up, his eyes widening with awe. He could feel his stomach flutter with a new feeling he'd never felt before.

He looked down at the extended hand reaching towards him. Kaidou's hands were smaller in comparison, accompanied by red bandages.

"Right."

Kuboyasu's large hand grabbed Kaidou's. He put a little bit of strength in his grip as Kaidou yowled and bent backwards.

He took his hand away and brought it to his mouth, hiding his smile and laughing, "Sorry, sometimes I can't control my strength. I'm working on it. " Kuboyasu promised with a small smile.

"You better be, agh, I felt all of my bones breaking," Kaidou whined, his voice more childish and thrilled.

"Oh come on, you're just exaggerating. I wasn't that rough."

"Yes, you were!" He argued back, puffing out his chest.

"Whatever you say..." Kuboyasu leered, rolling his eyes and putting his hands up defensively.

Kaidou scoffed. I swear if he mocks me. He turned around and noticed Saiki wasn't with them.

"Hey, where did Saiki go? I swear I just saw him."

Kuboyasu replied with an uncertain hum, not paying much attention.

"He's a weird one," Kaidou scoffed.

"I could say the same thing about you, Jet Black Wings."

He was about to snap out at a harsh insult until he noticed Kuboyasu holding a book in his hands, skimming through the pages with the smuggest eyes and smile Kaidou had ever seen.

Kaidou blushed a bright pink as he lunged forward. Great, this was embarrassing to the max. He hates it when people go through his things and worst of all Kaidou might be made fun of.

"Hey, give me that!" He shouted as he swatted his hand to snatch the book. However, Kuboyasu moved back as if he was dodging an attack.

Kaidou growled as he stared up at the smug ex-delinquent, "How did you get that?"

Kuboyasu pointed to the unzipped bag and said, "You should be more careful."

"Okay, don't get too cocky."

"Hey, be thankful I didn't steal your wallet instead."

Some habits emerge now and again.

"I have to say, you are a creative individual."

"I think you mean delusional."

"No, I said you're a creative individual." Kuboyasu looked down at Kaidou fondly. "Maybe you could be a manga publisher or something."

"You think I have the potential?" A spark of joy ignited in his heart.

Kuboyasu shrugged with a fond hum.

"Most people think I'm strange or stupid for doing this type of thing." Kaidou muttered, "How do I know you're not lying."

Kuboyasu rolled his eyes, "I've met a lot of strange people in the past. You're the least strange person I've met," he replied with a smile, "I meant that as a compliment. You're really cool and I'm not lying."

No one has ever called me cool. Kaidou smiled wider than ever before, with a thankful look in his eyes. 

Kuboyasu sized him up again, before raising a smug eyebrow as he shoved the notebook into Kaidou's chest.

"If you finish the story maybe I could work on it with you."

Kaidou looked like a puppy dog with his beady eyes and precious smile. "Really."

"Why not."

With a fond sigh, Kuboyasu pushed his hair out of his eyes, "This has been nice," He chuckled, he leaned forward and playfully punched Kaidou in the shoulder, making him yelp.

You said you were trying to control your strength!


"Thanks for everything," he began to walk his own way. Kaidou could only stare as he rubbed his sore shoulder, staring in confusion. "See ya later, Jet Black Wings."

Kaidou clutched the book tighter and a soft smile graced his face. Why did he say that so smoothly?

There wasn't a single lie in those words. Those words were like honey, it was sweet and sugary but sticky to get rid of. 

It felt like Kaidou had finally found a lifelong friend. 

A friend who wouldn't leave him nor make fun of him.

A/N: The Feeling was friendship

Chapter Text

Kaidou couldn't stop thinking about yesterday and what had happened. He had spent the entire day attempting to avoid Kuboyasu, and now he had a friend. Were they close?

Was that even permissible? The day before, there was an air of sweetness. Perhaps Kuboyasu had strange powers and was hypnotising him with those sweet words. That would be absurd.

Kaidou was the one with the superpowers.

Kaidou began making notes while thinking about what Kuboyasu said. On the whole, Kuboyasu found him to be pretty cool.

I'm cool. I'm not foolish, stupid, or childish. Awesome. I think I'm cool. Of course, Kuboyasu does too. After all, I am the Jet Black Wings.

His wacky imagination was supported by Kuboyasu, who generally thought he was cool.

Why would he refer to himself as the "Jet Black Wings" without the slightest hint of sarcasm? The way he said his code name sent tingles down his spine.

No, not in that way. Kaidou has a wall around him before any weird feelings arise, and besides, it's only chapter 2.

His mind couldn't process any words to write down as he stared at the blank page. He could only smile at the thought of Kuboyasu being his friend.

He thought about his friendships with the others. They just happened over time, mostly because of their attachments to Saiki, while this friendship was different.

It felt natural to reach out and seek a friend of his own accord. He thought about his wish for the New Year, and it was about making a lot of friends this year.

Maybe his wish was coming true.

Despite his precognition, Kaidou was now intrigued by the other boy. It felt nice to have someone not make fun of him for his childish behaviour.

"Shun, baby, breakfast is ready!"

"Coming, Mother!"

---

Kuboyasu rarely awoke with a smile on his face. He'd get grumpy and yell at the slightest thing that bothered him. He couldn't help but feel relieved when he remembered what had happened the day before. Someone accepted him despite his heinous past. He wouldn't be alone after all, as he had assumed.

The words Kaidou spoke were more powerful than Kuboyasu suspected. He'd hold onto that.

Though he felt guilty for making Kaidou feel threatened in his presence, he couldn't blame him. It was a natural reaction if you'd witnessed a fight and then been labelled as a "bad boy."Kuboyasu cringed at the thought of the term "bad boy."

He didn't want to be that, and he wasn't the stereotypical person who would act on those toxic traits. No, he was going to be polite and nice. At the very least, he has Kaidou to keep him grounded.

He couldn't help but smile as he took in a gentle breath. He looked forward to today. Usually, he hated school, but the thought of seeing Kaidou again made him happy.

Dark Reunion, huh? It sounds interesting. He thought about the words he read in Kaidou's book. Is The Jet Black Wings a strong hero? Sounds about right.

He rose from his bed and looked around his very punk room, with banners, a punching bag, weapons, tools for his motorbike and holes in the wall. The only thing that wasn't punk was the purple bass guitar that hung near his dresser.

Maybe Kuboyasu could show him more of his life.

---

Saiki thought that his life wouldn't be plagued by the worst nuisances in his life. The bane of his existence seemed to be a joke in itself. Anything he wished never came true.

He can't even do the simplest things like sitting at his desk without being bombarded with critters in his life.

Nendou and Kaidou were arguing like the loud people they were. Teurhashi couldn't stop staring at him while Hairo was shouting inspirational speeches at the front of the class.

It was like a migraine x10000. He just wanted to be alone, for God's sake.

Everyone's attention was drawn to undefined Kaidou, screaming the loudest.

"Oh god, what the hell is that? Why did you bring a spider to school? That is so fucking disgusting!! " Kaidou continued to run his mouth off and Saiki swore he could hear sensor beeps as Kaidou spoke.

"They're harmless little guys; leave them alone."

"It's a spider" Kaidou refuted, making him angrier.

One by one, everyone began freaking out at the spider on Nendou's desk. It didn't seem agitated to attack. The only thing everyone knew was that it was very big and fluffy.

Saiki tried so hard to not spontaneously combust someone into oblivion.

"Where did it go?" Kaidou shrieked.

"Where did Buddy go?" Nendou ignored the bigger picture and noticed Saiki disappeared.

"Everyone should stay calm. The spider may not even be dangerous! We need to look through the classroom! " Hairo commanded at the front.

"You brought this vile specimen to take over the school. I should have known you were working with the Dark Reunion," Kaidou grumbled, pointing an accusing finger at Nendou.

Nendou had an apathetic face but shrugged, "She was lonely, so I brought her in."

"What the fuck were you thinking? Someone could be terrified of spiders!" Kaidou screamed. Not so subtly directing that at himself.

"We need to find it before someone gets hurt," Teruhashi commented, a little shocked too.

"What if we kill it with a book?" Hairo suggested

"What if the spider has babies?" Teruhashi cried, "Do you know how gross that would be?"

She could be doing important things right now, like making others happy and gaining Saiki's attention instead of freaking out about a bug.

"AHH, get away from me!" An orange-brown-haired girl cried out. Yumehara couldn't stand looking at the critter with 8 pairs of eyes and those creepy mandibles.

"Stay back! " Kaidou shouted, stepping in front of Yumehara. "Don't be fooled by this creature. This is a Creepy Crawly Death Dealer, and we're the ones it's dealing with."

"You know, you can eat spiders if you cook them up." Mera peaked in, "It's crispy."

"That's gross." Teruhashi cringed.

A 10-foot spider with eight pairs of red glowing eyes and long legs reaching towards the classroom wall was in front of Kaidou's eyes. Everyone was looking up at him, pleading for their hero to come and save them. Yumehara, who was blushing as she gripped his arm, returned his gaze.

"Come at me!" He challenged. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.

Suddenly, a plastic container came crashing down and trapped the spider. A piece of paper slid under the container as Kuboyasu stood up, looking down at Kaidou with a confused glare.

"It's just a spider, guys." Kuboyasu rolled his eyes.

"K-Kuboyasu, you defeated the giant enemy spider!" Kaidou whispered in admiration.

"Yeah, that's because the Jet Black Wings were taking too long." Kuboyasu quipped back, throwing the spider out the window.

Then the classroom erupted into a loud cheer, praising Kuboyasu for his heroics.

"You might need to pay up soon. I saved you from thugs and now a spider. Where's the repayment?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Kuboyasu." Kaidou snapped.

He tilted his head and put up his hand defensively, "All I wanted was a thank you, nothing too drastic."

"How did you know there was a spider on the loose?" Yumehara asked, stepping away from Kaidou with a blush. "You weren't even here before it escaped."

"Someone wasn't so subtle about it," Kuboyasu rose a brow at Kaidou,  "I have to say, I didn't know you had such a vile mouth."

"Oh shut up, you would be screaming too if you were arachnophobic!" Kaidou quipped. He folded his arms and huffed. Where did this attitude come from? I thought we were cool with each other.

"What?" Nendou muttered, "Why don't you want spiders to get married?"

Kuboyasu and Kaidou looked at each other in confusion, but then Kaidou broke into a fit of laughter.

"Nendou." Kaidou face-palmed himself with a laughing groan as Kuboyasu shook his head in disbelief.

---

"For the last time, I didn't trip over the trash can!" Kaidou shouted. This had to be the second time he's argued with Nendou today. First was the spider in form, and then there was tripping over a trash bin.

All he needed was the third accident, and then he could call out bingo.

Everyone saw it, Kaidou.

"It was an invisible trap that Dark Reunion set and waited for me to fall into it!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever runt." Nendou rolled his eyes. He glanced at Hairo, who was sitting at a table with some other kids. "I'm going to my rival. Have fun without me."

"We will!" Kaidou called out.

Well, I guess it's my cue to leave now. Saiki shrugged.

This left Kaidou alone, glancing between tables to see which one to sit at. The others were busy and didn't want any interference.

"Oi! Jet Black Wings! "

Kaidou shifted his head to Kuboyasu, shouting his name. He was sitting at a lone table, waving his hand in the air.

At least he has Kuboyasu to go to.

"Please don't tell me you saw that too."

"What, are you screaming over a spider or tripping over a trash can?" Kuboyasu guessed, with a sly look in his eyes.

"Haha, you're funny." Kaidou groaned as he took a seat. He jerked his head away to avoid the embarrassment.

I try to be. Kuboyasu shrugged. He looked down at his food. "Hey, maybe you could say it was you who tripped over the trash can instead of the Jet Black Wings. We wouldn't want to ruin your reputation, now do we? "

"That was the plan all along," Kaidou scoffed, acting as if it was the obvious answer.

Kuboyasu snorted before turning his attention to his tray.

"Why are you going along with this?" Kaidou muttered into his hand, which was propping up his chin. "Are you mocking me or something?"

"No, of course not. I find it cool and dorky. " He shrugged with honesty. "I've never met a person so confident as you."

"I'm confident?"

"Yeah, in your way though."

Kaidou huffed out a little laugh, looking at Kuboyasu.

"So... care to explain what the Dark Reunion is again?" Kuboyasu continued.

Kaidou straightened his shoulders as he judgementally stared up at Kuboyasu,

No way! Is he interested in what I have to say?

He rolled his eyes and asked, "Are you sure because if I start talking I will not be able to stop?"

"Of course,' sides, I'm guilty of doing that if I'm obsessed with something, and yes, I will listen, unlike most folks who couldn't care less." He directed that dig at Saiki but returned a good-natured grin.

Kuboyasu described his issues perfectly. He was right, whenever he'd talk about the Dark Reunion and his powers, everyone would tune him out like he was an inferior child.

There was a source of comfort and trust that radiated from Kuboyasu. He felt like someone he could talk to, and he would listen in turn.

"I don't mean to brag, but I could talk about this for hours."

"Well, don't leave me anticipating."

With his extremely detailed notebook sprawled on the table, Kaidou stood up and walked around the table to sit beside Kuboyasu. Kuboyasu had to say that the formatting and note-taking were extremely neat in comparison to his illiterate writing. Kuboyasu listened intently. Kaidou appeared to be an idiot more than usual, with casual forays into tangents that made the conversation difficult to follow. Even though he didn't quite get it, he nodded and hummed in agreement. All he cared about was how happy Kaidou looked.

He was a moron, with his never-ending rants about his powers and the secret organisation, and instead of glowering as Kuboyasu would naturally do, he found it... endearing. This shy, clumsy, and awkward guy made him look real in Kuboyasu's eyes, no matter what he held himself as or what he hid.

Sure, Kuboyasu realised that the "Jet Black Wings" had to be a confidence booster, allowing the true Kaidou to shine through despite his reserved demeanour. He didn't notice the Jet Black Wings; he could see Kaidou Shun. A self-assured, sassy, creative, and intelligent individual who didn't need to hide behind a name; yes, he had flaws, but that was what made him Shun Kaidou, not the Jet Black Wings.

Kuboyasu needed to concentrate on the explanation rather than the metaphors, so he shook those thoughts out of his head, which made him nervous. Finally, Kuboyasu grasped the concept behind the Jet Black Wings. He was created as a hero to save the world from an evil organisation known as the Dark Reunion, which was after him due to the "secret powers" in his right hand, which explained the red bandages.

"That's why I have to be on high alert, or else someone could sneak up on me and steal me or you away." He concluded with a dramatic wave of his hands.

Kuboyasu raised his brow and chuckled, "Take me away, huh?"

"Of course, anyone who is associated with me will pay the price!"  Kaidou retorted by slamming his hand on the table, but then audibly shouted, "Ow," as pain erupted in his hand, making it feel tingly. He turned his gaze to his notebook, realising Kuboyasu had been scribbling in it.

"Hey, I didn't give you permission to make any changes!" He yelled. He was about to go off again when his attention was drawn to a doodle that resembled him. His face lit up as his eyes shone brighter, and he smiled wider than usual.

"I had no idea you could draw!" He shouted, "I thought for a delinquent like you, this would be beneath you. Kuboyasu, you seem to surprise me every day." When he noticed the pen in Kuboyasu's hand, his pride turned to rage. It was a red pen with a soft-to-the-touch fluffy bob on the end. It was his pen.

"Hey! This is at least the second time you've taken something from me. I didn't even have a pen with me at the time. "

Kuboyasu leant in close to whisper something into Kaidou's ear, not wanting anyone to overhear. "My mother was not only the leader of a women's gang, but she was also a notorious thief. That's something I'm afraid I inherited from her. "

"Yeah, you sure did." Kaidou snapped as he snatched the fluffy pen out of Kuboyasu's hand, glowering at him.

How did I not recognise that sooner? I might have to keep an eye on my other things. His eyes drifted back to the drawing. It was roughly sketched but still had a lot of detail, as if it was something out of a manga panel. Yet, as cool as the drawing was, Kaidou has a slight suspicion.

"Hey, Kuboyasu."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Why am I-I mean, why is the Jet Black Wings drawn like that?" he pointed to the drawing. He noticed how skinny and scrawny the character was despite looking like a badass.

"You don't like it?" Kuboyasu asked with a little bit of shame in his response.

"What, no, no, it's awesome. I just wonder why I think he looks so scrawny. "

"Why shouldn't he?" Kuboyasu rose a brow, "It gives him more personality, in my opinion."

"Yeah, but shouldn't a hero be buff and large? Not... not that. "

Kuboyasu understood the concern. Was he comparing himself to the drawing, a drawing that had so much going for it? Ugh, he even did some shading. Yet the shade was his least concern.

"But I thought you and Jet Black Wings were the same?" Kuboyasu gave Kaidou a disheartening look.

"Never mind, sorry about that complaint," Kaidou said quietly before closing the book and looking back at Kuboyasu with a grateful expression on his face. "I do love the drawing, though," he added.

Kuboyasu gave a half-smile and sighed, "Thank you." Perhaps we need to work on your confidence a little more. Kuboyasu could still see a confident young man in front of him, but he just needed a little help. Maybe this is what Kuboyasu is good at, and if he's so useless at everything else, this might be his chance to redeem himself.

To prove to himself that he was a good person.

Kaidou screamed audibly as he heard something crash in the cafeteria, and both of the startled boys looked around to see what was going on. Nendou landed face-first on the ground after tripping over a trash can, which was littered with food scraps. Hairo and Saiki stood around him, concerned and disappointed.

"Karma's a bitch, isn't it?" Kaidou snapped smugly, though only loud enough for Kuboyasu to hear, "I'm going to go over to him and rub it in his face.  Okay, Aren, I'll be right back. "

Kuboyasu's breath caught in his throat, and he looked at him with scepticism. Even Kaidou froze in place and blushed awkwardly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to use your first name. I was just so caught up in my head and this issue that I didn't realise I called you by your first name."

"Don't worry about it, Shun." Kuboyasu cut him off as he smirked upwardly at him.

You're cool with that? I mean, it's not everyday people in Japan who refer to each other on a first-name basis. "

"Uh, yeah, I don't give a shit about how Japan functions; all I care about is being your friend."

Kaidou huffed bashfully, "Right. Well then, you can only refer to me as Shun if you agree to be sworn friends with me." He said that with high intensity as if he was bringing Kuboyasu into battle with him. His smile was one of happiness growing, much like a spring flower opening. It was beautiful.

Kuboyasu chuckled deeply. He was so used to the phrase "sworn enemy" that this term "sworn friend" made him feel things he never had before, but he supposed he could get used to it.

---

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING, DICKWARD!" Kuboyasu yelled as a car sped up, almost crashing into him and Kaidou.

"I'm so sorry about that!:" Kaidou shouted in a half-cry.

Kuboyasu glowered as he narrowed his eyes, "You should try being an asshole more often."

"Well, I'm sorry that I don't have a short fuse, unlike you." Kaidou snapped, inclining his head and jutting his hips out.

Kuboyasu quipped back with a light punch to the shoulder, which Kaidou yelled at.

"Can you ever keep a promise?" He glared.

"Oh come on, it was just a little punch," Kuboyasu groaned, "I promise you I'm not breaking any promises."He put his hand to his chest in honesty.

Kaidou raised an eyebrow and sized Kuboyasu up, "Yeah, yeah."

Kaidou inclined his head up to the orange and pink sky, which glowed with warm colours. Some clouds were shaded a blush pink like cotton candy. He smiled to himself, not because of the calmness or mood; he was smiling because he had someone next to him.

As cheeky and mischievous as Kuboyasu was, he couldn't help but find him endearing. So what if he had a short temper and a smug attitude? It made him feel more real. It kept him feeling more alive than he could have been otherwise. His flaws, such as those, were hidden because of what Kaidou saw. He saw someone supportive, kind, and sweet underneath that tough exterior. Even when Kuboyasu was running his mouth off, it felt original, like he was a well-rounded character in a story.

"Hey, Aren."

"Waddup?"

Kaidou chuckled softly, "Nothing, I just like saying your name."

Kuboyasu momentarily froze as his eyes widened. He clenched his fist as he turned his head. Kaidou thought he might've said something wrong as he winced and stepped back.

Kuboysau then let out a chuckle with a good-natured smile, "I could say the same thing about you. Shun. "

Kaidou nudged Kuboyasu in the arm, to which he replied with a fake "ow" even though it didn't hurt.

"Well, my house is close by," Kaidou stopped and smiled up at Kuboyasu. He looked so peaceful right now. "See you later, Aren."

Luckily, Kuboyasu had his own quip, "See ya later, Jet Black Wings."

Chapter Text

Kaidou's body was relaxed and calm, his breathing was regular and steady, and his heart rate was slow. He imagined himself to be a hero in his head. Defending the day against nefarious friends who attempted to prey on people.

Kuboyasu appeared in his dreams for some strange reason, which Kaidou had never seen before. He usually imagined strangers he might have seen on his way to school, but he'd never had a dream about a friend. Maybe there was something more to their friendship that Kaidou wasn't aware of.

Kuboyasu stood back to back with Kaidou, smiling as smug as he usually does, but with a hint of supportiveness in his eyes.

There was a clacking sound against the window as if a stone had been thrown against a windowsill. His muscles twitched as he groggily arose from his bed, like a zombie, shouting, "Who's there?"

As he adjusted to the dimly lit room, his mind tried to keep up with his eyes; his digital clock read 4:00 a.m.

Kaidou heard the clanking again and noticed a stone bounce off the window.

Shit, is the Dark Reunion breaking into my house?

He dashed over to his window and slammed it open. "Show yourself!" he whispered in a demanding tone, not wanting to wake his family.

"Yo!"

Kaidou squeaked in surprise, and Kuboyasu, who was standing on the ground looking up at him while flipping a stone in his hand and making a peace sign. He was wearing a casual black and white jacket and no longer wore his glasses, and his dark purple hair was put up in a small ponytail.

"Aren! What the hell are you doing here? In fact, how did you find your way to where I live? That's creepy. "

How the hell did he know this was my room? Stalker much?

"We walked home together, remember?" Kuboyasu shrugged. "I dunno, I'm bored and wondered if you wanted to hang out," he chuckled. "Wanna come with me to a run-down convenience store?"

"It's four in the morning!" Kaidou replied in a harsh whisper.

"Your point being?"

Kaidou clenched his teeth; there was no way he could sneak out without his mother catching him. Not to mention that Kuboyasu was squandering valuable sleeping time.

"Hey, be glad I didn't come up through the window; that would be dreadful etiquette, I know! "

Kaidou had a love/hate relationship with Kuboyasu's smug demeanour. Fortunately for him, he was also a cocky smartass.

"What is this? It's like a scene from Romeo and Juliet! " Kaidou sighed exasperatingly.

"Hah, if you want it to be that way."

"Only in your dreams."

"What's got you all worked up?" Kuboyasu folded his arms as he asked.

"Oh well, let me think," Kaidou hummed, and tapped his finger to his chin, pretending to think, "Oh, I don't know. Getting disturbed at four o'clock in the morning by a bored delinquent!"

"Shun! What are you doing? Go back to bed! " A feminine voice cried out, too childish to be an adult female.

Kaidou flinched, his gaze fixed on Kuboyasu, who was still waiting for an answer. It seemed that he was caught off guard by the voice. Yet he still tried to remain composed.

"I can't because I'll get in trouble." Kaidou cupped his hands around his mouth and whispered loudly.

"Perhaps, but will the Jet Black Wings get in trouble?"

And there he is with that nickname again. It sent a magical feeling down his spine that he couldn't pinpoint as to why he felt this way. Kuboyasu's way of saying his hero's name was like a puppy dog begging, and it was impossible to resist. Kaidou bit his lip and pressed his nails against the windowsill.

"If the Jet Black Wings get into trouble, I'm blaming you. " He snapped.

"Sounds fair to me."

Kaidou rolled his eyes before shutting the window.

Kuboyasu imagined Kaidou frantically pacing around quietly, trying not to be discovered by his family. He's sure he sneaked past his parents' room like a five-year-old waking up to get a snack from the refrigerator.

Kuboyasu smiled to himself as he went to stand near the front door. The door unlocked, bringing him out of his trance and allowing him to greet Kaidou with a peace sign.

"You're lucky we're friends," Kaidou said, narrowing his eyes and tilting his head up. As he shut the door, he made a cold remark.

"What's that supposed to mean, huh?" Kuboyasu shot back, an offended expression on his face. Kaidou swore he could see a "?!" above Kuboyasu's head like it was some type of comic book effect. This only made Kaidou more amused.

"Aw, were you worried that we weren't friends?" Kaidou's demanding demeanour shifted into a playful smirk. I had no idea you were interested in that. "

"Shut up."

Kaidou couldn't stop the rumbling in his stomach as he felt a laugh force its way from his lungs; at the sight of Kuboyasu's face, he wanted to burst out laughing. "I'm kidding," he said as he fist-bumped Kuboyasu's chest.

Kuboyasu rolled his eyes with a groan and then grabbed Kaidou's arm, "Come on, we're wasting time."

"Whatever you say, Mr. Bossy," Kaidou snickered as he was pulled along. He wasn't going to lie that Kuboyasu's grip strength hurt, undoubtedly leaving a bruise in its place.

"Ya know, I like this side of you," Kuboyasu admitted.

"What, me being a little smartass?"

"Yeah, I like that about you," Kuboyasu muttered. I've met a lot of people who were like that, but I don't mind."

"Yeah, I hear you on that."

---

Kuboyasu cupped his mouth as he forced down a laugh in his throat, hearing out Kaidou's tales about the hijinks that were entailed long before he rocked up.

"Wait, so the plane almost crashed on the way to Okinawa and magically stabilized?" He asked, pointing his slushy outwards.

"Yup, and let me tell you, the trip was incredible. I got to show off my exquisite linguistic abilities. " He proudly shouted, raising his slushy in the air like a toast.

Kuboyasu chuckled, "Seems like I missed out on quite a lot, huh?"

"Yeah, you did. I wish you could've transferred sooner, but instead, Toritsuka came first. Luckily, he's in the other class. "

"Hm..."

Above a faded zebra crossing, a traffic light frantically changed colours, seeming rather like a disco light. Stray dogs began barking, while the deafening music from the car echoed around the street. The pathway shimmered with the glow of the bright, yellow street lights. Now the sky had faded from black to a dark blue like a blanket.

"What about you? What were you up to before you came here? " Kaidou spoke up after taking a sip of his slushy.

Kuboyasu put his hands in his jacket pockets. He grumbled, starting with an answer, "Ya know, the usual delinquent stuff."

"Like what?"

"What do you think, I was a delinquent? Doin' illegal shit." Kuboyasu groaned, "It's as simple as that."

Kaidou hummed. He could see that there was a barrier that prevented him from opening up. He didn't force him to open up anymore as he could see how uncomfortable he looked. He shrugged and placed a hand on his shoulder and apologised, "If you don't want to say it, you don't have to."

Kuboyasu chuckled, "No biggie. I suppose I did take on five thugs at once," he rolled his eyes and bragged

Kaidou restrained himself from screaming like a fanboy but scoffed, as if was the most normal thing he'd ever heard, "Yeah, that's nothing compared to what I have to do. That's child's play compared to me.  I have to throw my body into life-or-death battles as training every day!" 

Kuboyasu nodded with a hum. He wasn't buying it, but he loved the supercilious gaze through those half-lidded eyes. It made approaching him more difficult, "Of course, I kind of forgot who I was dealing with." He mused as he took a sip of his slushy.

The sound of birds began to sing in the moist air of the morning. It was chilly but felt comforting with just the two of them.

"Ya know, I've never snuck out like this before. It's strange." Kaidou mused, reflectively.

Kuboyasu sighed reflectively. He lifted his shoulders in a half-shrug, "Am I forcing you or anything?"

"What, no, of course not. It's just nice to have this. Thank you, Aren. Maybe we should do this more often."  He gave Kuboyasu a gentle smile.

"Sure, but I'll text you before coming over unexpectedly."

"I was going to add that I'm glad you came to that conclusion yourself."

Kaidou began to suck air through the straw and narrowed his eyes in disappointment. He noticed a nearby trash can and threw the straw with a little distance between him and it. The cup immediately rebounded and fell to the ground.

"Damn it, I swear I had that!" He shouted, putting his hand on his hips. He bent over and placed it in the bin normally. His mild disappointment was reinforced by Kuboyasu's chuckling under his hand.

"That was pretty close." Kuboyasu complimented, placing his empty cup in the bin.

"Dark Reunion's fault." Kaidou snapped back.

"Figured."

"Damn it, I just remembered something." Kaidou audibly groaned.

"What would that be?"

Kaidou jerked his head around as he begrudgingly bit his lip, "I have cram school today." Usually, I'm so sharp about my schedule."

Had he forgotten how his week usually goes? Worst of all, Kuboyasu was the one who made him forget. Was this a good thing or a bad thing?

"Cram school?" Kuboyasu was confused as to what that term meant.

"It's an extra study program, and it sucks."

"Why waste time when you could be having fun?" Kuboyasu groaned at the idea. Sure, he wanted to be an upstanding person in society and school, but he didn't find studying all that fun. He would rather be happier and free than locked up and studying every day of the week. That brought an idea to him, "Hey, what if we make a little hang out area?"

"Like a hideout?"

That was a little childish, but he wasn't wrong, "Why not? It could be a secret hideaway where you can relax and get away from the annoying shit in our lives. It could just be us and no one else. "

That's exactly what Kaidou needed: a way to relax and have some time to himself. He smiled as he interpreted the hideout as being this amazing secret layer for scheming and planning, even though it was just a hangout spot. Even though his inner child was bouncing up and down, he maintained a calm demeanour.

"Sounds cool."

Kaidou's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he checked it. Kaidou's face became paler, as if it wasn't already pale enough, as his eyes were bulging out.

Kuboyasu stared with a half-lidded look in his eyes and frowned, "You good?"

"I have to go!"

Kuboyasu gave him a lopsided grin and said, "Alright, you better get going. I won't stop you." He turned away and said, "I'll see you in a bit."

"Later! "

---

Kaidou could feel his blood racing as he raced down the street, almost bumping into pedestrians on the way. He could see his house coming up in the distance as he internally sighed in relief. He slid to a stop as his breathing fluctuated and his arms fumbled with the doorknob.

He entered his warm house and sighed in relief when no one was up. He delicately made his way to the couch as if he had just woken up.

"So, you're back?"

Kaidou jumped as a younger female voice shouted out. He turned to look at a younger girl with a darker shade of blue hair, folding her arms as she leaned against the wall.

Sora, you've got it all wrong. I was out for a morning jog. " Kaidou scratched his neck as he lied. Yet Sora could see that his shifty eyes were hiding something from her.

She turned up her nose at the reply, "You... exercising? That is the funniest thing I've ever heard from you. "

"Yes!"

"So you snuck out of the house at four in the morning to go for a jog with your friend... to a run-down convenience store?"

Kaidou froze like he had been electrocuted.

"Before you ask why I knew that, I heard you and your friend talking to each other. You weren't very quiet."

Kaidou felt a void swallow him whole. "You aren't going to tell Mother, are you?"

Sora glowered as she huffed, "Eh, I couldn't care less. As long as you're safe and not getting into any trouble, I don't care. "

"Thank you, or else I would die."

"Okay, just don't do something stupid."

Thank God, if his mother found out that he was hanging out with a former delinquent, then they would never see each other again.

---

Kaidou would be lying if he said he wasn't tired all day at school. He blamed Kuboyasu for disrupting his sleep and making him more moody and sassy than usual. But he had no regrets about it.

Throughout the day, Nendou, Kaidou, and Kuboyasu stayed together. Their shenanigans include Kaidou and Kuboyasu making fun of Nendou (without his knowledge), preventing Nendou from doing things that would cause them second-hand embarrassment, and preventing Kuboyasu from exploding in a violent rage (at the slightest contact with a stranger).

It was almost as if Saiki didn't need to wrangle the others like a tired wine mum when he had Kuboyasu and Kaidou to keep everyone in line. He expected these two to be an "interesting" duo, to say the least.

However, the rush of the day faded when the end of the school day approached. However, this did not mean it was time for Kaidou to unwind; in fact, his day had only just begun with cram school.

It's not his fault he ended up here; it was mostly due to his mother's desire for him to do well in school. Don't get him wrong, his mother isn't a bad person; she's a helicopter mum who cared about education while also wanting Kaidou to have a bright future.

She did discipline him on occasion, but it was never heartbreaking or abusive. She was just doing it to make sure Shun had a great life.

Due to the hypnotic ticking of the clock, Kaidou became increasingly irritable as he counted down the minutes until the lesson ended.

I'll be free in 40 minutes. In front of him was his actual book, which had been meticulously formatted. As he turned the page, he noticed a doodle in the corner of his book. It was a chibi drawing of Kuboyasu's face with the word "hi" written underneath it. Kaidou clenched his teeth and inhaled deeply through his nose.

Aren, when did you find the time to steal this book in the first place, let alone draw on it? What else is he going to steal next? I swear, once this class is over, I'm going to give that pesky delinquent a piece of my mind! He screamed internally.

However, as he stared intently at his sworn friend's chibi drawing, his shock and anger turned to laughter.

This was just an innocent prank that Kaidou was getting mad at. He felt his chest rumble with a laugh that came out as a chuckle. He couldn't stay mad at Aren.

He found that, interestingly, a lot of people annoyed him (*cough, Nendou, cough*), but Kuboyasu made him feel more playful and happier.

Kuboyasu turned out to be a huge dork.

Yet Kaidou was also a dork, so he couldn't judge.

The longer he stared at the drawing, the more he had an ear-to-ear grin. How could something this simple bring him the most enjoyment?

Suddenly, a message came over the loudspeaker, requiring their professor to leave the classroom. After the long silence that was still too loud, the students were immediately able to converse with one another. Kaidou shifted in his seat, his gaze fixed on the doodle.

 There was a loud knock on the window. Kaidou was the only one who noticed Kuboyasu standing by the window, his cheeks glowing. At the very least, the cram school was just a one-story building.

Kaidou's mouth dropped open. How the fuck does he keep finding me? I swear to God I'm going to get a restraining order against you!

He marched up to the window and gave him one of the dirtiest looks he'd ever given, and his words were sharp as if laced with venom. He slid open the window and scowled.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Aren? How long did you stand there? "

The hostility in Kaidou's eyes caught Kuboyasu off guard.

"I just got here. Because the way you described cram school sounded tedious, I figured you wanted to get out of there. So I'm here to bust you out," he joked, "besides, I texted you."

"We're not allowed phones in class, dumbass!" Kaidou scowled.

It was a little disheartening for Kuboyasu to see this side, but it was so... interesting. Fiesty even

"Nu-huh, you're not dragging me into your shit again. I almost got in trouble because of you! How in the world did you find this place?" Kaidou yelled, pointing a finger at him.

"I don't know, it was almost like a mental calling that brought me here."

Kaidou raised a brow and said, "seriously," with a half-lidded glare.

"I'm not kidding! It was like a little voice told me the location!"

The other students started laughing and snickering at the two. Some even joked that they were once a couple.

"Couldn't you have waited like forty minutes before inviting me to hang out?"

"What's the harm in wagging for forty minutes? Besides, you look like you're gonna from exhaustion. Come on, let's have some fun. "

Kaidou did have dark circles under his eyes, and his body needed relief.

"Like, like what?"

"I dunno, find a hideout?"

"A... secret layer," muttered Kaidou. This was a promise they both agreed to keep. He looked at his desk, then at the other students in the room, and finally at the door.

"Leave while you have the chance." One of the students encouraged, "Trust us, we can't bear these lessons either."

He looked back at Kuboyasu. He hated that he was right. However, Kuboyasu was like a puppy dog which Kaidou could not say no to.

"Fine, but you're on thin ice. I swear to God, if weren't sworn friends, then I would unwrap my right hand and punt you into another dimension! " Kaidou growled. He was like a kitten with a lion's roar.

"Loud and clear."

---

In the open air, Kuboyasu could tell there was a more confident and peppy stride in Kaidou. It made him smile, knowing that he was doing a good thing. For someone else, he was helping another person become happier.

Maybe this is what goodie-goodies are supposed to do. Make others feel happy.

"You seem much happier," Kuboyasu remarked.

Kaidou didn't even need to turn to face him to know Kuboyasu was smirking at him. "Just so you know, you had nothing to do with it," he gave a lying remark. Kuboyasu could tell because his ears were reddening.

"You're an awful liar," Kuboyasu slyly remarked, but his voice was too smooth and sweet to be an insult. 

Kaidou scoffed and nudged his sides. Kaidou and Kuboyasu found themselves in a run-down part of town. Kuboyasu strained because of the sight. It reeked of violence, drugs, and other illegal shit. Kaidou was also scrutinising the place with a firm glare.

"Did we take a wrong turn or something?"

"Well, the other hideout places seemed a little too... neat and obvious," Kaidou explained. In reality, he had no idea where they were going.

They looked up at a gigantic grey building. The walls are so tall and never-ending, that they encircle them as if they were the victims of an ambush.

Kuboyasu loved danger as much as the next guy, but even he knew it was a little too much.

Kuboyasu had slight suspicions but didn't want to bring down the roof, since Kaidou seemed so happy. "Well, let's go!" Kaidou shouted, puffing out his chest.

I guess he likes scary things too. Kuboyasu thought.

Inside, it looked a lot larger than before, though there was little flooring or ceiling. Four endless walls and a staircase led to an even darker room. The dust, cobwebs, and graffiti on the walls brought him back to reality. They were not the first ones to experience this unwelcoming, macabre pile of bricks.

The wall was reeked of asbestos and mould. It seemed like a run-down factory that hadn't seen the light of day for eighty years.

Even the walls were too unstable.

"You sure this is a good spot?" Kuboyasu asked, eyeing the crevices.

Kaidou laughs loudly. Inside the building, where it's just him and Kuboyasu, His voice reverberates. He can't help but love this moment. In his eyes, it looked like an ancient ruin tower. It made his heart leap. It gave him a feeling of nostalgia for wanting to explore an ancient ruin that his child-like mind always wanted to do.

However, Kuboyasu could feel this place reeked of crime. It was ripped, dismantled, and stained. Abandoned :

Newspapers that gave the date of a hundred years ago barely mentioned it, for they were covered in dust. Boxes that read "FRAGILE" where one could identify broken pieces of jars, plates, and glass. There were no answers there, simply the smell of rot, the sound of creaking, the touch of a rough surface, the sight of a horror scene.

Kaidou acted like he had known this place like the back of his hand for years. His shoulders were straightened as if he was about to sacrifice himself. No, there's no need to be afraid of anything. He had the characteristics of being able to purposefully control his fear.

"Isn't his place amazing, Aren?"

"Yeah," Kuboyasu replied, "It certainly is...unique. Not what I had in mind, but sure. "

Kuboyasu elbowed the wall, which left a hole in the wall. "I don't think this place can live much longer. It looks like it went through a hell of a beating. "

"Of course, this is an ancient ruin! It was built for by my fallen brethren, whom I will avenge once I make this my secret layer. Only then will my ideas spread and inspire people to oppose the Dark Reunion. This could be the start of an anti-Dark Reunion revolution. Oh, alongside you of course."

Kuboyasu walked behind Kaidou, partially listening, like a parent listening to a toddler and having no idea what he was talking about.

Kuboyasu's foot nearly fell through a floorboard, causing him to stumble back as his heart raced and he swallowed hard.

"Are you okay?" Kaidou shouted.

"Yeah, are you sure this is a secure building?" Kuboyasu muttered uncertainly again as he peered down through the hole.

"Is the powerful ex-delinquent afraid of an abandoned building?"

"There's a distinction to be made between being scared and being cautious."

They got to the next floor. As they climbed, the building became more tattered.

"Did you hear that?" Kaidou froze and murmured. It was like a rumble.

"Yeah."

Kuboyasu glared at Kaidou, telling him to be still and quiet. The sound of footsteps became increasingly loud. Until it stopped.

"Look out!" Kuboyasu screamed. A blunt knife flew towards them, making a "zing" sound as they jumped away from each other. Kaidou bumped into a wall while Kuboyasu held his ground.

Six people dressed in black coats and masks jumped from the next floor and ran up the stairs from the floor beneath them. Some were holding various weapons, ranging from a metal pole to a bat wrapped in nails, a glass bottle, pistols, and a knife.

Each of them was of various sizes and heights. One was dressed in a black coat that was draped to the ground with a hood over their head. That must be the leader.

"Sorry, Shun, looks like this place is already occupied." Kuboyasu groaned. Kaidou felt like his body could snap if he turned around. Not because he was scared, of course, it was because of the concentration of his powers running wildly.

Damn, it was such a good one too. Kaidou gritted through his teeth.

A knife cut forward, blade flashing in the light, Kuboyasu yelled, his shirt cut open, with bared teeth he stared into the thug's face.

Kaidou jumped back as a metal pole came crashing down towards him. He immediately pretended to be startled and fell on his backside, thus gracefully dodging the steel pipe. This is a high-level technique to take bad guys and unexpected opponents off guard.

The double-edged knife struck again, with the thugs lightning-fast reflexed. Kuboyasu tried to focus on all the thugs that surrounded him. Two of them were undoubtedly closing in on him. They must've figured out he was the stronger one.

Kuboyasu brought his elbow behind him and crashed it into a thug's face, then with the other he quickly kicked upwards. Landing a cleaning crunch to the chest.

Kuboyasu could feel his breathing become faster as his sweat began pooling upon his face. The blade struck across his cheek like it was paper-thin. Kuboyasu heard the sound of a 'bang!"

The bullet flew past him like a dart, and the double-bladed knife struck again.

Kaidou rolled on the ground, as a couple of thugs loomed over him. A green bottle came smashing down. He rolled as the bottle shattered like a fine piece of china. It sliced his cheek, and crimson liquid began to seep down.

Kaidou panted but realised the thug was in perfect range. He brought his foot up, kicking as higher as he ever could; as he landed a blow on the thug's crotch.

Kaidou scrambled away from the collapsing thug. Kaidou screamed, no he didn't scream it was a war cry. That's how you know he was about to attack.

Kaidou rolled onto his stomach and rose his head up to look at Kuboyasu. He was graceful and light on his feet as the thugs struck left and right. He was taking on three thugs at once. His mouth gaped open as his eyes absorbed Kuboyasu's movements.

In his eyes, a light began radiating from Kuboyasu, like a shining hero in his presence.

He easily dodged the swinging of a wooden bat, his legs kicked upwards towards their stomach. Then he jumped out of the way of the shining dagger. The thug's hand knife began swinging more violently and impatiently. From his side, a fist smashed into his face. Making him stumble back into a wall.

The thug loomed over him, with the knife out in front of him. He could see his bruised and bloodied face in the silver reflection. Kuboyasu could taste blood as his eyes glowed with rage. Then he heard a bullet lock into the pistol.

Kaidou charged forward as he sped past the thug with a knife, he slammed his school bag across the thug's face. Kaidou took the lead and dragged Kuboyasu behind him.

"Shun, what are you doing!?" He shouted.

"Saving our lives."

"I can fight!"

"But you can also run away!"

Kuboyasu's cheek's glowed in the orange light of the setting sun, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Kaidou was saving him. Getting him out of danger while looking so determined. That's the badass Kaidou he saw.

Kaidou flew down the stair with Kuboyasu trailing behind him. The sound of shouting and bullets rang behind them. Now Kuboyasu took the lead as Kaidou trailed behind. He was just making the thugs believe he was slow so he could control his powers.

The pumping of his blood was exhilarating. His eyes sparkled as he stared up at Kuboyasu and how the sound blurred out behind him. His heart raced and he smiled.

This was the freedom he wanted. This is what he's always wanted. To have fun and do something cool.

He had a lot of things to thank Kuboyasu for.

Kaidou noticed an open window; he gasped as he dragged Kuboyasu in the same direction.

"Shun!"

"Jump!"

Kaidou leapt forwards as he brought Kuboyasu along. They tumbled down a steep hill. Kaidou's tumbling was a lot rough as he felt the sharp stones prod at his stomach and scratch his flesh. They came to a clearing which was in a forest with tall trees that enclosed them like a hug. Kuboyasu fell forward and buried his head in the crook of Kaidou's neck while an arm snaked around his chest.

Kuboyasu's world continued to spin as he cursed his colorful vocabulary through his teeth. He felt his arms twitch in pain but he didn't care about that. Kuboyasu rose onto his knees as he stared down at Kaidou with a pale face.

"Shun, are you okay?" Kuboyasu shouted with concern. He leaned backward as Kaidou rose from the ground. Kaidou's eyes were dilated as he stared at the ground.

Kuboyasu mentally slapped himself; how could he be so reckless? Ugh, maybe if he didn't force Kaidou to hang out none of this would've happened.

"Kaidou, if you don't want to hang out anymore I'm cool with that..."

Kaidou erupted in loud laughter as his cheeks glowed red and his eyes sparkled with tears. His smile caught Kuboyasu off guard as he stared in utter confusion, rapidly blinking

"Y-you're not upset with me."

"Are you kidding? That was so amazing! The way you took down those thugs was incredible!" Kaidou shouted, he was like a kid fanboying with a dimpled smile "You were so freaking brave!"

Kuboyasu stuttered as he bashfully looked away, "you were pretty brave yourself, getting me out of danger like that."

"This was the most fun I've had in years! This was so worth it!"

Kuboyasu couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt his lips automatically curved into a smile that felt natural and small. He huffed to himself amusingly.

"You should get home, I wouldn't want to drag you into any more of my shit."

Kaidou gave him a fake pout, "Aw, were you worried that we were no longer friends?" He whined sarcastically.

Kuboyasu pushed Kaidou's smug face away as he glowered. He gave him a sidelong glance.

"So, have I repaid you yet?" Kaidou chuckled.

For a second Kuboyasu was confused about what he meant but then he gasped in understanding. He shook his head and retorted, "Yeah, you definitely did."

Kuboyasu rose onto his feet and extended a hand which Kaidou gladly took. Kuboyasu scanned his face with a concerned tsk, "Are you sure you're okay."

"Yes of course."

Kuboyasu sighed in relief. Kaidou's face had stretches and cuts on it, but it didn't make him any less happy.

"Maybe we should refrain from finding a hideout to making a hideout?" Kuboyasu suggested.

"Haha, yeah I agree."

"Is your mother going to be okay with this?"

"Don't worry, as long as I lie I shouldn't get into trouble." Kaidou rolled his eyes but he appreciated the concern.

They stepped onto the street after a steep climb. Then, the sun was setting over the hills. It made Kaidou glow in the radiating light, making him look perfect even with the scratches.

"Yeah, well, won't bother you too much." Kuboyasu nodded, putting his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for saving me, Jet Black Wings."

"Anytime. If you need a hero I will always be here."

Kuboyasu smiled as he walked away, almost hidden by the sun. Kaidou sighed deeply, smiling at the reformed delinquent.

He could get used to this.

Chapter Text

Kuboyasu rarely woke up smiling. After lying on his back and arms for hours, he stretched. He glanced around his room and decided to rearrange some items. A sliding closet is where he hid his weapons and tools. just so he would have a little bit of space.

He then put on his uniform, which was different from the rest of his clothing. As a result of its pale green colour, it stood out amongst thug clothing dominated by white and dark colours.

Mrs Kuboyasu sat in the living room. She sank into the couch as she watched the news. Her red hair shone in the sun seeping into the lounge. Her hair was cut to neck length and her eyes were shifty and scheming all the time. She turned the moment she noticed a shadow on the wall.

"Morning, Aren. There's coffee on the bench if you want it. "

"Thanks," her son replied, in his usual morning voice. It was raspy and gravelly.

Kuboyasu made his way over to the coffee and sat down near a circular dining table.

Kuboyasu heard his mother laughing at him.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

His mother turned her head, her eyes being her most distinguishing feature. Her eyes were sharp, with cunning and slyness written all over them. It is something Kuboyasu was also born with.

She stretched out her arms, exposing her lean muscles. She muttered, "You look completely different."

Aren didn't understand what she meant by that. She stood up and walked over to her son, tilting his chin so he would look up at her.

"It's startling how clean you are now," she said, brushing the stray hairs out of her son's eyes. "I remember when I was just like this."

It almost startled her how much Aren had changed. He wasn't raging every time they spoke, he wasn't throwing violent tantrums, and he wasn't punching any walls. He was neatly dressed, his hair was styled, and his glasses were not askew.

"Don't get your hopes up just yet. I still have things I need to fix. " Aren groaned.

"You seem a lot happier. What's up? You never talk about your days at school. I thought it was a normal thing all kids did. "

"Well... I suppose I am having fun with a friend."

"You have a friend?"

Aren glowered at her. Why did she say that as if it was the rarest thing in the world?

"Uh, yeah. He's cool, I guess. "

"Why don't you bring him over or something? We'd be more than happy. "

"I suppose so..." Aren sceptically sighed, "He's a normal kid, but he's different."

After finishing breakfast, Aren helped clean up; even the way he spoke and acted around his mother wasn't brash and rude as much.

"Well, I'm going. Don't steal anything valuable. " Aren called.

"Are you forgetting something?" She made a muttered remark. She held Aren's wallet in her hands with a smirk.

Yep, I see who I got the attitude from.

"I thought you promised not to steal anything." He snatched the wallet and playfully glared.

"Doesn't mean I can't have a little fun, right?"

He couldn't argue with that.

"And just remember, you can get out of anything."

"I know. I hate you, Mom. "

"I hate you more!"

---

Kaidou awkwardly shifted in his chair and still couldn't understand why his mother hadn't gotten up to him yet. It's been a couple of days since the heist, yet it feels like it was only yesterday. He knew he had other things going on in his life, like Nendou, Saiki, and the rest of the gang, but he still couldn't believe he got away with wagging. In fact, how did the teacher not call his mother? Wouldn't she have been reported for his absence? Not to mention, he snuck out through the window with Kuboyasu.

Let alone lie in front of his mother.

Have you figured it out yet? A quiet Saiki rolled his eyes and focused outside from the window. 

He only told her that he had accidentally tripped over when walking home. Thus, she went over how to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. It was like she had a manual for everything. It was a little overbearing, but at least she didn't stop him and Kuboyasu from hanging out. That's the thing he treasured most.

For a bit, Kuboyasu hadn't been in the picture very much. He wondered if it had to do with a couple of days ago. He could hear the fragile tone in his head; he thought he had lost him. It was sweet to know that he cared deeply and knew it was dangerous.

Yet, the heist was the most relieving thing he had ever done. He felt like a baby bird at times, feeling like he had to do things one step at a time while being cooped up in normal life. Yet this felt like a direct push out of the nest. Yeah, it was dangerous, but it taught him a lot more about himself.

He liked hanging out with Kuboyasu and doing wacky things with him. he didn't mind if he got to indulge in both sides of this mysterious and fascinating person. Kuboyasu was far from normal but tried to revert from that.

Heck, he's even created a deuterogamist for his story. His story consisted of the Jet Black Wings himself, and the Fire Light Halo, Aren Kuboyasu. He even gave this character his backstory.

He was once part of a famous gang that was known as the Fire Lights, which was made to distinguish the world from discord and corruption. The Dark Reunion and the Fire Lights were known as enemies. Hence, why do they become a duo that takes on the world together?

"What are you doodling there, runt?"

"Gah, don't sneak up on me like that!" He shouted. A six-foot-tall gorilla of a man loomed over him. He had a ball chin and a wacky haircut.

"Is that poop?"

"No, it isn't. It's the second greatest hero! See, he has all the features! "

"It looks like poop."

Kaidou growled at the ignorant male. I hate him. I hate him. Why do I hang out with him? He's annoying but he's my friend. Don't kill him.

I hate to agree, but Nendou's right. Saiki glared through his green glasses.

Kaidou began ranting about how it's a person and not a pile of poop. Nendou kept on disagreeing and pointing out how ridiculous it looked.

"I'd like to see your artistic abilities; then we'll see who's laughing."

Hairo overheard the commotion and decided to walk up. He peaked around Nendou's shoulders and gazed down.

The doodle looked nothing like a person. It was like a fifth-grader drew it. The eyes were out of proportion and the body was slim like a flower stem.

"If you keep training your hands every day, I bet you can improve!" Hairo slapped Kaidou on the back. Kaidou whimpered.

"As... interesting... as it is... I see potential."

Nendou and Hairo sounded like parents. Nendou was the blunt and disapproving dad, while Hairo was the confused but supportive dad. Hairo even nudged Nendou to say something more positive. Like a mother forcing the dad to say something nice instead of dismissing him.

"What are we talking about?"

"Aren!" Kaidou gasped. His eyes widened at the sight of him, "They don't get my drawing!"

Kuboyasu stared down at the notebook. His lips twisted in confusion and his eyebrows pulled together, "Yeah, it looks like shit."

It felt like an arrow made of bricks shot through his heart.

"Do you want me to draw them?"

Kaidou felt his soul revive. "Yes please."

---

Throughout the last period in maths, Kuboyasu could tell that Kaidou was laser-focused on his work. He got a glimpse of Kaidou's scribbled sheet full of equations, then looked at his own.

He had only gotten five questions done while Kaidou was answering them as if he were writing a chapter in the bible.

He must not have been doing well in class. He blamed his past self for his current predicament. Maybe he wouldn't be struggling if he had picked up a book sooner. All he had on his page were small doodles and vulgar words and catchphrases. He'd gone through five pencils, not because the tips were blunt, but because he'd broken five.

He was perplexed as to how Kaidou could manage school while also participating in an after-school study programme. Not only did the work make Kuboyasu want to collapse onto his bed, but so did the school day.

The sweet relief of the bell chiming lifted Kuboyasu's spirits. Thank God, I was about to punch something out of boredom.

Kaidou got up from his seat and stretched his arms and back. He looked Kuboyasu in the eyes with a kind expression, even though he had eyebags under them. This occurs when you are uninterested in schoolwork but are required to complete it."Aren, do you have any plans for today?" He inquired.

"Nope, not today."

Kuboyasu side-eyed him, "So, do you want to come over to my house today?"

Aren's secret base...

"Yeah, I'll just need to call my mother."

"You worry about your mother a lot."

Well, she's a little strict. It isn't so bad. "

Kaidou monotonously said as he took his phone out. He then gave him a sly look with his eyes.

"Have you noticed you're missing something?" He chuckled.

"Like what?"

Kaidou took a rubber out of his pocket and flipped it to him. Kuboyasu felt a chuckle forced from his throat. "Seriously?"

"Hey, I can do it too."

"Shun...you asked to borrow a rubber in math. You didn't steal it. "

Kaidou dropped his shoulders and gave him a half-hooded glare as he scowled.  "Maybe I would've if you hadn't caught me every time."

Kuboyasu adjusted his glasses and said, "If you want to steal something from me, you have to do it unexpectedly. You need to take advantage of the right time and know-how to outdo me. "

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Good idea."

---

Kaidou was taken aback but not disappointed. The two came to a halt in front of a dilapidated shack of a house. Tin was used to make the roof. Death threats were scrawled on the walls in gritty, bold ink. At the very least, no intruders would be invited to this house. So, this was the Fire Light Halo layer, huh?

Kuboyasu held open the door and nudged his head inside, "Come on in."

Inside, the space was cramped; there was a full lounge chair near the door and a small round coffee table in the kitchen. There was a hallway leading to the master bedroom and a smaller bedroom.

Kaidou's entire body twitched as he tiptoed around. It was all very punk. The walls were riddled with holes, and there were banners, stolen items, and broken glass strewn about.

"There you are, you little shit." A woman called out. Kaidou jumped as a tall, middle-aged woman stood in front of Aren. She greeted her son with a slap on the head and then ruffled his hair. She didn't have work today so she's been home for a day.

She looked over and gasped as she saw Kaidou. He was completely pale and ghostly as he looked like he was a kid shaking with fear.

"Is this the friend you mentioned to me?" She took a step back and then a step closer. She was very tall, taller than him by a lot, athletically built, and her arms had lean muscles. Kaidou assumed it was from her days as a thief. Her violet hair bounced as she walked over, her eyes as intense as Aren's.

"Hello. Ma'am, I'm Jet Black-Er-Shun Kaidou. I'm Aren's companion-friend. I— It's nice to meet you. "

"Well, aren't you a precious thing?" She gasped. He was a lot smaller than he was, and she could kill him too.

Kaidou shot his hands over his head, trying to block Mrs Kuboyasu's gaze. "Aren, why didn't you tell me you found a sweetheart?"

Aren rolled his eyes as he retrieved a soda can from the fridge.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you." She stepped away sympathetically. Her voice was triumphant and strident. She then made her way to her son. She pulled him closer by the ear and whispered harshly as Aren yelped.

"Hurt a hair on him and I'm going to run you over with your motorbike. Got it?"

"I get it!" Kuboyasu shouted as he fought his way out of his mother's hold. He grabbed Kaidou by the wrist and pulled him along. Kuboyasu's face was beginning to blush. "Come on, Shun; I'll take you to the garage."

"Were you embarrassed?" Kaidou swooned with a sly coo, "Aww, that's so unlike you," he said in a sing-song voice.

"Shut it. I don't think she got over the fact that I have a friend. " He replied in his usual gruff tone.

"I have to say, your mother is not what I expected. I thought she was..."

"Going to be brash and rude like me?"

"NO. I didn't mean it like that. "

"Well, she is that if you get on her bad side. She's terrifying, trust me. "

Kuboyasu led Kaidou out the back. There was a shed at the corner of the large backyard. People were even lucky to have a large piece of land in Japan. The grass was unkempt, as it reached up to knee height.

"Why are we going to the garage?"

My room's a little boring. "Side, I want to show you something."

He unlocked the shed's roll-up door and shoved it up. It made a loud bang. There wasn't much in the garage. There were shelves full of tools, spider webs in the corners, and a pool table. The only cool thing there was a motorbike.

The paint was beginning to tear off and had scratches here and there, but in Kaidou's eyes, it looked incredible.

"Holy wow, Aren!" Kaidou jumped like a little kid and ran up to the motorbike, "This is so cool! I didn't know you had a motorbike! "

He had an ear-to-ear grin on his face that was so bright it could blind anyone who saw it. The red on his face began to spread as his cheeks glowed.

"I had a feeling you'd get it!" Kuboyasu sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his head. Kaidou stared, wide-eyed, with his mouth open. He closed his eyes, imagining what it might be. The crowd was applauding him, the wind was whipping his ears, and he could feel the energy coursing through his veins. That would be fantastic.

Isn't Kuboyasu going to be there? He dreamt of him riding a motorcycle alongside him. His friend's face bore an aloof but supportive expression. With the laughter and smile he'd always given, he lost himself even further in his mind. He only desired freedom, excitement, and Aren.

"Shun... hey. Earth to the Jet Black Wings. I kind of lost you. "

"Sorry, I was thinking about a character I made. They have a motorbike, and I saw the resemblance between you and them. "

"Oh. That's nice. "

Kuboyasu sighed, "I wish I could take pride in this. However, it's been through a lot," Gesturing at the bike, he had a disappointed scowl, "I crashed it at one point and needed a part-time job. I think I've mentioned that."

"You have."

"Well, I've been meaning to give this bike a new coat. Do you want to help?" Kuboyasu asked as he walked over to some paint cans.

"Hell yeah! I'm going to paint the hell out of it. I will make it look like the best bike for the Fire Light—I mean, you. "

Kuboyasu was so focused on moving the paint cans and brushes that he didn't hear the last part.

"I'm sure you will."

There was bright purple and yellow paint in front of them. Kuboyasu removed his school jacket and threw it away, wearing a white tank top underneath. It revealed his rough and chiselled muscles. Kaidou did the same thing, but he was wearing a white shirt underneath. Aren had a plan and an idea of how he wanted the bike to look. Kaidou thought it should be a shiny purple to match his hair, but he also wanted yellow streaks of paint to look like flames.

"Ready?" Kuboyasu's eyes narrowed as if begging for a challenge, which Kaidou gladly accepted.

The dark and frayed purple coat began to cover them with every stroke of their brushes. Soon, the bike became a bright purple, capturing Kuboyasu's style. Kuboyasu snorted as he looked at Kaidou's concentrated face. He looked like a child that was struggling to colour in between the lines.

"There. It's finished! " Kaidou wiped his brow as if he had excessively finished exercising.

The bike almost shone.

"It looks amazing!"

"Took the words out of my mouth."

Kaidou laughed as he flicked his brush around; the bristles came into contact with Kuboyasu's cheek. Purple paint was smeared on it. Kuboyasu gasped with a horrified face. His jaw dropped with disbelief; he snapped his head to face the smaller boy, almost robotically.

Kaidou felt his heart thump as the tall one came closer. Kaidou straightened his shoulders as he couldn't find himself moving backwards. Kuboyasu's face was flushed red. Was it out of anger or embarrassment?

"A-Aren, I didn't mean to. Oh come on, don't act like that. " His shrilled voice strained he averted Kuboyasu's gaze. Oh gods, what happened to Aren. Did the Dark Reunion shapeshift into him? Ah, what do I do? I know. I'll pretend to act helpless and then I'll attack. Yeah, that's it. Like a mouse running into a trap.

"Don't come any closer..."

Suddenly, a blob of paint was slammed into Kaidou's chest. As it seeped through his shirt and down his skin, he stared in shock as it looked like he was bleeding purple blood.

He heard a deep chuckle coming from Aren. It exploded into a loud and hysterical laugh that shook him to his core. His eyes began sparkling with laughter and tears. He couldn't help but express his entertainment through this new feeling.

Kaidou could only stare in stunned silence. His heart throbbed slightly as Kuboyasu looked so happy. His cheeks were pink and spread to his ears. The smile on the delinquent's face became memories in his crimson eyes as his ears absorbed the adorable laughter. In turn, he smiled too. His laugh was like music to him, sending warm, electrical waves down his spine.

He liked this side of him. He would like to see this side more.

Kaidou scooped some yellow paint in his hands and launched it at Kuboyasu's chest. Kuboyasu gasped as he retaliated with paint violence.

"Oh, it's on!"

Instead of painting the bike, the two began to paint the inside of the garage. The room was illuminated with laughter and colour. It was more beautiful than a perfectly painted canvas, so who cared if they made a mess; they were having fun. That's the point of art, it's supposed to be fun and nonsensical. Yet the minor inconvenient details could reveal the meaning more. It came together like unity and harmony. Kuboyasu embraced a more calm and joyous demeanour like a child, while Kaidou went all out like it was a life or death battle.

They've never transferred so much love as they have now. It was like a snack that satisfied an empty stomach. It rushed through their systems so much that they became full.

They stumbled out of the garage and onto the grass. They looked like they were ambushed by a paint monster whose guts had spilt over them.

"What are you boys doing?" Mrs Kuboyasu asked. Her voice was growling and gravelly.

"M... Mrs Kuboyasu. I am so sorry. "

"Sorry, mom." Kuboyasu groaned. His excitement turned to annoyance quickly.

She then laughed, catching the boys off guard. "You boys are something, huh?"

Kuboyasu and Kaidou smiled.

"Kaidou, why don't you use the shower to wash all of that off? I'll wash your clothes too." She gratefully offered. Her voice was more stern and stoic as she pointed at her son, "You're using the hose!"

"What! WHY? " Her son asked in a disbelieving shout. Kaidou chuckled in his throat as he glanced up at him.

---

Mrs Kuboyasu provided Kaidou with dry clothes after washing and drying his uniform thoroughly and roughly. He was currently dressed in one of Aren's oversized shirts."Thank you very much, Ma'am." He smiled as he slid the jacket over his shoulders.

"There's no need for that." She gave a nod. She put her hand on the young boy's shoulder and said, "Thank you for brightening Aren's day. I had never seen him so happy in all of his life in all of the years I had raised him. "

Kaidou smiled, knowing he had done something good. He also felt a bit of sympathy for Kuboyasu, but he was going to make their friendship worthwhile. Speaking of the devil, Kuboyasu walked in soaking wet. He looked like a wet poodle.

Kaidou slammed his hand on the table and erupted in laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it off. At least you got off scot-free. " He snarled and glared at his mother. Kaidou scrunched up his nose with a tight-lipped grin. He felt his phone buzz and checked in.

"I have to knock off."

"Uh, do you know how to get back from here?" Kuboyasu rocked up and undefined him.

Kaidou sheepishly shook his head.

---

The sky was a dark blue, deeper than the ocean; there was only a lamp post to light their way.

Kaidou smiled as he looked up at Kuboyasu, "I had fun today."

"I'm glad you did." Kuboyasu nodded, with a half-hooded gaze. He gasped as he took something from his pocket. He handed it over to him. He unwrapped the crumpled up paper and revealed a drawing of Kaidou's other character.

"The Fire Light halo, huh. Sounds badass."

"When did you get the chance to draw this?"

"I stole your notebook and decided to draw it during history. I also grabbed it before we left the house."

Kaidou stared intently at the character. It looked exactly like what he imagined. He hoped it wasn't obvious who it was based on.

"I'll see you later, Aren." He muttered this as he took his leave. 

"See ya later, Jet Black Wings!"

----

"Shun, you were gone for ages. I thought someone kidnapped you." The moment he stepped into the warm comfort of his house, he was scooped up into his mother's embrace. "I knew you were studying, but not for this long," she said, much taller than her son, cupping his face and analysing it intently. "I was about to call the police! "

"I'm fine, mom, we just lost track of time." He fought his way out of his mother's grasp. There was a shine across her glass as she gave her son a scrutinising glare. She looked at the shirt that went past his stomach and the armholes looked too spacious.

"I swear you were wearing a different shirt." Mrs Kaidou muttered. She pushed his arm up to get a better look. Then she looked at his arms, which seemed to have faded colours on them. Paint? Did he have art today or something?

He looked down at his shirt. Crap, how did I forget that? This is Aren's shirt. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he lied, "No, it isn't. I usually tuck my shirt in. "

"Ah, well, as long as it's that. I wouldn't want you to be wearing someone else's shirt." She voiced her concerns. She stepped away as she exhaled through her nose, "Well, I have dinner in the microwave for you. You just have to heat it. "

"Okay, mother."

"So..." Sora's voice muttered from the couch, "You were studying with a friend for 2 hours?"

"Yup, I didn't realise it was getting dark," he replied to his sister.

"Jet Black Wings! " A squeaker and a smaller voice shouted out. Shun smiled softly as his younger brother, around 7 years old, walked by. "You promised you would teach me how to fight!"

"Sorry, Toki, I had extra training today. Hey, in a couple of hours I'll tell you about a person I met from another secret organization. "

"Boring, I only care about the Jet Black Wings and defeating the Dark Reunion." His brother pouted.

"Trust me, they are cool."

The microwave beeped, and Shun retreated with his meal. He needed a power-up.

You said you were studying with a friend? Was it Nendou or... what was his name again? "Mrs Kaidou commented.

"Oh no. I was studying with someone new. They're nice and smart. " He nodded.

"Well, as long as you're not getting distracted, then I'll allow you to stay over. However, I do need to meet them first. "

"Yes, mother."

It couldn't hurt to return the favour.

-----

The wind was rough outside the window. The only sounds were trees swaying in the lofty breeze and the singing of night birds. Kuboyasu lay on his side, fully relaxed in deep sleep. It wasn't often that he would sleep like this. He was either out on the streets, zipping around on his motorbike or running his gang. After a full afternoon of play, fun, and normal activities with Shun, made him feel more at ease. He didn't have much of an adrenaline rush. From his window, there was a knock. Then it came again, and again. The thing knocked three times.

Kuboyasu shot up, his eyes adjusted to the dark, and he demanded in a husky and gravelly voice, "Who's there?"

From his window, a fluffy blue-haired boy waved at him. Kuboyasu gasped as he rolled out of bed and onto the ground. He swore he heard Shun laughing at him. He marched his way up to the window, very proud that Shun was able to sneak out like this. He thought this was beneath him. Shun was thrown off guard by the singlet he was wearing, exposing parts of his chest and his muscular arm. He also wore black track pants.

He opened the window and raised a brow, "Waddup?"

"Hey, are you doing anything important right now? Like sleeping deeply at four in the morning? Or getting disturbed by a bored hero? " Shun smugly asked, tilting his chin as he checked his nails.

"Yes, in fact, I was and I am. Now, let me guess. You wanna do a convenience store run? "

"No. I want to get a slushy, I mean, ambrosia, so I can rejuvenate my powers. " Shun smiled, folding his arm. Aren couldn't stop the smile that forced its way onto his face.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" He forced it. He grabbed a purple and black jacket and threw it over his back. He climbed out the window and into the cold morning air. He punched Shun in the arm playfully, "I see you becoming more rebellious."

"And I see you're becoming sassier."

He noticed a shirt protruding out from his hoodie. It looked like a sloth shirt.  This made Shun squeak in realisation.

Aren smiled and looked Shun in the eyes.  "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Chapter Text

The weekend finally rolled around after a full stressful week of workload. Mostly for Shun. However, that didn't mean he had a distraction to help him. He and Aren would sneak out in the early mornings to go to a run-down park or a convenience store. Or Aren ditching Shun out of cram school. With permission of course. It was the only way they got to hang out if they weren't in the same episode or chapter together.

The early mornings did not make Shun less tired or cranky; rather, they brought him to life. Or

Aren made him feel alive, and all he wanted to do was give him back what he had given him. It only made him like Aren more. Kaidou was lying on his stomach, staring at his phone. He and Aren were texting at the time.

TheJetBlackWings: I can't believe they could overlook the Jet Black Wings' incredible vocals. With that, I could easily defeat anyone within a 50-mile radius. However, no one paid attention. Do you realise how great I was?....... Then Nendou dared to describe my voice as "horrible," as if it nailed scraping on a chalkboard........
Wait. Who was revealed to have a terrible voice? Him!

FireLightHalo: K

Shun offendedly gasped. The bravado. Did he give a damn about the tragedy that had befallen him?

FireLightHalo: sounds interesting. I wish I was there. 

JetBlackWings: agreed. we would've shown them what for!

FireLightHalo: The only issue is that I can't sing, lol.

Hmm.

JetBlackWings: u wanna come over to my house today. My mother's out, Sora is with her friends and Toki's in daycare.

FireLightHalo: Why the hell not. I know where u live so it shouldn't be difficult to find.

He had a visitor coming to his house. Sure, the words "I know where you live" sound creepy as hell, but Shun is overjoyed. This was the only time he could invite someone over without having to deal with his mother. Even though it was the weekend, she would undoubtedly force him and Aren to study. He simply wanted to do something enjoyable while he was at home alone.

She'd be home by four o'clock because she works part-time on weekends. She was a very busy woman because her husband was away on 'business.' even though the frame on the shelf appeared to be a cliche implication that his father was dead or out of the picture entirely. However, he was aware that his father would be returning for the summer vacation.

Shun smiled softly as he rolled onto his back. He couldn't get Aren out of his head. On some days, he would hang out with Saiki or Nendou, but he didn't feel the same way. He raised his head to look up at his pin-up board, which was covered in school notes, story ideas, and Aren's drawings. He should be an artist or something.

That would be expected. Aren had complained that he was too spontaneous and irrational and that he wanted to live a normal life while also having fun. Outside, he could hear the hum of a vehicle resonating down the street. It then came to a halt, and Shun jumped out of his bed. He dashed down the stairs and unlocked the door. Shun exclaimed as a figure removed his helmet. revealing his dark purple hair, which matched his purple motorcycle

"Aren!"

"Yo!" He cracked a grin. He unhooked his legs from the seat and approached more closely. Shun's smile broadened at the sight. He's so cool! Holy crap, he's so cool!

"Why the dramatic entrance?" Shun mentally slapped himself and looked up at Aren with a narrow gaze.

"Well, I do live quite far away," he shrugged. It took thirty minutes to get from Aren's house to Shun's. It only took ten minutes now.

Shun a crooked brow.

"Okay, so I wanted to show off a little." He rubbed the back of his neck as he rolled his eyes with a sheepish smirk.

"Don't worry, I'm all about flaunting," he smirked. "It's good to have some competition," he said as he led Aren inside his home. Aren was astounded by the size of the house. It was larger than his own house. Even though it was just a larger house, it appeared to him to be a mansion.

"So, what are we up to?" He inquired.

"Shall we go up to my room?"

They walk into his room. Some blue ELD lights were dangling from the ceiling's crevices. On his bed were a couple of plushies, mostly black or red animals. Bats, Bears, Dragons, and SpidersAren laughed quietly to himself. He has a large spider plushie, but he is terrified of them. He thought it was kind of cute. There were banners on the wall, mostly posters of bands like MCR, Green Day, Gorillaz, and Fall Out Boy. He smiled as they liked the same music. Something caught him off guard, as he claimed to have seen a plethora of colours in the closet... Is it pink, yellow, or blue? Snooping was probably not a good idea. A study desk was propped up against the window, along with a couple of plants. Flowers. Lavender blossoms

"Your room is interesting," he hummed, contrasting with his own.


"Thanks."

Shun walked over to his room's television and plugged in a console. "Would you like to play?"

"You asked me over to play video games?" Aren raised his brow with a disapproving inclination of his head. He smirked.

"Well, yeah," Shun said, biting his lip and softening his voice, "I'm not allowed to have anyone over to spend time with casually. If I invited you on a school night, my mother would make us study for hours. The only time I can unwind is on weekends when I play video games, even that's a stretch, or hang out with you."

Aren had underestimated how personal this was. This meant a great deal to Shun. Was this his life before he arrived? Did he not have any time for himself? He was only concerned with his mother's wishes and ignored his own. Maybe there's a way to fix that?

"All right, Jet Black Wings, let's get started." Aren's voice broke the silence, his tone cheerful as he held up a controller.

"Oh?" Shun furrowed his brow, "Are you challenging me? I'm Jet Black Wings, and I can beat anyone in real life or video games. I've beaten Nendou, Saiki, and Hairo numerous times; what makes you think you can beat me?"

Aren acted up in response to Shun's challenging tone; he likes his cocky side, "Aren't we on level playgrounds? After all, I am the Fire Light Halo, right?" Aren grinned. His tone of voice was lower and smoother.

Shun felt his cheeks heating up. Now he was embarrassed. It amused Aren how Shun could go from a cocky son of a bitch to a tomato in a second. 

"How did you even find out? How do you know it's not someone else?" He yelled. His embarrassment bubbled to the surface. Why did he think it would be a good idea to give Aren an alias; he probably thinks he's strange or childish.
"The drawing is over there on the board. You've coloured them, I see. The purple hair and glasses hinted at it. After all, I've always known it was me. I could see the resemblance even when I drew it. Shun, I don't mind; I think it's adorable and cool."

Adorable and cool. Not stupid and delusional. Cool. Adorable! YES!

Shun had to reboot his brain as he shook the thoughts out of his head, "If you can take me on, then go ahead."

"Wanna go 3/3?" 

"You're on, boi!"

The button-mashing was reflected in the characters on the screen. Shun bit his tongue in concentration while button-mashing furiously. He looked up at Aren from time to time, admiring his calm and relaxed demeanour as he focused on the screen. His dark purple bangs hung over his stern and calm eyes. His lips were crinkled and cut, but they appeared to be soft. Aren noticed him glancing and raised an eyebrow with a smug cheeky grin.
"I know I'm attractive, but there's no need to stare."

"WHAT THE HELL!' Shun screamed. Suddenly he gasped as his character was knocked down. He slapped Aren's arm hard as he snarled, "What the hell was that, don't get  cheeky with me."

He yawned and rolled his eyes amusingly. The health bar replenished, and the rematch began. He paid no attention to Aren besides him this time. He had to win. He wanted to show everyone how cool and awesome he was. And, of course, he wanted to brag, because why wouldn't he? He had to use all of his abilities to defeat him. The Jet Black Wings and the Fire Light Halo were on equal footing.

Shun kept button mashing as he attacked Aren's character. He wasn't completely familiar with the attacks or which buttons did what, so he had to rely on his instincts and hope for the best. Why not make a cheeky remark? It worked for Aren, so why not?

"Hey, Fire Light Halo,"

"Yes, Jet Black Wings?" 

"You're handsome, today."

Aren let out a hm, sound. It sounded like it caught him off guard. He smiled and rolled his eyes, "Are you saying I wasn't handsome yesterday or the day before?"

He tried to act like a smartass with a quick retort. However, he gasped as a 'knock out' screen popped out. Aren leaned back and let out a proud chuckle, "I hope you know using the same joke doesn't make you clever."

"It was effective though."

The game restarted again.

"Hm, you wanna call it a draw?" Aren teased.

"Not in your life," Shun strained. Lean back and settle in a relaxed position, his leg was bouncing impatiently though. "I've got you right where I want you---"

Game over.

Aren put the controller down, he mimicked the relaxed position Shun was in. Shun stuck out his jaw, he reached around and grabbed a pillow, smacking into Aren's face.

"What the fuck? Why did you do that for?" Aren couldn't contain his laughter; he wanted to scowl but this was so adorable to let up.

"I'll get revenge on you, Fire Light Halo."

Aren place a hand on his chest as he bowed his head slightly, "Until we meet again, on the battlefield of death."

Shun couldn't stay mad at Aren; so he doubled over in laughter. Aren felt his face relax and smiled. 

"You wanna watch a movie next?" Shun asked. Exiting the game.

"What movie."

"Treasure Planet."

Aren cocked his head as his eyebrows drew together. "I've never seen it before."

Shun sighed, "I'm not surprised, it's highly underrated, it got swept under the rug during the early 2000s, mostly due to critics and stuff, alongside a lot of underrated Disney films."

"Disney films?"

Shun stared at him wide-eyed, "You've never watched a Disney movie. Like...at all?"

"I know what Disney is, but I've never watched those movies," he awkwardly confessed, "I was deprived of a lot of things growing up. So, I never got to indulge in 'normal' kid things. I kinda wish I had though. However, I did grow up listening to quite a lot of musicals though. And Yakuza films."

Shun widened his eyes, "What musicals do you like?"

"My mom introduced me to old ones like My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, Carsosal, that kind of stuff. I got into the more contemporary musicals a while ago, like Heathers, Hadestown, 35mm... that too." There was a blush spreading onto his face. Shun thought it was adorable.

"I thought you made Heather's reference when you snuck over to my house." Shun smiled. "Why didn't you tell me, we could've bonded through musicals."

Aren folded his arms and bit his lip, "well. I was never vocal about my interests. Especially with my gang. I was scared I would be...made fun of...and they would leave or kick me out. Even though I was the leader." 

Who knew Aren could be this awkward. Shun chuckled, "Aren. I believe I have powers, I'm obsessed with Disney movies, and I make a fool out of myself every single time. I wouldn't judge."

That brought a lot of comforts, he smiled gratefully through his eyes. Shun remembered what they were about to do.

Shun saw behind those regretful eyes. He turned on the film and said, "Well, let's revive that childhood."

So they began the movie. For a while; Aren's head was full of questions like; why are they in space? How are they still alive; why are there anthropomorphic creatures; why are there cyborgs, why is there sentient AI. Yet despite the lack of logic, he was somewhat entranced by the film. The animation, the characters, the score; it kinda brought a non-sensical and wonderous feeling. The main character reminded him of himself at times. 

The credits rolled around and Aren couldn't believe he had missed out on this. Maybe there were other films that he had yet to see that could spark this innocent childhood wonder that he severely lacked. 

"So, what other movie's do they make?" He was about to ask. He looked down and his heart flipped. Shun rested against him, his head tilted into the crook of Aren's chin, and his posture was completely relaxed and still. 

How the hell did Shun sleep during this movie. It was his favourite and clearly, he was sleeping. Maybe it's because he's watched it like half a million times.

Aren didn't know what to do. He looked so peaceful, his lips were slightly pursed as he was muttering things to himself, his eyes had no trace of movement, his breathing was relaxed and his light blue hair draped over his eyes. 

How didn't Aren realise how cute and pretty Shun looked? Wait...was that right of him to describe that? He brushed the hair out of his eyes with a gentle brush of his hand. He couldn't help himself from staring softly. How could this cocky boy become so cute? Well, he was always cute in Aren's opinion. Shun shifted slightly. He had to do something, right? He couldn't just admire the boy who helped him for weeks.

He had to make sure this was okay. They've been friends for about...a month now. Was it too soon?


"Shun," he shook his friend lightly, "Jet Black Wings," his voice was hushed.


Shun let out a cute yawn as he stretched out, he rose from his initial spot and asked sleepily, "Oh, sorry, Aren. I didn't mean to sleep through the movie," he looked at the credits rolling. He could still picture the movie frame by frame and hear the lines word by word.

Aren couldn't stop his heart from thumping rapidly or his throat clogging up, he coughed into his fist.

"So, did you like the movie?"

"Yeah, it's a little different to what I've watched but it was entertaining nonetheless." 

"I'm glad. So what now?" Shun asked.

Aren was trying to compute his brain to stop panicking. "Um...hey why don't build our hideout."

"Oh yeah, the thing that was mentioned in chapter 3. Good idea. But how?"


Aren thought for a second and then a light bulb hit him, "I have an idea."

----

They've been working for hours on end; they found a quiet place in a remote forest, way from the city, their homes and school. It was a monument that reminded them they can get away from their struggles. It was a reminder that they'd be together forever and share each other's worlds and imaginations.

Aren drew out a diagram for what the hideout looked like. It was simple but not too run down or shabby. There was a nearby garbage dump, with furniture, cardboard, covers, tents and even more. 

Currently, they had a frame of the hideout. It was made out of thick stakes that held the base together. Shun's head was blocked by a couple of sheets that were made for the tent roof, only showing a tuff of baby blue hair. Aren smiled softly at the boy; shaking his head as he helped him.

His feelings were mixed and muddled, why was he feeling like this? There was no way he could scowl at this moment. How could he feel so calm and yet so free? How could this smaller, imaginative and intelligent bright light bring him so down the Earth? Aren swore he wanted to punch something because of how nice, amazing and brave Shun was. 

How could he melt just within the same perimeter of him? A few of his delinquent instincts nagged beneath the surface, he wanted to shout things out at him; but positively.

The little things brought Shun to life. Not the Jet Black Wings. Shun. That's what he's always seen. Even from the day they had lunch together, he could tell he was something special. In what way? He did not know. He didn't understand his feelings or thoughts.

They felt strange. He's never had these feelings before. They felt so foreign, almost invisible in Aren's centre.

He didn't even know how to label them. He decided to shove the thoughts off, there was distracting him from what was most important.  He must've been so focused because when he came back to Earth, the tent was fully set up. Purple rags and sheets were roofs of different shades and shapes.  Aren somehow didn't register the colours until now. However, in the 'doorway' was a red torn banner, reflecting the red bandages on Shun's arm. 


"How's it look?" Shun panted, wiping his brow. 

"Worn down...broken, tattered. But, it'll work." Aren admitted. Shun shot a sour look at the taller male.

Aren smiled softly. "Now all we have to do is make it our own. We'll bring everything we care about and bring them here; it will be our sanctuary."

"Thank you."

Aren tilted his head, "You're welcome," he replied in confusion, tapping his cheek, "For what exactly."


"For this. I've never had the chance to...let loose and have fun."

Aren chuckled, with a bright smile, "Ugh, you going soft on me, Jet Black Wings."

Shun felt his eyes melt with annoyed admiration, he rolled his eyes; not out of annoyance but out of sweetness. He liked Aren's smile, the rare but goofy delinquent grin. His voice, his actions. 

A part of him couldn't believe he fell asleep on him. He wanted to bring that up but he knew he'd just melt into a pile of embarrassing goo. However, he felt so warm and safe with the closeness they shared. He just hoped he could have this forever.

"You're so cool, Aren."

"Yeah, you're pretty amazing too."

-----

A couple of weeks later.


Aren could see that Shun was stressed through history. Maybe after school, they could talk about it in the hideout. Turns out Aren is surprisingly a good listener.

That was what the hideout was about. Sometimes Aren would sneak off to the hideout, whether it be because he was tired or to hit something, or Shun would sneak off for a couple of hours to rest. Sometimes he would play the guitar he brought, which always seemed to bring Shun happiness. Sometimes Shun would break out into a whole musical number while Aren played the bass. (Shun wasn't going to lie, when he found out about this, he felt some butterflies in his stomach) Sometimes they'd go together and talk about what was bothering them. It was like free therapy.

At one point Aren came to the hideout and find Shun sleeping. He was tucked under the blankets, laying on the run down couch which was undoubtedly uncomfortable. Yet he looked so peaceful. 

Either way, the hideout brought out their feelings and secrets. However, right now Aren wanted to do something. Why? He didn't know but he felt his muscles twitch, he wanted to kill or punch the thing that made Shun upset or frustrated. 

So what? He knocks out the teacher or shreds up people's worksheets just for Shun? Well, whatever he wanted to do, it was to make Shun happ- relaxed. Yeah, relaxed was the right word.

However, he had to be civil about it. He couldn't just destroy the things that bug Shun. Or could he. No, he had to get that side of him away from Shun.

He needed to be calm.

But he was never calm. He dragged Shun into everything when he had the chance, he impulsively snuck Shun out of his house multiple times. He was spontaneous and rebellious.

Maybe he could be calm and rebellious at the same time.

So, the moment the bell rang Aren immediately asked, "Are you busy this afternoon?"

"Nope, for once, not to mention my mother's not home until seven." He smiled at the thought, "So are we going to the hideout?"

"Not today Shun. I kinda want to do something else. Trust me, it'll be fun and relaxing."

"Okay."

The two stepped out the gate of the school.

"I have to get a few things though." Aren spoke up, "Can you wait by the park?"

Shun smirked, "Mysterious much."


----

Shun's knee began to bounce impatiently as he sat on a bench. I swear if that doofus bailed on me.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting, Jet Black Wings." 

Shun screamed and fell off the bench. Aren laughed.

"Aren. Where did you come from?"

"My house," Aren smirked, adjusting his glasses. Shun rolled his eyes and looked at the bag in his hands.

"What's this for?"

Aren took something out, a spray can. It was a light blue colour too. "I wanted to do some street art with you."

Shun furrowed his eyebrows, "Oh, is that all? I thought we might be running from the police or fighting illegal gangs."

"Not today," Aren huffed, "I noticed you were stressed in class, so I thought we'd do something fun but relaxing." 

"That's sweet," Shun smiled through his eyes thankfully, "I'm up for it."

"Great, because if you weren't I'd just force you to. Like I always do."

Aren proceeded to drag Shun to an abandoned alley, there were two run-down buildings. However, to him, it didn't feel like one.

"I thought we'd agreed to stay away from abandoned buildings." Shun folded his arms.


"Don't worry, it's safe. I promise." Aren rolled up his sleeves and applied a mask. 

"Remember last time you promised that?" Shun leant against a post. 

"I remember it was you who promised last time, so trust my judgement." 

Shun couldn't find himself arguing with Aren anymore. It kind of seemed pointless especially since Shun trusted and agreed.

Shun decided to put on the mask; he thought it was to look cool but it was to prevent fumes from being inhaled. 

Shun awkwardly shook a spray can, not knowing where to start. Did he even know how to write bubble writing, he didn't know how to draw so how would he pale in comparison. His face began to sweat under the mask.

"Shun... you're supposed to just paint. Stop thinking and just let everything happen." Aren groaned, his voice muffled from the mask. He demonstrated as he effortlessly dragged a light red colour across the wall, soon he made it look like bubble writing that popped out like a pop-out book. He even used white paint to get some highlights in. 

He just wrote, "SUP" 

And that was it.

"See, it's supposed to be fun and relaxing, no need to think about anything,"

Shun hummed and drew the first thing that came to mind. He painted the Dark Reunion symbol. Aren leaned back to see it, he then painted a red circle around it and put a line through the middle.

They laughed. Dark Reunion slander was as prominent as ever. 

In bright purple and blue colours, Aren proceeded to write a common phrase he was always stuck with.

AREN WUZ HERE. It was a little difficult to read since the words were compressed together, but it was bright and colourful.

Shun smiled. Bright and colourful huh? Brightness and Happy. That's why he's here because of Aren's brightness and happiness. 



Aren looked over at Shun again. He began to paint a chibi version of Shun and him. They were goofy and silly but they brought a lot of brightness. Shun looked over and smiled approvingly putting a thumb up. 

An hour went by, and the streets started to become darker, and the sound of crickets began their choir ritual. 

The wall was brought to life. Whether it'd be from vulgar words from Aren or Anti-Dark Reunion slander from Shun, it was undeniable that they became just as happy and colourful.

"Okay, for the last painting I was thinking we could write Fire Light Halo and Jet Black Wings wuz here?" Shun suggested.

Aren nodded, grabbing the darker spray cans. Shun understood the assignment and grabbed the lighter colours. 

Happiness was in the moment, the more focused the more intense, like a beam of light to the soul.  This wasn't just art, it was their souls, combining with silent forms of love, happiness and calmness that drove them forward. They didn't even need to voice anything to know they were happy. They just knew.

"Done!"

"It looks amazing Aren!"


The art glowed under the street light. It was a symbol of everything cared about.

"As fun as this was, I need to get home. Mom would kill me." Shun muttered. Still looking at the art. 

"Okay, we'll go. Do you want me to come with you?" Aren asked. Shun was hesitant to admit but he didn't like the darkness that much. Ironic right? He was sneaking out every morning when it was still dark but he had Aren with him. Like a protector of some sort. Scratch that, Shun could protect himself. It was Aren that he worried about.

"I'd like that."

----

"Okay, when I open the door, I need you to promise you won't say anything about your past," Shun whispered, nearing his house.

"Got it."


Shun managed to open the door, meeting a mixture of warmth and coolness. 

"Mother, I'm home." He called out. She practically slid near the door, her eyes were heartbroken with worry.

"Oh, sweetheart, I thought you were hurt. I got home and you weren't here. I was so worried." A taller middle-aged woman commented. She had grey middle length hair and glasses. The concerned mother cupped her son's face and kissed his nose. 

"Mom, not in front of Aren, please!"

She tilted her head as he focused on the taller boy. He stood tall and confident, with a small smile.

She smiled gratefully, "Thank you for finding him."

Aren cleared his throat, "Ah no he was with me the entire afternoon."

She stiffened as she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"But don't worry, we weren't doing anything too reckless. I noticed Shun was stressed during class so I decided to cheer him up." Aren clarified, noticing the stern look in the woman's eyes.

"Is that true?" She asked.

"yes, we were doing an art assignment at his house," Shun added. At least it was school relevant. 

Then she relaxed her shoulders, and looked at her son, "Well you do have a twinkle in your eyes."

"I-I do." 

Shun's mother laughed, "And you might you be, hon?"

Aren was caught off guard by this, "Ah, Kuboyasu Aren"

So, Aren is his first name.

"Kuboyasu, thank you. You might want to get going, I don't want your parents worrying." 


Aren nodded and turned his back to the door, he shot a glance over his shoulder, "I'll see ya tomorrow, Jet Black Wings."

The door closed behind him. 

Sora stood near the stairs and smirked. So that's who Shun was seeing every morning. 
Toki gaped with wide eyes, "T-that looked like the..."

"Fire Light Halo," Shun shouted, dramatically posing. His hands were doing dramatic effects. 

Mrs Kaidou smiled, "He seems nice, you should invite him to study here. It's not that I don't trust your friends, it's that tall one with the butt chin and pink-haired boy that throws me off. But as long as this boy is nice and peaceful it should be fine. It's not like he's distracting you or as if he's a ruthless thug"

Shun coughed, "Yeah, that would be awful..."

"And Shun."

"Yes."

"Text me if you're going to be out for a long time. I don't want to panic again."

Shun smiled. At least I can hang out with him more. He felt his cheeks burning up, remembering the past hours. The warm smile, the laughter, the aura. Everything. He wanted to feel that all over again tomorrow. 

Aren did this to make him happy. And it worked. It made his heart race at least.

Sora scoffed, tailing back to her room.

----

Chapter Text

Aren liked Home Economics because it was easy and fun, and he got free food. There was no reason not to like it. Additionally, Shun failed miserably alongside Hairo and a disappointed Saiki, who rubbed his temples with his fingertips.

Aren's current ensembles, are Nendou and Teruhashi. Apple Crumble was the dish they were making.

Aren rolled his eyes. At least it gave him a challenge. They worked together on the apple filling. It's not surprising that Teruhashi was also a talented cook. The class was full of laughter and the aroma of sweets. 

Of course, it was cooking after all.

"Four eyes, how much flour do I need?" Nendou yelled. Aren snapped his consciousness around to focus on Nendou.

"Sorry, what?"

"How much flour?" Nendou asked louder. 

"Oh," Aren frantically examined the recipe, as if he were a teen who had been caught reading or watching something 'interesting'. "Um, 1 cup of flour for the crumble."

Teruhashi chuckled, "What were you staring at?" 

"Nothing," he muttered, still stirring the filling mindlessly. Then he automatically glanced over at Shun's bench.

Shun managed to trip over his feet, low-key flying a couple of feet. Hairo jumped undefined and caught him while his pants fell. 

The two got up from the ground. Shun began pouting and shouting at Hairo; an embarrassing blush glowed on his face. Hairo proceeded to hype him up, shouting encouraging words, yet Shun could only grow more frustrated. He remembered the last time these two cooked together.

Aren couldn't take his eyes off Shun. Whether he's feisty or angry, it was cute either way. He found more flaws endearing than off-putting.

His reality got warped just by staring at him. 

Teruhashi peaked her head around Aren's shoulder and looked at Shun and Hairo. She then raised an eyebrow before twirling a piece of hair in her fingers."

"Kuboyasu, you're staring off into space again." She said, with a bloated sigh. He physically jumped and glared somewhere else. 

"Sorry, I'm just thinking." He apologised. 

She nodded, not very convinced, she nailed him with a you’re-full-of-shit look when he wasn't looking. Then turned back to the task at hand. When Aren heard Shun's shrilled voice rise over the students, he didn't even need to look back at what was happening. He could picture it.

Half an hour later, with witty banter, laughter, and shouting, the class was over. All of the students managed to make their desserts. Apart from three,

Nendou, Aren, and Teruhashi gave each other a knowing look before approaching the bench. Aren's eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Shun's disappointed face.

"Hey, rival!" Nendou called out. 

Hairo looked at the dessert, low-key wanting to snatch it out of his hands. "Too bad you guys suck at cooking here."

"Wow, thanks Nendou!" Hairo smiled.

Aren extended his dessert to Shun, quietly telling him to take a bite. He looked at the golden dessert with a dollop of ice cream. Shun didn't even need to thank him because his eyes told him so. It was the silent appreciation that they took seriously.

"Here, Saiki," Teruhashi called out. Saiki raised an eyebrow but stepped back. "Oh come on, you looked like you were suffering the entire time. Take some."

Saiki would rather disappear in the blink of an eye, but he couldn't stay mad. He still shook his head politely. He had coffee jelly, and nothing could compare to that.

"Wow, this tastes amazing. It stinks that I didn't make it myself. " Shun sighed, taking another bit.

The apples were a little bit sour but still sweet.

"Well, how would you like it if I taught you how to cook?" Aren suggested. A light flickered in Shun's eyes.

"You will?" 

"Why not? It'll be fun."

Shun hummed. Usually, cooking was boring for him. Even when he'd try to help his mother with cooking, he just ended up burning something. He found it wasteless. However, Aren made the simplest things fun. Shun didn't know how he did it, but he didn't care. Aren could probably make washing a car fun if he tried.

Shun opened his mouth to say yes until

"Cooking lessons?" Hairo overheard. He poked his head at them, "could I come? I'm more of a sports person than a cooking person, so I might need the extra help. "

Aren bit the inside of his lip. He eyed the red-haired boy with a fire in his eyes. He was about to give in.

"Hey, rival. I could help. " Nendou tapped Hairo's shoulder.

"You will?" Hairo sounded shocked. "Thanks, bro!"

"If you want, we could make it a cooking competition."

That made Hairo smile more. "You're on!"

Aren let out a sigh of relief.

"What was that about?" Shun coldly gazed up at him, "You never turn others down?"

Aren shrugged, "Sometimes I like having one person around. You know, it's a little overwhelming with his positivity. "

Shun turned up his chin and smiled, "Yeah, I can't argue with that, so, who's house are we going to?

"Oh, I was thinking of yours."

"You're crazy. I'm not allowed in the kitchen." 

"Yeah, but I'm going to be there."

"If my mother finds out we messed up her kitchen, then we'll both be in for it."

"Fair enough."

----

"Okay, mom's said she'll be home at four," Shun announced as he undefined against the kitchen counter.

"Did you tell her I was here?" Aren asked, putting his hair up slightly.

"Yeah, she said that we had to do thirty minutes of revision and homework." He put his phone down with a sigh.

"That's thirty minutes of our lives wasted." He groaned, dramatically leaning back.

Shun huffed at the remark. He then looked at the bowl that Aren took out. He asked, "So, what are we making?"

"I noticed you don't have all the ingredients for an apple crumble, so I thought we'd make something simple but sweet."

"Like what?"

"Mochi?"

Shun's head tilted and he muttered, "The only time I have mochi is when I get a high grade or something."

Aren flicked his wrist and spat, "That's kind of a bitchy move."

"Aren."

"What?"

"Look, my mother just wants me to do well in school. That's all. She's strict, I will admit, but it's not like I'm hurt by it.

Aren hummed thoughtfully, "But you want to get away from it."

"Yeah, kinda."

Shun was hit by a wooden spoon on the head. He yelled as he grabbed the spot and glowered at Aren.

"Come on, enough serious stuff. Let's get to work."

The pain subsided with silent laughter. Aren proceeded to get out the ingredients from the cupboard and fridge. "So, you can't make mochi?"

"Unfortunately no... the last time I tried to cook in general, I got flour and stuff on the floor."

Aren could immediately see the image in his mind. It was kind of cute.

Currently, the ingredients were placed in the kitchen while Aren found a recipe on his phone. Shun stood by like a little child wanting to help their parents cook. It would be complete if Shun had a wooden spoon in his hand.

"We need some rice flour. Shun, will you do the honours?" Aren asked.

Shun grabbed the bag of flour and grabbed a handful of flour and chucked it in.

"Shun!" Aren yelled, but he could barely contain a laugh, "You're supposed to use a measuring cup, ning-nong!"

"Oh, I thought you just threw the stuff in there... okay."

"Hairo's a terrible influence on you, I see." 

Aren handed Shun the measuring cup. He instructed Shun to scoop the flour from the bag. Aren proceeded to take the measuring cup and scrape some excess flour off, making it look smooth like snow.

He handed the cup back so Shun could pour in the flour.

"Okay, we need one-fourth of a cup of sugar and one cup of water. Can you do that while I do the paste?"

"Of course."

Shun began to follow the instructions. He gently placed the cup down to see the accuracy of the measurements. Why didn't the school just tell them the measurement instead of being vague? He smiled to himself before pouring the sugar in. He looked over at Aren, who was preparing the red bean filling. Shun bit the bottom of his lip secretly as he glanced at Aren from time to time.

Cooking would always be boring for Shun. Even in the calmness of the moment, just being next to Aren and doing a normal activity in day-to-day life seemed more enlightening.

He felt like he could do things, or do anything when he was next to Aren. He must've grown on Shun to the point where he could feel the energy and excitement radiating off of him.

Yet, cooking was boring. This whole activity was calm and boring but next to Aren. Anything with Aren felt good. Happy even.

Shun continued to stare, feeling as if the world had slowed down. Why was he feeling this way? What was Aren doing to him?

Aren proceeded to clear his throat, "Uh, Shun, you're supposed to pour the water in the bowl... not on the bench." He closed the refrigerator.

Shun screamed as the water began to drip down the bench and onto the floor. A red blush covered his face. "Oh crap!"

He fumbled through the drawers to get out a cloth. He furiously scrubbed down the bench and the floor. He could feel Aren staring at him. He could see the gleam in his eyes, hear his laughter, and see his smile. His happiness made the brightest person in the world look like a sun while Aren was like a solar flare. 

He supposed that was a good thing.

"Don't even say a word, or I will throw this cup at you." Shun snapped.

Shun leaned over to the facet and refilled the water, putting it in the bowl this time.

Aren rolled his eyes before saying, "Dark Reunion is behind this."

"No, it was you!" Shun shouted, "You distracted me!"

"I distracted you... how?"

For being a distracting delinquent! Do you have any idea how much you distract me with your silly little shenanigans? You're so annoying at times... why do I like it?

That was what he wanted to shout. Yet he kept calm.

"Because of your stupid face!"

Aren physically stumbled back, gasping dramatically, and placed a hand on his chest. "Hey now!" He snapped. He put in a teaspoon of green matcha powder. He then used the teaspoon to bonk Shun on the head. "At least tell me that I disgrace the human race. That hurt. "

Shun whined with an exaggerated pout, "Aww, that hurt your fweelings?"

"Shun, you're my sworn friend, but if you talk like that again, I will punt you. "

Shun laughed loudly. He then nudged Aren. They began to playfully push each other with their elbows, shoving each other aside jokingly. Shun had a mischievous smirk on his face. He shoved Aren aside with his hips, snickering.

"Whoa, hey now," he chuckled, giving him one of his not-so-serious looks.

Aren gave him the go-ahead to start mixing. He smiled fondly at himself.

He looked over Shun, placing his hand on the bench. He was looking at the mixture, but his eyes wandered back up to look at Shun. He noticed a bit of hair hanging over his eyes. He delicately brushed it behind his ears. Something inside of Shun relished the way Aren's hands felt through his hair, smoothing it down with ease. He wasn't rough, unlike Sora, who would roughly braid his hair violently from time to time. It wasn't anything like that.

Shun flinched at the gesture. He seized up the taller male. He wanted to shout at him for doing that but he couldn't. It felt intimate and gentle. He was trapped under Aren's sultry gaze, which held emotions that he dared not say but show. He snapped out of Aren's spell, pulling away from the strange beating in his chest and found himself back in reality.

It's something that a partner would do.

Yet, he couldn't complain. It felt nice. He didn't know why he just did it. It was like a tingly feeling going through his spine. 

He huffed with puffed-out cheeks.

The calm breathing and the silence felt intimate and radiant. The silent stares and awkward shuffles between the two must have meant something was going on.

Aren sighed and took his hand away, leaning backwards. No longer invading boundaries. Keeping space between the two He knew he was making Shun uncomfortable, and he didn't want that. 

However, Shun didn't complain.

"Okay, finished," Shun announced. Aren put his hands on his hips and nodded. He walked over and put a clean wrap over the bowl. He took it and walked over to the microwave.

"Wait, you're not supposed to put bowls in the microwave!" he warned.

"It's a microwave-safe bowl, dumbass. The only reason your microwave blew up last time was that it was a metal bowl."

"You saw that?"

"Everyone saw that. Seriously, you and Hairo messed up crepes... which baffles me because it's a pancake. Those are so easy to make. "

Shun clenched his jaw and gave him a cold stare. A stare that could turn bread into toast was so fiery and dangerous. 

"Don't worry, it was funny. I meant that nicely, "he clarified, and walked over to the freezer. He took out the red bean paste and plopped it onto the bench. He furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed Shun's disdained face. He huffed as he became sincerely honest.

"I'm a loser too," Aren muttered. His voice was shallow and sincere, though there was a tinge of pain there too. Shun undefined forwards against the bench, propping his head up with his hands.

"Y-you? How can you be a loser? You're so badass!"

"I'm glad you think so," he muttered. He began mindlessly looking at the red bean paste as if they were diamonds and opened his mouth, "I wish I could be that proud of myself. I mean, I was fast, fearless, and unbeatable. The best gang leader in Ibaraki Prefecture. " 

Shun's eyes widened more and scooted closer. His eyes were able to make anyone confess anything. 

"However, in the end, I became the monster everyone feared. I felt completely alone, even if that past life gave me excitement, all it did was corrupt me. It made me feel like I was worthless of anything else but fear and loneliness. Now that I look back, I'm mad at myself, Shun. I really am. And ashamed of how much I used to indulge in violent and awful things. I ask myself, what if I could go back in time, maybe I could've had a better upbringing. Or," the mindless rambling became sentimental, as Aren's voice started to soften, "Maybe I could have met you sooner."


Shun shuffled awkwardly, "You think that?"

Aren nodded, "If I just controlled myself and had you as the only one who's never been afraid of me...well, you were afraid of me at one point, but that's irrelevant. You get the point!"

The sound of the microwave beeping distracted him from his thoughts. He turned around immediately to get the mixture out.

He then regained his place. He felt a hand grab his wrist, he looked down to see a paler, smaller hand on his wrist. It felt gentle and comforting which trailed down on his hand. He looked down at Shun with a staggered breath. 

"You're on the right path now. And instead of hurting people, you help them. I can see that. You're still you, but happier and healthier. But if you were to change time, you wouldn't know the things you do now. Your phase of violent upbringing is a foundation of who you've become, and if you take that away, what's left standing?"


"I-I don't know," he muttered, blinking slowly, "All I've ever known is how to hold my own,"

"Well, you don't have to, because I'm here now."
There was a shine in Aren's eyes, they were always dark and mysterious without any highlight as if the light was ripped from them a long time ago but wide and captivated.  Suddenly the sun, bright and warm, shines on his face. The way they glimmered, it almost looked as though he was tearing up. Shun could see that there was a piece of Aren who was still struggling with his past, and he could see how much his words mean to him. 

"Who only wanted to fit in and have someone care about you? You're doing the right thing and hey. I am so proud of you, if I were to go down that path, I wouldn't think of redeeming myself. You have a lot of strength in you." Shun's hand squeezed

  Shun gave him a sugary-sweet glance. He probably didn't realize how much Aren needed to hear that. He moved stiffly as if he was made out of concrete. Those words really struck a chord with him. He could feel his face heating up. 

"Okay," he shook the feelings away like he never had them and refocused with a clap, and he said, more confidently and orderly, "Can you put some flour on the bench?"

"Why?"

"Mochi dough is incredibly sticky, which makes it easier to roll out." He explained. He took the warm dough and placed it on the table with a splat. The two began complaining about how sticky the dough was. Aren proceeded to make a drug joke with the flour, which he accidentally snorted, making him tear up and shout, while Shun laughed at his misery.

Before they knew it, they had perfectly made mochi. They knew it was usually for special occasions like New Year's but they didn't care. This was a special occasion because it is

It was sweet.

Shun took a bite, and it was squishy and sweet. He hummed shockingly and smiled at Aren.

"Sometimes I forget how sweet these were. "

"Right? Aren't you glad we made them? "

"Yeah, this was fun. Thank you, Aren. Maybe we could do this again. " Shun asked.

"Oh absolutely. I already have some ideas." 

Shun thought to himself, remembering what happened at school, "Yeah, you were right. This was way better with Hairo... don't tell him I said that. "

"Honestly, I can't imagine what's going on with him and Nendou now."

They could hear the sounds of smoke alarms going off, screaming, the smell of smoke and the sirens of fire engines. They could hear Nendou screaming and Hairo running around frantically in a burning kitchen.

They gave each other a wide-eyed stare before laughing.

"Shun, baby, I'm home!" Mrs Kaidou called out from the door. Suddenly, a burst of blue flew past like a blur.

Suddenly, a small kid, probably around Aren's knee height, stood before them. He had goggles on the top of his blue hair, just a darker shade than Shun's, and had beady yellow eyes.

"Sabator!"

Aren awkwardly flickered his gaze and pointed at himself, "Me?" he asked, concerningly.

"You've infiltrated the lair of the Jet Black Wings!" He declared. He began charging at Aren and began punching his legs. It felt like being hit by a wooden stick. 

"Whoa, calm down, squirt." Aren glared and jutted out his hip. Shun rolled his eyes.

"It's okay, Toki, he's not infiltrating anything. Sorry about this, Aren. "

Aren shrugged before picking up the small kid by the hem of his shirt and looking at him dead in the eyes. "I see feistiness runs in the family, huh?"

Toki poked out his tongue. Aren rolled his eyes before handing him the mochi. "If I give you this, will you stop attacking me?"

 "Fine," Toki huffed, "but you're on thin ice."

"Toki, take another look at him. Don't you recognise him? " Shun patted Aren's shoulder.

It took a second for the young boy to realise. A light bulb went off in his head.

"You're the hero who rides a motor-" Shun covered his younger brother's loudmouth. Mrs Kaidou gave her children a confused glance before picking up one of the treats.

"Usually I don't make mochi often," she muttered, analysing the treat and then looked at Aren, "I'm surprised you let Shun help you, Kuboyasu."

Aren chuckled while Shun groaned. 

"He's helped a lot though. He needed a cooking lesson. " Aren nudged Shun with his elbow. Which he replied with a jab of his own.

"He didn't spill anything or trip over, did he?" She amusedly chuckled.

Shun blushed and shouted intangibly. His mother gave him an all-knowing gaze.

"What time do you have to be home, Kuboyasu?" She asked.

Aren shook his head and tapped his chin, "My parents don't really care."

Mrs Kaidou was about to say something until Shun cut her off.

"Actually, can he stay over for the night?" Shun asked. The delinquent gave him a quizzical glare. When was this decided?

"But it's a school night, and Kuboyasu needs to get home soon. Right?" 

The violet haired boy shook his head, "No, my parents are cool with me staying over."

She adjusted her glasses.  Shun looked at her with begging eyes. His eyes could mind-control anyone in a fifty-mile radius, "Please, mother. We'll go to bed early and do some homework. I never have people over on school nights. Please?"

She scanned the kitchen. Seems like they had a lot of fun. I suppose Kuboyasu is a good kid.

"Fine, but I want you two to do at least thirty minutes of homework and go to bed at eight-thirty."

Shun and Aren smiled at each other. The shorter male had a bright smile on his face, and something inside Aren relished the way Shun smiled. That was when he realised that he would put his happiness first before anything else. 

"And please, clean up the kitchen too."

"Yes, mother!"

Aren inclined his chin and rolled his eyes.. Shun sounded like a polite British kid in the 1800s or something.  He felt a tug on his pants and looked down at Toki.

"Can you tell me more about yourself? Firelight Halo. I want to know if you're on equal ground as Shun. "

"In due time, I will." He promised. He began to turn on the faucet to let hot water crash down.

Shun relaxed his eyes and thought to himself.

I'd put his happiness first before anything else. 

---

Shun relaxed on his soft mattress. He looked down at Aren, who had made a makeshift bed on the ground.

"You know you can share the bed with me, right?" Shun chuckled.

"Oh... I can?" Aren said that with the utmost confusion. "I never had sleepovers, so I don't know what happens."

"Seriously? But if you were in a gang, wouldn't you sleep over with them?"

Aren shook his head, "Let's just say... that gang was kinda... well, not the best. Yeah, there were some downright awful people. They would call this type of thing "gay" even though there's nothing "gay" about staying over at others' houses. Even when we hung out, they would say messed up and controversial shit."

"Did you join in on it? " He asked.

"I wish I could say no, but I did, to some extent. I didn't stop these guys from running their mouths off. I wouldn't say anything because I was scared that I might get... targeted. "

Shun shuffled over and patted the spot next to him. "Come on, I thought I was the angst lord here. You have nothing to worry about, Aren. You're a good person now. It's in the past now; everyone recovers and learns from it. "

Aren climbed in undefined him. It was exciting to be in the same room as Shun. "You alright?" he asked.

The purple-haired male put his glasses on the bedside table, then his eyes darted to the nerdy things in Shun's room and looked at him lastly. "Of course I am."

---

Aren felt himself wanting to stretch and turn over. His body automatically wanted to, but something was preventing him. He opened his eyes and groaned groggily. His fist tightened and his jaw clenched. Why couldn't he move?

His eyes took a while to adjust to the morning glow of the sun before he actually noticed Shun clinging to him. Of course, it was a shock to him. Shun wasn't an affectionate person, from what he assumed.

Aren wasn't particularly sure what to do at this moment. It wasn't really every day that you woke up cuddled by a cute classmate.

His heart told him to stay completely still. His muscles were strained as he wanted to move, but he couldn't. Shun looked so peaceful. His ruffled and messier hair, the twitches of his eyebrows when he dreamed, and the way the light shone down on him made him look like an angel.

Aren had never cuddled up against anyone before. His blood felt like it was pumping widely and felt his brain and heart argue with each other. An instinctive part of him wanted to wrap his arms around him to hold him close to his heart but would it ruin everything? Yet as panicked and sweaty as he was, it didn't help that it felt natural. Shun was so pure and innocent-looking when he slept, which was a vast change from his usual personality of delusions and confidence.

What does he do?

Aren wanted to move, yet he wanted to lie completely still so that Shun could sleep.

Then his thoughts were interrupted as Shun rolled onto his back. It was as if a prayer had been ignored and granted. 

Did Shun know this?

Aren rose from the mattress and went to the bathroom. He needed to clear his head and heart. 

Shun woke up with a startled, muffled scream. He couldn't believe what he was doing. His face was blushing, his head was reeling. What was this feeling? Aren didn't want to move. Aren felt so warm and safe, like an extra blanket. In the middle of the night, he would peek his eye open and glaze up at him. Aren looked so peaceful when he slept. It was a vast change in his usual personality of confidence and smugness.

He looked so captivating. 

He just hoped he didn't ruin anything. 

Aren came back into the room and awkwardly sat on the work desk, "So, are we going to ignore what happened?"

"So you felt that huh?

Aren turned his head towards the window and said, "Unfortunately... did I ruin anything?"

"No, no you didn't. Um, did I ruin anything? "

"No... no, you didn't."

This started a back-and-forth question that rebounded. They were burying their own graves with this stupid question. They had to stop apologising to each other.

Aren didn't have any smug retorts, and Shund didn't have anything cynical to say. 

Error 404:

Aren was the first one to stop the awkwardness, "Let's forget this ever happened. Okay."

"Good idea!"

Today was going to be a long day.

However, that was not going to be the last awkward situation they would ever face.

Chapter Text

Aren was a little disappointed when he woke up. It has been a long time since the 'accidental' cuddle fiasco. He remembered the golden rays of the sun shining down on the boy who clung to him like a koala. His pure and innocent face could melt anyone who looked upon it, and the skinny arms made him feel comforted. whole even.

Now he woke up in his bed, which felt cold and barren. There wasn't a dent next to him.

He felt his heart racing at the thought. The image of the small blue-haired boy flashed through his mind like a photo. He slapped himself in the face for thinking about him.

"What is wrong with me?" He groaned into his hands. He reached over to grab his phone.

Shun: Yo! Fire Light Halo, what's up?

It was a message left at 7:30 am. It was now 9:00 a.m.

Aren: I just woke up.

Aren immediately smiled at the thought of Shun. Even when texting, he could see Shun's expression light up, and become serious, and defensive, whatever emotion he was feeling he could sense.

He visibly shuddered as he set aside these emotions he felt. What were caring, compassion, and empathy? He had never felt anything like this before. Those words were not in his heart.

He couldn't understand why. He thought about the past and tried to recall if he'd felt something like this before.

From ages 5-7, not so much. He was a rowdy kid who threw temper tantrums and was highly destructive in class. So he had no proper relationships to bounce off of.

At age 8–10, he met someone. She was around his age; she was pretty and petite. She had really pretty blue hair. She was always a joy to be around. Aren became nervous and awkward and felt his heart racing. That childhood fantasy died.

At 13, he met someone. They were taller than him and had pretty blue eyes that he could get lost in like an ocean. Curly cyan hair that looked too pure to be natural. Aren approached them differently; he was still a scary delinquent. He would've killed anything that hurt them. He would kill anything that made them upset, anxious, or scared. However, he had to let them go. He was a gang leader. A monster

Now here he was at age 16 and rethinking everything in the past. He put two and two together. He felt it a lot when he was around Shun, from wanting to destroy anything that made Shun angry.his happiness before all else. He's seen these actions and feelings in Yazuka movies and different musicals. The nervous ticks and silent aggression he felt His emotions felt like they were exploding and he needed to bash or hit something.

A "ding" sound went off in his head. He clasped a hand over his mouth and froze.

No... no... no.

He wasn't crushing on Shun, was he?

But everything in his past told him otherwise. Even as a little kid, he knew what crushes were. He's experienced them before, even though he was a gigantic loser.

Was this a good thing or a bad thing? Aren grabbed his phone and looked at the reply text.

Shun: Well, good morning, sleeping beauty.

Aren had the temptation to let out his thoughts. His mind was reeling and his heart was telling him to proceed.

I think I like you. I think I have a crush on you...I

Aren processed the words he was typing. What am I doing? I can't do this.

He gritted his teeth before responding.

Aren: Did you imply that I'm beautiful?

It was a simple but sly response. This could be taken in any way, whether as a teasing remark, serious or playful. At least it wasn't desperate.

He still couldn't believe what he was about to send. He slapped himself again, leaving a red stinging mark on his cheek. His muscles relaxed in shame. He always jumped to conclusions; it was an issue he needed to fix. He couldn't just express his feelings, especially if he wasn't certain himself. What if he jumped on the feelings based on a few coincidences? He can't do that. Was he even being honest with himself? It would ruin everything.

He would lose the only one in his life that didn't treat him like a monster. He was treated like a person.

He didn't have the right mindset.

Shun: No, you're horrifying. Like Nendou levels of horrifying.

Aren snarled at the response. However, it hurt deeper than a knife. However, he could see Shun's laid-back and cocky smile.

Aren: Wow, stab me with a knife, why don't you?

He placed his phone by his side; breathing deeply. All he's ever known is how to hold his own. He had seen how the world was; in the back of his mind; a faint hum could be heard. Wherever he went that voice did too. Controlling his every action and thoughts. He's been out in the cold so long; he didn't even realise how lonely he really was. 

People had turned against him so many times before; just like the wind. When your past haunts you, there isn't any length Aren would go to make that disappear. In the end, he thought he was better off alone.

However, when he's next to Shun,  there was sunlight all around; all bright and warm. For a moment, he'd forget how dark the world can be. He doesn't ever wanna have to let him go.

On the other end of the phone, Shun was still trying to recover from Aren's response. He thought Aren was handsome. I mean, who doesn't? He's everything anyone would want in a guy.

Shun didn't need to see how handsome Aren was, and as teasing and playful as he was, Shun didn't need to see how physically he looked. He cared about who he was. He liked Aren because of who he was. That was the reason why he couldn't fathom the response.

Aren was beautiful. End of story.

Shun remembered when he woke up next to Aren. In his bed, under his roof, a house was made to protect him from the outside world, yet Aren felt at home.

Shun felt safe in Aren's arms. He remembered the warmth, the slowed breathing of his chest, the whole morning; that was what he would keep on remembering.

He had never felt like this before. He's never been this distracted in his life.

Yet, that morning was so intimate, calming, and soothing. Even though Aren wasn't that type of person, which was what Shun assumed at first. He liked it.

FireLightHalo: Are you still alive? Did you pass away or something?

JetBlackWings: You're a moron, the Jet Black Wings will never die.

FireLightHalo: good

Shun hummed. Aren had shown him the life he once had. Sneaking out, bailing out of class, running from gangs and police (this did happen) and spray painting. Everything a delinquent did was the life that Shun wanted. Yet he had yet to give back anything to Aren.

He knew Aren wanted to become a better and more civilised person. Someone who wanted to live a normal and happier life.

Shun was normal, right? Aside from his delusions and whatnot, he went to school, did homework, and hung out with friends. Yet even those didn't seem like things Aren would want.

What was something normal he could do? He thought about the convenience store's runs. The laughter, the warmth, and the escape Shun had next to him

Maybe he could take Aren to a café. Yeah, that was normal.

JetBlackWings: Hey, you want to go to a cool place?

FireLightHalo: Oh? Well, don't leave me anticipating.

JetBlackWings; I'll come over; see ya then.

FireLightHalo: Later, Jet Black Wings

___

"You don't usually plan outings and stuff. What's the occasion?" Aren asked swooningly. They walked a couple of miles down the street, side by side, taking up the sidewalk. Their movements reflected each other, and the sounds of buzzing cars and excess chatter erupted over them.

"Oh, don't you sweat it. I have the best plan." Now I know it's going to sound crazy and stupid, but it'll be worth it. "

"You had me at crazy and stupid," Aren winked. His voice was much more positive than before. Instead of seeing a white snarl that looked like an animal wanting to pounce, it was a genuine and bright smile. His attitude was kept in check. He wasn't yelling at people who got in their way. Well, he did shoot a couple of death glares now and then, but it wasn't like he was going to physically act upon these thoughts.

Shun had him under his spell.

Shun fumbled with his choker around his neck, his nails delicately grazing along his neck, and his eyes were dilated.

"Shun, are you okay?" "You look kind of lost." He muttered gently.

"I'm fine, just planning an escape route if the Dark Reunion crashes our outing."

Aren nodded. I'm still not convinced. It was like he knew something was wrong, see-through those lying eyes.

Aren had Shun under his spell.

"So, where are we going?" Aren restated He looked at the buildings and shops. He swore he saw a familiar face in one of them. "Shun... are we lost or something?"

"No, of course not," he sputtered with a dismissive flick of his hand.

"Shun, the last time you took us somewhere we almost died."

"Actually, I think it was you who almost got us killed," Shun hummed sassily, spinning around with an "are you kidding me" look. He twirled his finger around at him, "If you hadn't snuck me out, we wouldn't've found the abandoned building."

Aren scoffed, "You're not blaming me for that, are you?" he chuckled, "Well, who wanted to stay in the abandoned building that I warned you to leave?"

Shun bit his lip. Aren nudged the smaller boy along, knowing he had won. He then looked ahead and up at the stores and buildings, "so, where are we going?"

"Somewhere... interesting and cool. 'Um', he let out a long 'um' sound as he searched around frantically. Then he saw a café sign that was bright white. "There's one!"

Aren directed his gaze to where Shun was pointing. He gave him a "really" look as his eyes slanted. "A café? That's where you're taking me? "

Shun felt a pang of embarrassment and darted his eyes around in disappointment; Damn you, Shun. Aren is far too cool for something like this.

"I'm kidding, Shun. I don't mind. "

It was like an on-and-off switch to how vastly his mood would change. "Oh, don't you worry. I assure you, when it's just us, it's going to be fun."

Aren nodded.

The bell chimed when they stepped foot into the café. It was small but cosy, with the fresh smell of coffee and baked goods; the tiles were slippery but shiny, and the tables had seats for two or five people. There were already people here, mostly couples and lone friend groups.

There was a cashier at the front. She perked her head up immediately. She was wearing a white bandana around her forehead, pushing back her fringe, and had her maroon hair in a ponytail.

"Mera?" Shun shouted, "You work here?"

She nodded, "Yeah, the business has been rapid recently." She tapped on the cash register, "What can I get for you two?" she asked, eyeing the two.

"Uhh... do you even like coffee?" Shun whispered closer to Aren. He nodded.

Once they ordered their drinks, they were assigned to sit down. Shun looked like a tomato. He wasn't good with social interaction outside of school, let alone ordering. Yet, Mera was his friend, and he should feel comfortable, right? Yet the interaction left him silent. He should have used his Jet Black Wing persona to ignore his awkwardness, but he knew he'd just draw more judgement.

Aren noticed the embarrassed gleam in his eyes and said, "You did fine, Shun. No need to stress about it; it happened, so let it go. "

Shun focused on Aren, on his voice and on his face. That made him feel more at ease, though.

However, Aren looked just as uncomfortable. He began fidgeting with his sleeve and chewed the inside of his lip.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Eh, the last time I was at a café it didn't end well." He admitted, "Let's just say there was shattered glass and bones."

Shun had a look of shock and despair on his face. "You should have told me, or else we could've gone somewhere else, like a shopping centre or—"

"Shun. It's okay, I generally don't care. It's..." he looked around, "nice and relaxing. a big difference from my former life."

Aren remembered everything from this morning. With the rapid heartbeat, his sweating, and the new urges that arise How could he push himself to feel that way? Yet he couldn't stop these new ideas that came into his head. Now, this scene feels like a romantic outing. The movies, the shows, and the experiences he saw around him. This couldn't be happening.

He had to ignore the feelings and come to terms with the fact that he was not falling in love.

"Kuboyasu, you're staring off into space?" A female's voice called out. Aren shook his head and looked up at Mera with the drinks in her hands.

"Oh shit, my bad."

He apologised and took it.

Shun pressed his hand against his mouth, laughing into it silently. He used his arm to support himself, and his eyes did all the talking.

"Don't even start."

Shun took a sip of his black coffee. His eyes were hooded as he stared with cockiness. He took a sip and burnt his tongue.

He shoved the sting in his mouth and asked, "So, what were you thinking about?"

"I wasn't." He took a sip of his own; it was like a caramel taste. He allowed Shun to choose for him. He wondered if he wanted this himself but wanted to look cool.

"I know you were. I can tell what you're thinking. Even in class, I noticed you were deep in thought throughout classes. "

Aren chuckled deeply, "You stare at me in class?"

Shun put up a finger to dispute but put it down. Then he remembered the times he would stare at Aren. For weeks after the sleepover, he would catch him in his sight and think about things. Any time he laid eyes on Aren, he thought about feelings he never knew he had; they were new, scary, and life-changing.

"You know, if I ever do that again, it could be a great way to steal things from me." He replied. Breaking Shun out of his thoughts

Shun raised his brows as he brought his cup to his mouth with a knowing look.

Aren thought about what he once said: "If you ever want to steal something from me, you have to do it without getting caught. Get me off my guard."

"That's a reason I brought you here."

"What?" That confusing statement threw him off guard.

Shun looked at the dark liquid. He imagined it was poison or ink, sent by the dark reunion to poison him. He smiled and then replied, |

"I'm answering your question as to why we are here. Ever since you came into my life, I haven't felt so alive in ages. As much as I shout and yell at you anytime you show up randomly during cram lessons, I do enjoy it. Even when we were running from a gang, spray painting and cooking even felt exciting. And to top it all off, you were a delinquent, living a life that was full of adrenalin and excitement. You introduced me to a new world that I'm so interested in. "

Aren opened his mouth to speak but was cut off immediately.

"I know you want to be a better person, become more civil and calmer. So, I thought I could repay you by inviting you into my world. Back to my normal and civil life. Aside from the delusions and stuff. "

"You already have," Aren commented softly. He made steady eye contact with him and said, "Even if you're delusional, it doesn't take away from the fact that you have helped me in more ways than one. I'd probably be on the wrong path if it weren't for you. So, thank you for letting me enter your world too. "

Shun's warm gaze melted his heart more, turning it into a pile of goo. He felt so soft and vulnerable; he didn't know why he just did. He let down his guard slightly just for him.

"I like you, Aren. I do. This is why I'm doing this. "

Aren froze. His cup was near his mouth but he stopped. He felt his thoughts slow down as he lowered the drink.

"You like me?"

"Of course I do, idiot." Shun scoffed.

He knew he shouldn't interpret that statement as a romantic implication. He could tell by the normal but gentle look in Shun's eyes. They showed more interest and admiration than romance and swooning.

"No one has ever said that to me before." He bashfully looked away, taking a sip.

Shun had a sad 'aww' expression on his face. He looked devastated and sympathetic to the former delinquent.

"Maybe it's time to get used to it," Shun smiled. Now Aren's heart was just a puddle.

Good grief, I can not take a break, can I?

Saiki rolled his eyes at the two. He had a book on his table that he was reading. It was the only thing that distracted him from avoiding conversation and drama. Yet, the party goes with you.

Great, the mutual pining is beginning to ensue. The bane of fiction is watching two obvious characters dance around each other like a museum exhibition. Another reason why I don't understand nor care about romance.

Yet, as much as he wanted to ignore them, the thoughts of the two were too loud. Aren's thoughts began to slow down and, surprisingly, became more rational and calmer; as if he was calming these feelings. while Shun's thoughts were overlapping with each other. Now he was the irrational and louder one.

These idiots were made for each other alright.

The chiming of the bell alerted a new customer.

"Hey, runt!"

Shun exhaled deeply at the voice. Damn it, it was supposed to be a nice outing.

"Oh, Kuboyasu, Kaidou, we didn't know you were going to be here too." Hairo appeared next to Nendou.

Saiki, from the other table, far, far away from the group, glared sardonically. What is this, a double date or something?

Nendou took a seat next to Shun, while Hairo sat next to Aren. The original duo glanced at each other.

Well, there goes our calm outing, they both thought.

Thanks to the special table, the cafe was now full of shouting. It was as if there was a whole cafeteria for talking. Nendou and Shun began getting into harmless squabbles, while Hairo proceeded to drink down his coffee as if his life depended on it, and Aren was the only quiet one, ironically enough.

It was like he was the decently mannered one now.

Food was thrown at one point, despite the fact that it was a public cafe where such behaviour is prohibited; however, Nendou did it anyway.

That was Saiki's cue to leave.

Aren could see that Shun was quietly fuming at the noise. His eyes were shifty and his head drooped.

"Sorry, Nendou and Hairo, as long as the hour has been, we need to go."

"Oh," Hairo defeatedly sighed, "Well, if you want to. We'll see you tomorrow at school, alright? "

Shun's head perked up at Aren. He cared about him, huh? They were about to stand up when the bell chimed. Five strangers walked into the cafe. They wore overly concealed clothing, hoodies with sleeves, ripped pants, hats, and sunglasses. Mostly in black or dark colours. Some had ear piercings and others had tattoos on their necks. Now, Aren knows he shouldn't judge anyone, because he knows how it feels, and he knows that not everyone who wears concealed clothing, ear piercings and tattoos is automatically a gang squad. Yet, he'd been so exposed to this lifestyle for a long time that he forgot normal people can express themselves how they want with their appearances.

"Aren, are you okay?" Shun asked.

Aren clicked away from his thoughts, as he smiled, "I'm fine, though I just saw something."

Shun and Aren stepped out the door and into the fresh, warm air. It was like being underwater for way too long. From the outside, they heard the manager go off at Nendou and Hairo. At the same time, Aren glared at the band of people who just entered as he and Shun left.

"Thank God we didn't get involved." Shun directed a shot at them.

"I could see you were uncomfortable, so I thought it was time to go."

They began walking, though Shun walked a little bit faster. With a relaxed posture, he said, "I thought caring was beneath you."

Aren thought to himself, looking at the cars buzzing by, the strangers walking past, and the sound of life buzzing around them. They left the same way as they arrived. Familiar buildings were passed by, familiar stores and stands.

"I thought so too," He reached into his pocket, placing a wallet near Shun's chest. The blue-haired boy widens his eyes. Damn, he's way too good. Instead of yelling at him for stealing something of his, he looked at it thoughtfully and smiled.

"But you've brought something different within me." He leant forwards and playfully jabbed Shun in the shoulder. A small whimper came from his throat. However, he didn't feel as much pain as the first time he did this. Aren did control his strength after all. He turned his back and, with a glance back with those sultry eyes and a two-finger salute, he said, "See ya later, Jet Black Wings."

Shun clutched the wallet tighter, staring in awe rather than confusion. His words were still like honey, sweet but sticky, that would never leave his mind, even if they wanted to.

In his heart, a spark was lit. It was small, like a cinder. Yet he knew that it would eventually turn into a raging fire. 

Chapter Text

During H.P.E., Shun lay on the bench with his legs like jello and his head pounding painfully as he looked up at the sky. The whistles of the teacher and Hairo's voices did not go well together. Aren's not being present at school only serves to exacerbate the situation. A quadruple kill, then. NOT AT ALL FUN.

He closed his eyes for a split second, picturing Aren's face, his smile, those eyes staring at him with the worn eyes of a former delinquent. He could hear the boy's voice, powerful but comforting, the touch of his warm arms around him. He felt his stomach drop. Awakening him from his trance.

What the heck was that? 

He continued trying to push these emotions away even though it had been going on for days and months. He was shocked by them, not because he found them repulsive. He would suddenly stumble over his words as the two were just talking, and it was still a rush. When did he begin behaving or feeling this way? Perhaps there was a problem with him.

Shun groaned into his hands, he didn't understand what was wrong with him. He wanted to look deep inside himself and ask, how did this happen, why is this happening and when can it stop?

He looked at the shadows of footsteps coming to a halt, and looked up at Yumehara, who looked down at him worriedly, "Hey, Kaidou. Are you alright?" she asked sweetly. 

"Never been better." He scoffed, "Just resting my body since I feel like a plague has been cursed onto me and holding me down."

"You're puffed out."

"I said there was a plague that I was cursed with." He rebutted.

"Yeah, yeah." She hummed, not buying it. "Are you though, because you've been looking bummed out all day?"

"Have I?"

"Is it because Kuboyasu isn't here today?" She blankly muttered. She noticed how his eye sparked at the mention of that name, "Yeah, thought so."

"Look. It's nothing personal, but...I don't know." He fiddled with his thumbs. The wiggly eyes, the nervousness and the blush made their way too apparent for Yumehara, after all, she understands this feeling better than anyone.

"Kaidou, do you want to walk home today?" She asked. 


The blue-haired boy tilted his head, as he thoughtfully replied, "Sure. I-I wouldn't mind that. I suppose."

"Great!" The girl cheered, "I'll help you sort through these feelings."

Kaidou nodded, but immediately processed what she said, he wanted to refute but she was gone. "W-what feelings?" he whispered.

----

The final lesson was almost over. Shun was disoriented and didn't pay attention to the board at all; he felt as though a ghostly presence was still haunting him and influencing his behaviour. To make up for his lack of taking notes, he hastily jotted down whatever he could in the final moments of class. He hadn't observed how, using a black pen and doodling ...a lot of hearts, he would draw his initials across his paper.

Shun sagged in his chair and was fixated aimlessly on the lined paper. Aren would not leave his thoughts. That, being, the... thing between him and Aren. The unspoken, undefined thing. Dark Reunion had to be responsible for it. Shun almost screamed as the bell chimed over the head speakers. He felt his soul leave his body, letting out a hard and long side. Thank god it was over. 

"Kaidou." Looking up, he saw Yumehara. " You ready to go"? she asked, swinging her body in an anticipatory manner.

"Hey, Shun. You ready to go?" Aren would ask, giving him a swift jab to the shoulder. His cheeks were flushed with dusty pink. Knowing that Yumehara was saying that in place of Aren, he nervously laughed,

"Of course."

Yumehara giggled inconveniently,

"If you say so."

Shun yearned for the phrase "Jet black wings," but it never appeared. Come on, get over it.
By the time they left the school, there was a palpably silent weight of anxiety hanging over everyone. Yumehara hoped that Shun wasn't making her uncomfortable, but she didn't want to disappoint or humiliate Shun.

"So..." Kaidou started, "Why did you want to walk with me again?"

"Since Kuboyasu isn't here, you typically walk home with him, so I didn't want you to walk by yourself. That's all." Yumehara was still unable to control her emotions. She was aware of the situation. far; at a distance However, she was able to sense, feel, and see how much Shun meant to Kuboyasu.

"But is that all?"Yumehara replied with a hushed, "Heh," while twirling a hair strand around her fingers "maybe not You've been acting oddly for a while, look. It hurts to see you today being so aloof. When Kuboyasu isn't at school, that occurs frequently. I was  curious as to know...you know...you and Kuboyasu are a thing?"

Shun almost fell over a sloping section of pavement when his heart skipped a beat and he started to lose his balance. He abruptly came to a stop and turned to face Yumehara. "Oh what...Oh gods no, we're just friends."

Yumehara's eyes widened as she raised both of her brows and exclaimed, "Seriously?"

"What it's...true. Friends, "He made a strong argument by yelling it out loud and utilising his hands as brackets. Yumehara was not convinced.

"Oh come on, I've seen the way you are together." She batted her eyelashes and provocatively rolled her shoulders.

A heat gradually reached his ears, but he couldn't bear to experience these perplexing emotions. Was he starting to like him? Is the time right? Is this how you experience crushes? Oh, Dark Reunion. "Sure, from your perspective it looks like I might...you know. But it's not all that ground-breaking. I'm not sure if I've ever experienced these emotions." He didn't...sort of...he did, but not like... Aren and he were just... Although they weren't anything, they hadn't fully defined what that anything was, and...

 "No, I'm sorry Kaidou, I didn't mean... I just assumed. I should have known better. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Yumehara replied with sincerity as she took a few steps back to allow Shun some room. Through them, a silent dagger is plunged.

Running around with him. Chasing after him. skipping classes, running errands, singing, painting on the street, and hiding out. These emotions stemmed from the visit to the coffee shop, or did they? Was it from that moment? No, no, that day everything seemed so familiar.

Reflecting on when they became friends. The punch, his voice, the mannerisms....the words...see you later Jet Black Wings...After he was saved by Aren on that fateful day. Was that the moment these feelings came about?

Maybe. His heartbeat increased. 

"Why would you assume that?" he mumbled, dragging herself from his memories. In Yumehara's place, Shun wouldn't believe herself either. He wrapped one arm around his waist, uncharacteristically self-conscious. "It's complicated. We're both, you know, busy. It's a big commitment, but I'm sure he..."

"Okay, I believe you. I am sorry Kaidou, I didn't mean to get the wrong idea."

Any bitterness Kaidou had been feeling melted away. Yumehara was a good friend, and this conversation didn't change anything. It didn't. Things were just the same as they always were, Shun corrected her, and that was the end of that.

"Okay...hypothetically...how would I know...I have these feelings?"  It felt like a general statement, but something in it had Shun's heart stuttering, "for hypotheticals...you know."

Yumehara couldn't believe was she was hearing, as it allowed her to feel a sense of reassurance. She didn't butcher any privacy or feelings. She started to reflex, thinking about times when she's felt like this, she knew this feeling too well. 

"Well, some of the signs that you might like someone is the desire to always be next to them, you might feel a fluttering in your gut, your thoughts might get crazy, and you might stutter around them." 

Shun shook his head slightly. "Are you sure, because I'm certain I never had these feelings before and...I'm sure that Aren and I are just...friends..."  Was it enough anymore? They'd spent so many months as friends, relying on each other, and he never really thought about it much more than that because anything more than friends was shaky unstable ground. It was a dangerous feeling. As cliché as it sounds, it felt so right and yet so wrong, as his feeling gravitated toward Aren, whether he could control it or not.  "What if I'm just faking it? And pretending?

"The person you like makes you smile, laugh, feel free, comforted, warm and safe, right?"

"Yeah but-"

"You want to provide the same thing for them right?"

"Yes... I would, but lately, I feel like I haven't been giving anything back to him." Shun acknowledged, that he felt a colossal and scalding heap of guilt plunge over him.

Yumehara sighed, "I know the feeling, Kaidou...I do, but, if your feelings are valid and safe for him, don't you think, just hanging out with him, is all that he needs?

All these days, led up to this feeling?
"You may be right." He bowed his head in defeat. "I'm still uncertain though. I need to come to terms with these feelings alone. Yet, thank you, Yumehara."

"Of course, Kaidou. Just remember, there is no pressure for you to get into a relationship you might not be certain about."

Shun nodded dimly. She had a point, it scared him how much she knew. Then, he heard a buzz from his phone. He reached into his pocket and picked it up,  the phone flashed up, and notifications from Aren's number flooded his screen.

"Meet me at the hide-out."

 He felt dizzy, his heart rate shot up, and most importantly, his face relaxed in defeat. 

"You better not leave him waiting," Yumehara fancifully smirked.

Kaidou rubbed the base of his neck, as he thanked her, "Thank you, Yumehara. You're an amazing friend...hey...." he whispered, "If Aren and I...you know...I wouldn't mind having another sworn friend."

There was a shimmering light in her eyes, and she felt her heart stutter, "I'd like that. Well...have fun with Kuboyasu."

----
As he moved through the small forest, Shun experienced a mix of anxiety, excitement, and confusion. A speck of colour could be seen as the hideout emerged from the surrounding greenery. Aren was likely waiting inside since the 'door' was open.

"Hey, Aren!" He crooned, "When I heard your frantic messages coming from the magic box, I assumed the worst. However, the Jet Black——Aren? "He scanned the area. The lonely board game table, the tattered couch, and the dimly lit interior all contributed to the feeling of isolation. The only new thing was an art wall with heroes and dragons etched onto the curtains. He recalled the time Aren had drawn it for him as a small token of appreciation for the coffee date, er, outing. He suddenly developed that cunning look in his eyes and stated that he thought something was missing. Shun didn't intervene.

"Aren?"

Oh, Dark Reunion!!! This is bad. Maybe something kidnapped Aren and-

Shun felt a squeeze between his sides, he flinched like a cat with his hairs standing on end, and he screamed as he fell backwards. When he heard a strong but friendly laugh, he looked up to see Aren double over in laughter.

"AREN!" He exclaimed.

 "S-sorry Shun, I didn't mean to scare ya that bad.

"Well, you did, never to that again! You had me so worried for a second." 

As he made his way to the couch, Aren ran his fingers through Shun's hair. Shun's bloodshot eyes widened as a shiver ran up and down his spine. He collapsed onto the noisy couch. He sighed, "Awh, so thoughtful," and he laughed again. " I should have anticipated that," said Shun, rolling his eyes.

He climbed up onto the couch and took a seat on the edge as Aren took over the couch as usual.

"So, why weren't you at school today?" Shun questioned. Aren lifted a leg up while placing his hands on his stomach and sighing."I didn't feel like it, and yeah sure, I had no idea how difficult school is. Of course, the fact that you are there is a bonus."

Shun felt his heart flutter at that precise moment. God damn it. This isn't happening. The unstable ground grew more unsteady, he noticed. The foundation of their friendship started to crumble.

"We're here now, I suppose." The boy with violet hair shrugged removed his glasses and set them down in a drawer. Shun was acting more restless than usual, he noted. A thought suddenly entered his mind, "You know, we could explore this forest for the entire afternoon. Even after spending so much time here, we still haven't seen everything."

Shun's sense of adventure was piqued. His chin was cocked, and his eyes were poised and alert. "Obviously. Just so you know, I'll be the one keeping an eye out for any traps the Dark Reunion may have set."

Aren nodded and said, "Sure, go ahead." He got off the couch, "What are you waiting for? Let's go."

The forest's canopy served as the adventurers' sky, blinding them with a green hue while the grass and pebbles cushioned their feet as they ran through it. Shun was on high alert and would react like a squirrel whenever he heard a noise. Just in case he needed to defend himself and Aren, he had a pointed, sharp stick that he used as a "make-believe" stake. The other thought that was adorable of him to do.

Shun lagged while Aren took the lead. On the walk, Shun maintained such a tight rein on himself that he forgot to enquire as to their location. They'd been walking for what? Half an hour. He was consumed by his thoughts. He wasn't acting like him. He would occasionally assume the persona of Jet Black Wings and demand to defend Aren, but that was just a ruse to ignore his innermost feelings. Was it that obvious? Was it that true? Oh my Dark Reunion, that was difficult. Yumehara, however, backed up everything he had thought. Should I trust myself?

"holy shit!"

Being on his toes, Shun leapt in front of Aren, pointing to the stake and extending his other arm in a protective gesture. The blue-haired boy experienced a wave of embarrassment that caused his cheeks to burn and turn the same colour as his eyes.

"Thank you, Shun." Aren laughed, unsure of his reaction. He was impressed by Shun's ability to be so protective as his cheeks flushed dusty pink in response. Of course, each in his way. 

The two looked around at their surroundings to find that they'd led themselves to a small lake on the far side of the forest. There was a series of flat, mossy stones that acted like a staircase for a small rush of water to cascade down from the stream above. He had barely begun to wonder what they were doing when he noticed Aren had already started cautiously making his way up the stones beside the water. 
"This is beautiful! Look at this!"

His brows furrowed, and he jogged to follow him. His shoes padded against the stone, barely audible over the sound of the water rushing and distant birds.

Aren had found a dry patch of sturdy stone positioned over the gentle waterfall and sat down. He expectantly looked back at Shun, waiting with a sparkle in his eyes.  Shun knew he would be fighting a losing battle to refuse, and he couldn't stand to see him disappointed, so he dropped himself down next to him.

"Okay, this is relaxing. I'm surprised this isn't a trap, " Shun admitted. "You know what happens when something seems too perfect."

"Yep. Uh-huh. Super secret traps. Dark Reunion might be dying to get their hands on all of this.... space." Aren joked, putting on a serious voice.

"Don't forget the hide-out, too."

"Oh, how could I forget about the hideout" he dramatically exclaimed. Despite  Shun's every intention, he was coaxed into a laugh alongside him. He was so good to him. Soon, his laughter quietened into a sound so sad he couldn't bear to hear it.

"No, but seriously, this is nice. I never knew this existed. I needed this after a tough day." He closed his eyes, leaning back further, losing himself in the calmness. Suddenly, he felt a splash of cold water, he squeaked and glared at Aren. In retaliation, he splashed some water back. Soon, it became a battle. 

A couple of minutes have passed, and both boys were wet. They laughed tremendously as they calmed down. Pressed thigh to thigh on the small rock platform, alone together under the filtered light and the soothing sound of running water– if Shun had any less self-control, he might've cried. Why was Aren always so stupidly, painfully considerate? Why did he have to make this so hard for him? He thought things could stay the same. In a split second, his resolve broke. 

Shun noticed Aren getting up. He looked down at him, looking immeasurably proud about it. He started walking away, towards a very, very tall tree. He analysed it and looked back at Shun, who sat on the stones.

"Do you think I can climb this tree?"

Shun shrugged. "You can carry a tree over your shoulder- what do you think?" He dimly scoffed.

"Haha, very funny." Aren turned away with his hands on his hips. Shun started to approach, he craned his neck up, looking at the leaves that obscured the deep blue sky with accents of white fluffy clouds and golden rays shined down from the heavens.  Shun hadn't even noticed that the dark violet-haired boy dangled his legs over a branch, gleaming down with the sun behind him, making him look so soft, so beautiful and ethereal.

He chuckled as he asked, "You wanna come up?"

Shun took a shaky step back, looking at the branches and how high Aren was. He was like a cat, with narrow and sleek eyes that waited and waited.

"I'm not sure, it's pretty high."


Aren chuckled to himself, gradually hopping down from branch to branch, before landing on the ground next to Shun.

"Never climbed a tree as a kid?"


"My mother would kill me if I fell from that," Shun admitted, "besides, I was a 'play pretend' kind of kid. Not a tree climbing kid."

"I don't blame you," he understood, "it is kind of scary, especially if you fall." He breathed out a mocking whisper, "you never forget,"

Shun'seyes widened, wanting to do what he does, he wanted to feel the experience (not the falling part). Aren smiled as he interpreted the look in the other's eyes. He nudged to the top of the tree, before moving to climb.

Shun observed him from below, transfixed by his effortless movements. He responded by shouting back, "Come on!" with joy from where he was. The other was able to hug the tree stump while keeping track of his movements as he gradually raised himself. Aren would triumph regardless of the outcome, so it wasn't a contest; rather, it felt carefree and innocent. Shun's arms felt like they wanted to rip off as his legs dangled carelessly; it was risky, but it felt right. As he climbed higher, he got closer to Aren. Given that your body is suspended so high above the ground, it was an odd thought to have. He allowed the rush to overwhelm him, but he didn't feel unsafe.

He directed his eyes to the ground as a bead of sweat began to form at his temples. He then let out a weak yell and clung desperately to a branch. He focused his attention on the other who was idly sitting above after he was certain he heard the other laugh. As Shun let out a sigh that felt relieving, the laughter spread as he quickly forgot his fear. He finally moved to a branch beneath the other, who had been patiently waiting, and their eyes met. Shun had a flushed red face, wind-whipped light hair, and glowing crimson eyes that shone with contentment. Before he and Aren could sit on the same branch, it took one more reach. A revitalising and potent zephyr brushed against Aren's cheek as his dark violet hair fluffed across his face. Shun let out a small shriek while huddling towards the other, not even realising how high they were.

But as he came into contact with the ground below, the fear changed into something else. He felt closer to the sun and sky and experienced the rush of flight as the tiny, dilapidated tent appeared to be nothing more than a speck rather than a fortress.

"This is gorgeous."

"Riiiiight, you missed out when you were younger," The other dismissed it. "I'm surprised you followed along. I expected that you would splat, crunch, "one laughed in jest. He wanted to disagree but was unable to do so.

He said, "So, this is how it feels, huh? I feel like I could fly." He wasn't sure what had caused the sudden change in emotion, but it felt right. He flailed his arms widely in the air.

"You could try, but it wouldn't be a pretty sight," Aren joked, "I don't think I want to see you splatter on the ground." Even after receiving a punch to the arm, he smiled unfazed. He emphasised the word "wings," saying, "I mean, you are the Jet Black Wings after all. You just jump off and boom, wings." Aren's creative ideas and heartwarming remarks have always appealed to Shun. The longer he stared and grinned, the louder the thumping sound became.

"Shun?"

The pastel blue-haired boy kicked his legs reflexively, looking at Aren's hand that was close to his. Why did he have the strangest urge to reach for it, intertwined with his fingers?

"Well, some of the signs that you might like someone is the desire to always be next to them, you might feel a fluttering in your gut, your thoughts might get crazy, and you might stutter." Recalling what Yumehara had said from early that day.

"Are you sure, because I'm certain I never had these feelings before and...I'm sure that Aren and I are just...friends.?"

"The person you like makes you smile, laugh, feel free, comforted, warm and safe, right?"

He remembered he agreed.

"You want to provide the same thing for them right?" Why did her words haunt him so deeply?

"Yes... I would, but lately, I feel like I haven't been giving anything back to him."

 "Your feelings are valid and safe for him, don't you think, just hanging out with him, is all that he needs?"

Shun's heart was pounding, his mind was racing, and he was perspiring. His cheeks began to warm up. Maybe, just maybe, he had feelings for Aren. He screamed as a finger snapped in front of his eyes. He questioned, "Dude, are you alright, you looked out of it." cautiously focusing as he closed in

."I'm fine, just thinking about..." He blushed and his body started to tremble as he examined Aren's hand, "how my wings would look. You know," great recovery Shun. He gave himself a mental slap.

Aren hummed with a shrug, he replied, "If you say so. What wings, then?"

"Oh, a raven or a crow."

"Ah, perfectly fitting," Aren wasn't even surprised by that answer, rolling his eyes expectedly. "I don't know...I'm not too knowledgeable about birds."


" you'd have hummingbird wings or fairy wings. You're spontaneous and...sporadic and fluttery." his eyes seemed to sparkle as he gestured dramatically. "

"Uh, excuse me!" Aren gasped, "I am not!" he poked at the other, "I'll have you know you're the sporadic one, whatever that means," he teased.

"You're crazy and unpredictable."

Aren slumped his shoulders, "oh, yeah no, that is me," he quietly agreed and muttered. Shun gasped out a laugh.

"Aw, so innocent," he leaned his head closer, his cheek was squished by Aren's palm and pushed him back and he laughed.

"Oh, so I'm a mythical creature am I?" He put on a fake offended tone, his eyes full of disgrace.

"You're unreal  enough to be one"

They felt something snap under them. It sounded and felt like a sudden, creaky jump. Shun and Aren exchanged angry looks. Shun was in a panic because of what he almost said and the branch that was breaking. Shun hissed. Shun nearly passed out when the other said, "We climb back down." He explained, carefully guiding his legs and arms onto the next branch, "It's still a little sturdy, but we just need to climb down." Looking down, Shun scowled as his stomach tightened. Why did Aren make it seem so simple? He blames his skinny little legs and poor athleticism. He attempted to do the same, but his body felt uncontrollable and his legs were dangling and flailing.

"Shun, are you okay?" Aren cautioned from below. 

He scoffed, looking down at Aren in vain, "Just fine, no need to worry about me, the Jet Black Wings, no sir-ey, whoa!" His hands slipped, and he screamed, his throat strained from the shrillness of his voice. His body fell, slamming against the branches. Over the sound of his screams, he heard Aren calling out to him. His body crashed into the branches, falling steadily to the ground. Each branch pierced his skin like a needle, grazing and stabbing him. His movements were becoming erratic as he jumped from branch to branch when he heard Aren calling his name. tumbling behind.

Shun scrunched his eyes tightly as he came to a stop, still screaming. Looking up at a terrified Aren, Shun felt a tight grip around his wrist. Aren's eyes were wide, desperate, and pleading and his mouth were slightly open as he breathed heavily. His knees and core started to tremble as he struggled to maintain his strength while holding Shun and the branch. He certainly appeared brave.

He finally asked after a wave of relief swept through him, "Are you okay?

Shun mumbled, "Yeah, of course," as he was at a loss for words. Realizing they were still far from the ground, he turned to face the ground again. 

"I'm grateful," He squeaked, thinking, dang, I forgot he was that strong, as he felt Aren pull him up. He could probably throw him around like a ragdoll and he wouldn't complain, not that he was complaining. He was carefully lifted back up, his body flopped against the branch, and his head and legs dangling. 

He rasped, "Thank you," once more. 

Aren shuddered, "no problem."

'Whoa, are you alright?' Shun raised his head in exasperation. The ex-delinquent shrugged as his entire body shook. "I thought... It was terrifying. I thought you would get hurt or worse, and I was so fucking worried. Tell me that you're okay...really," he leant forwards and put his hand on Shun's face.

"Of course. I guess it was all so sudden. You were right, I shouldn't try flying," Shun chuckled. His cheeks turned a soft shade of crimson as he grinned, giving him a soft, ethereal appearance.

 Aren grinned and leant back as he felt something other than adrenaline making his heart race. He wanted to continue to stick with Shun and make sure he protected him completely—in body, mind, and spirit.

Shun could still make out Aren's continued anxiety, which was a deep-seated fear that was fading. "Aren, I'm fine. Truly," He spoke reassuringly while slowly blinking. He lifted his hand to meet Aren's. I'm not worthy of him because he's so sweet.

The boy with dark violet hair murmured, "Maybe we should get down." This time, Aren helped Shun to the ground while ensuring his overall safety and keeping an eye out for any potential harm or mishaps.

 Aren had never given a thought to another person's safety, but then again, no one had ever given a thought to him. He found this feeling of putting another person's needs ahead of his own to be incredibly relieving. He enjoyed it. He made all of these efforts so that Shun would continue to smile, laugh, play, and converse with him.

Shun sighed in relief as soon as he felt the bottom of his feet and the prickly grass between his toes. " Thank God, I thought I would never again touch the ground."

Aren called after him, "You would, but you'd be splat dead upon the ground. But I stopped that from happening, so."

"You worry too much, do you know that?" Shun asked a rhetorical question while returning to the covert location.

Aren remained motionless; why wouldn't he? He would undoubtedly defend Shun; otherwise, why wouldn't he? Once more, he failed to defend those who had previously been close to him. No matter what he had to do, he wanted to keep Shun safe. He would not hesitate to go back to his old ways to protect Shun, even if it meant jumping into the fire to do so.

"That's because I don't want to lose you."

He didn't want to lose the sunshine in his life. Shun smiled softly. "Thank you...again, Aren...For saving my life. Again."

He guided Shun back to the hideout, and they parted ways from the mystical lake, "Don't waste your breath," he shakily took in a breath, "You'd do the same."

"Yeah...yeah, I would." Shun stood beside him. He smiled down at Aren. His eyes absorbed his features, he thought about how smooth his dark hair must've felt, the way it parted against his head, that curtained his eyes, making him look more diligent and refined. His sharp cheekbones had the faintest dusty pink. O-oh hell. Shun jumped away.

"Shun, are you okay?" Aren yelled.

Shun stared up at him. "O-oh hell." He thought...I am falling for my best friend!

"Shun?" Immediately, he was at eye level with him. A mix of confusion and worry was on his face.
The pastel blue-haired boy glanced at anything but Aren. Shit. It made sense.

"The person you like makes you smile, laugh, feel free, comforted, warm and safe, right?"

That ticked the criteria off.

Chapter Text

Aren never came to school without Shun. It was a routine; they would meet at the park and walk together, standing side by side. They brushed shoulders, playfully nudged each other, and slouched against each other.

As if there weren't any emotions bubbling beneath the surface.

Aren found himself walking alone for the first time. Shun may have been forced to arrive at school early. His world, on the other hand, felt different. A short, fluffy light blue-haired boy was no longer in his sight. Why was he feeling this way?

He looked at the pavement, at cracks in the cement; it wasn't particularly interesting, but it kept those thoughts at bay.

He couldn't bear the feelings that surfaced. Was he reliant on Shun? No, he was too self-sufficient to allow Shun to influence his life and happiness. Yes, he told himself that.

So, what was it about those eyes that haunted his soul?

Get out of it. You can't feel anything for him! You're going insane.

The bridge of his glasses felt tight against his nose as if it were clamping. He could see the school gates approaching in the distance. He was not the only one who was late. The PE teacher and chief discipline officer were yelling and scolding students who wore the wrong uniform or acted inappropriately.

Aren glared at the teacher, he never respected teachers in his past, but Mr Matzusaki was scary. He tensed his shoulders and clenched his fists as he entered the school grounds.

"Shoulders down, son." The teacher called.


There were still a couple of students roaming around in the halls, either performing form duties or they were wagging. Suddenly, he felt someone yank the back of his collar and his head was impacted against the wall. He gritted through his teeth, it felt like a migraine but worse.

A voice in the distance called out. They leaned against a locker, arms folded. They were much taller than him, but this did not pose a threat.

"What do you want?"

"Word has it that you're the talk of the school. A former delinquent that has become a goodie?"

"How did you know that?" Aren's eyes widened and his voice lowered.

One skinny and one large figure emerged from the shadows.
"You're the Esper gang's former leader. Every thug recognises you. There has been less and less assault since you came here," a fluffy-haired brown-haired boy explained. "It's unusual for a criminal to change their marks."

"No, it's not. Can I go?"

"No," the leader calmly shook his head.

One of them lunged, inches away from Aren's face. His hand pressed against the wall.

"A violent gang leader had to resort to becoming so frail." He tilted Aren's chin so that they were locking eyes. "Now that I see it, you do have those deadly eyes, those rough and veiny hands, the broad shoulders, the attitude. The famed demon killer, Mullet Wearing Aren, Carnage Middle's Murder Weapon."

Aren felt like a cornered mouse. "I don't care, just let me go. Now that you mention it; there's an exit door right there, you might need it." He tried to sidestep away from them. The thug paused, silent before a twisted grin appeared on his face.

"Not bad. I guess it's just the experience in these types of situations, right?"


Aren felt like a cornered mouse. "I don't care, just let me go." He tried to sidestep away from them. He shook his head disappointingly, he wondered what caused these bastards to resort to this behaviour, or at least they should try to have guidance. He felt his shoulder being tugged on, he was pulled back and slammed against the wall. He gritted through his teeth as he growled, "What the fuck was that for?" he didn't want to sudden snap so he held his tongue, giving a dead and cold glare, that was like icy death.

"Nuh hu, hang on. Let's talk about what really matters. You being here."

Aren shook his head. Surging forwards, "I'm putting an end to this-"

"Alone."

Aren's eyes widened.

"Maybe his friends are busy," One of the goons muttered, he seemed to have appeared behind Aren as he teleported. The pudgy boy's eyes were narrowed, "But why would they let us confront you alone?"

The leader put his hands behind his hips, agreeing, "I wouldn't be surprised, knowing that it's Aren Kuboyasu we're talking about. "Admit it, Kuboyasu. You must hurt everyone you meet. You're little friend group, what would they think if they saw you so...unhinged? Do you really think they'd accept you? If you started a friendship circle and they don't know the real you, that doesn't seem very honest to me. It's almost like *gasp* you're leading them on."


Aren shook his head. He stepped into the headspace of some of his friends. 
Hairo: he would undoubtedly be concerned, maybe he would try to protect the others immediately. But he cared so much about everyone, from any background and any faults and flaws someone had.

Yumehara: She wouldn't believe it. She would either run or blame Shun for hanging around him.
"You chose to hang out with a jerk like him?"

Teruhashi: Her entire fan club would gang up on him big time, maybe she would be equally as afraid as Yumehara. Aren could imagine the entire school turning against him, exposing him, belittling him, and ridiculing him. Fearing him.

"You don't know a thing about me!" Aren retaliated.

"Oh come on, we know quite enough. It's clear to everyone."

Aren pulled his lips together, waiting for them to continue. Why did he feel his fist shaking?

"You're struggling."

Bingo.

The confidence washed down the drain, his eyes looking at their shoes, while his eyebrows drew together.

"Desperately trying to move on from the past. While everyone keeps bringing it up. No matter how hard you try."

Aren straightened up trying not to let the trembling get to him, sucking in a breath. "It's quite a sad story," The pudgy boy remarked.


"Seems like a big problem," The tall lanky blonde jeered, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Aren pushed him away while pushing himself against the wall more, feeling more smaller than usual. "There's nothing to talk about?"


"Is that what you believe?" The leader grinned.

Aren clenched his fists but then his breath hitched. He looked around and then at the floor.

"Or is it because you're thinking of someone who matters the most?"

Aren's mind was racing with ideas. Was the thug talking about Shun?

Shun; knew more about him than anyone. He knows how Shun would react. Shun would still be by his side; they were sworn, friends. That made Aren a lot more relaxed. He only needs one person, the only person in his life who would never fear him.

"Come on, Kuboyasu, there's nothing to be ashamed about. You're giving up all of your power and status for a weakling like him." The thug's voice sounded too collected and calm for Aren's liking, like a really smart and sophisticated villain, trying to get inside the hero's head. "to pine over a boy, I wouldn't know how that must feel. Clouding your judgement." The thug grew closer to his ear, "I bet it's difficult to close your eyes and imagine him staring at you like a monster."

Aren felt his fierce facade start to crumble. He had been interrogated by the toughest of delinquents in the Ibaraki prefecture, he had been punched, kicked, bruised, bloodied and crumpled to the ground many times, yet it was some brat that was going to break him. The implications of Shun made him falter. Was he really going to break because these three thugs, who know nothing about him, got to him because of someone who was so dear to him?

Aren yanked on the zipper, scowling as he zipped it halfway down. He felt compelled to remove his glasses and give them a good thrashing. Aren reflected on his actions. He recalls the first time he scared Shun. His mind was plagued by images of horror and disgust. Is he willing to fight while picturing a cowering Shun in his mind? I bet it's difficult to close your eyes and imagine him staring at you like a monster. That statement was not completely false, in fact, it was true. Anytime he tried to sleep at night, anytime he zoned out, and times when it was just him and thoughts, those were true. He did imagine Shun looking at him like a monster.

"We all have a past, Kuboyasu."

"Damn it, I've changed!" He exploded. He snatched the hand away and shove the thug aside, stepping away, "I'm not the same as I was before!" he exclaimed as the dam that was holding back his rage burst open. The thugs fell silent as they gave each other strained faces as tried to stifle their laughter. Suddenly, the hallway erupted in sounds. Ugly sounds. It wasn't natural laughter that stemmed from happiness. It was a laugh Aren had heard before. It was a laugh of embarrassment and disbelief.
"Is that what you believe?" The leader grinned.

There was a tight strain on Aren's lip, he adverted his gaze, hugging himself.

"After we're done. It's gonna be like nothing has changed. 

"Let me through," Aren said stoically as he took a step back.

"Fine, under one condition, we take the first hit."

Fight them, what are you doing? It's not like anyone can see you.

"Fair enough."

The blonde's first swung down, but Aren avoided it. Then the larger of the two charged with an elbow. Aren twisted the thug's arm behind his back before kicking him into the blonde and toppling them over.

He then turned to face the leader. Slowly ascending. The thug was taller than him but physically weaker. Aren didn't move when the fist was thrown down. He stood there and let the thug punch him in the jaw. His lip was torn, and his muscles were strained and ached. But he didn't cry or care. He leant back silently and shoved him out of the way.

However the moment he was out of sight he raced to the bathroom.


Science wasn't Shun's strongest subject. The chemical equations on the board made him dazed and confused, giving him a pounding headache. He looked at the vacant desk next to him. Aren hadn't shown up for form or first period. Where was he? Maybe he was sick. Maybe he was taken by the Dark Reunion? Wherever he was Shun wanted to find him.

Then the door opened. Everyone's heads turned to the taller dark purple-haired teen walking in. His middle part covered his eyes, and his head was bowed. He looked gloomy and serious, much like the first time he transferred in.

"Kuboyasu, you're late. You better have a good explanation," the science teacher disputed.

Aren simply handed him a late slip. The teacher sighed, before giving him a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience. Go sit down."

Shun was the one who looked at him the longest, as he realised something was wrong. On his cheek was a bright red mark that was starting to swell. Shun then turned to face Saiki, who returned his gaze. Something was wrong, and everyone in the group noticed it. Hairo hummed to himself, Teruhashi fluttered her eyes in concern, and Chiyo worriedly bit her lip. Even Nendou was quieter than usual.

Aren sat down quietly and took out his book. He slouched forwards and began writing on the already-written notes on the board. Nobody had ever seen him so focused and quiet before.

"Hey, Aren. Are you all right?" Shun muttered something. As he looked into Aren's dark eyes, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes were puffy and bloodshot. Was he crying earlier? Shit.

Aren remained silent.

Did someone hurt him? If so. Who. Who did this to him? Why did they do this? Oh, he was going to get to the bottom of this. And they are not gonna like it. No one. And he means no one, hurts one of his friends. No one hurts his Aren.

Then lunch arrived in the blink of an eye. The interrogation would begin at that time.

Aren, on the other hand, left right away.

"Okay, which of you hurt him, huh?" Shun glared at everyone and slammed his hands on the desk.

"Whoa, Kaidou, we were all in the same class, so none of us could have." Hairo pondered.

"If one of you was at fault here, I will hunt you all down and-" he took a deep breath, "Okay," he brought a prayer hand to his mouth and stated, "we need to find out what's going on with him." In science, he appeared to be crying."

"I know, even in art, and then he wasn't as talkative as he was in HPE," Hairo grumbled, "he barely even tried."

"Maybe he's just having a shit day," Nendou confirmed, "We all do, don't we?"

Teruhashi agreed, "we might have to be patient, he'll come around."

Saiki leant against the window, his arms folded. He gave Shun a thought after looking in his direction.

"Oh, I believe I know," Shun muttered something.

"What is it?" Chiyo spoke up.

He bit his lower lip before speaking up. It was Aren's secret that he trusted Shun if he told the rest. As everyone stared at him expectantly, his mind reeled.

"Aren was once a delinquent."

The group fell silent. Even the few whispers were met with worried expressions.

"He's been trying to change his ways and become good instead of bad ever since he arrived here. He is also struggling to move on from his past, which is why he was late for class. I suspect he got into a fight on the way to school and went to the guidance office to get a late slip so he wouldn't be caught," he admitted. He couldn't imagine what Aren was thinking, but if he were here, he would silence Shun right away. He desired secrecy because he knew Aren couldn't do it on his own. "He's been putting on an act so everyone would accept him, he has issues with people's judgement and opinions about him, just so he can fit in but trying to stand out."

"How come he didn't tell us sooner?" Teruhashi mumbled. Shun couldn't decide whether she was scared or disappointed by the news. "If he had told us, we could have assisted him."

Shun gasped, his eyes widening.

"So you're not worried or scared?"

"Of course not," Nendou replied with a nod, "we're still friends, so who cares if he's a criminal, we're all weird."

"Exactly." Everyone agreed.

"I don't think you realise how much that might mean to him."

Chiyo took a confident step forwards, leant forwards, and cupped Shun's cheek. "Perhaps you could do something for him, if you want to make him happy you'll do something for him, right?" she said with a soft smile and glance.
He almost melted into the touch and pulled away. "I'll talk to him."


---
Aren has spent the entire day attempting to avoid Shun. This morning must have ruined his day; delinquents, understandably, harbour grudges.

Shun was walking by himself. He and Aren would always walk home and to school together, never leaving each other's sight. However, this made him feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the world. Even though they were standing next to each other, he felt like Aren was the only one who brought him down to Earth to provide happiness and comfort. Aren was very grounded and down to Earth while he was up in the air, a little wild and unsettled. Despite their differences, they brought out the best in each other.

They make each other stronger. Shun thought about Aren's smile, his laughter, his hair, his voice anything he liked about Aren brought him a bigger drive to make him happy. Shun, a poor boy, wore his emotions on his sleeve, some say he's naive- you could say he was touched.

All he's ever known is his delusional world. 

He arrived at the Kuboyasu family's resonate home, where he assumed Aren was. Down this street, he felt his knees buckle; the other houses were just as vile and dastardly. Nonetheless, he felt safe inside Aren's home. He approached the door and knocked several times. He knocked again when there was no response. He knocked three times and no one answered. Neither of his parents had returned home.

Where could he be? Maybe he's out the back? No, I would be breaking in and I don't have a key.

Shun tapped his chin.

Maybe he went somewhere to get away from the shit in his life...

That's it!

There was a pleasant melody in the air. It sounded deep and echoey, like a wind-blown guitar strumming. Shun recognised the source of the noise right away. Aren playing the bass was still unexpected, but it made his heart race.

He remembered the first time he played the bass in front of Shun; he had previously stated that he was embarrassed by his abilities, but as time passed, Aren became more at ease.

Shun couldn't help but hum the lyrics as the sound got closer and closer.

Soon, different shades of purple became visible, and a tent was erected for all to see.

He pushed the curtain door open as Aren sat on the couch, his gaze fixed on the bass in his lap.

"And this is where you've gone as well." Shun moved in closer, his arms folded. Aren huffed and quirked his eyes up.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about." His voice was numb and incoherent as he muttered sardonically.

Shun sat down next to him, squeezing in closer. He looked down at Aren's eyes, which were turned to the ground, and flicked the strings gently and randomly.

"Somethin' you wanna talk about?"

"Like what?"

"Did anything unusual happen this morning?"

Aren huffed and rolled his eyes. "I hate how observant you are,"

"I wasn't the only one to notice."

Aren leant forwards and placed the guitar beside him. "Fine, if you're curious, I got into a fight."

Shun rubbed the back of his neck and cocked his head.

Aren flinched at Shun's stare, "I'm fine with fighting, you know, it's difficult to hold back. I thought I could handle myself, that I was doing well at blending in, but those thugs exposed me."

"Aren..."

"I was cornered in a corridor. I guess they said something that hit home with me. They discovered that you were the reason I changed. I'm not sure how they did it, but they used you against me."

"To agitate you?"

"Once again, you're very perceptive." He exploded.

"I'm not paying attention; I just know."

Aren huffed, irritated.
"Why haven't you given up on me?"

Shun retorted, offended and off-guard, his eyes had a flurry of emotions that were indescribable, "Why would you say that?

"When you've been down a dark path for as long as I have, you start to question certain things. Sometimes the past appears unexpectedly, and then what?  You're hardly reminded of who you can become. You question everything, including your decisions. I just...I'm not sure if I've been true to myself as I'd like to be. Am I a good person? Do you think I'm a good person, what if the others find out who else knows about my past?" Aren slumped his shoulders, 



"To be fair," Shun leant forwards slightly, reassuringly placing a hand on his shoulder, "that's for you to decide. Things might not be what we expect, but we just..."

"gotta keep trying?" Aren muttered. A small smile finally appeared on his face.

"We gotta keep trying." He repeated.


"What is with you in these flowery words and why are you being so nice to me?"

Shun looked offended by the question. Why are you being so nice to me?

"Because I care about you, Aren. I mean that."

Aren was at a loss for words. He sighed and thought about those words. He shook his head, stifling a  laugh. It was soft and broken. Shun could feel his own heartbreaking alongside his as he saw tears brimming in Aren's eyes. All he wanted to do was to hold him close like he was holding the world.

"I'm sorry," Aren muttered, his hair dropped over his eyes, while Shun looked at his quivering lips. 

"You have nothing to apologise for; I care about you, Aren. So much," he reassured, "Do you want a hug?"

Aren looked up from his hair, his breathing was stiff but he nodded. Fuck, when was the last time he got a hug? He surged forwards, warm arms around Shun, pulling him close. Shun rubbed Aren's back, swaying softly, he could tell Aren was fighting back tears. "You know you can cry right?"

After a while, he responded, "I'm not crying," he forced out, "I-I just never been held like this before. It feels nice."

"And I'll hold you, for, however, you long you need,"

Aren held on tighter; never letting go. He pleaded with all his heart that they'll always be like this; he wished that the wind would never change on them. There was a sunny warmth; bright, golden and cheery with this touch. He smiled against his shoulder, relaxing further into the hug.
Doubt creeps in. What are you doing? Who are you without him? Can I trust myself? 

Suddenly, Aren pulled away, almost like he was being suffocated. "Aren?" 

He had to get his emotions in check.

"It is nice to know you care, though." He leaned closer, inches away from Shun's face. His eyes automatically trailed down to his soft lips.

"If you don't know that by now," his knuckles unravelled into a claw motion, "I'll unleash the power in my right arm, and I have a way to do it."

"What?"

Aren was suddenly assaulted by a tickle fight. Shun decided to strike and discovered Aren's ticklish spot. Aren tried to suppress a laugh that he knew was coming.

Shun loomed over him with a devilish expression at one point, relentlessly torturing him with tickles. Aren's ticklishness surprised him.

"Is this what happens when you make me nervous? You get the Jet Black Wings, but you forced me to use a special power of mine."

Aren looked up at him, he felt like he was being pinned by a teddy bear. He felt his face blush as he held back his laughter, he wanted to smirk up at him, be all smug and make Shun flustered but the tickling was too much.

"I'm the hero of tickling! I was created to destroy the bane of my existence, my distressed friends!"Shun's touch felt like pepper kisses to him, cold and smooth to the touch, making him squirm and wiggle beneath him. His glasses were crooked, and his eyes were watering.

"W-well, I'll have you know," he grunted as he regained his breath from laughing and pushed Shun over. Shun was the one who was surprised this time. "I'm the tickle torture, one of my well-known attacks," he says. He started attacking Shun's sides.

"No, no, no. Aren!" He made a squeak. His sides were smooth and thin, and he slid his hands beneath his shirt. Shun flinched, even more, chuckling and squirming, "T-this isn't over!" Shun attempted to lean up, but his sides and lungs were in pain. He couldn't help but melt when he saw Aren's bright smile. This is the Aren he is familiar with, likes, and cares about. His heart had melted, his vision had become clouded, and his head was floating in the air.

It felt like heaven.

"O-oh, please, stop!" Shun exclaimed in between laughs. Aren's happiness skyrocketed, and he looked down softly. Shun's breathing slowed as he gazed longingly into Aren's eyes. Aren sighed and leaned back, pulling Shun up onto his knees.

"Thank you," he said with a smile, "and Shun..."

"yeah?"

"You're my hero."

"What?" stuttered Shun's breath. His voice could barely be heard.

"I told you, you were my hero."

The blue-haired boy points to himself.

"No, Saiki's my hero," Aren rolled his eyes, and jerked his head around, "Of course it's you, dumbass!" He pushed Shun's chest making him fall backwards.

Shun exhaled a sigh.  His heart rate increased. How did those words, which had no poetic meaning, depth, or symbolism, have such an impact on him? He could probably write a thousand-word essay about Aren's coolness, strength, and amazingness, but all Aren had to do was say a few words to reboot his brain.

Shun sat up again, softly saying, "All of us were worried about you."

"You told me."

The blue-haired boy's eyes darted around, he began picking at his fingernails, his leg bouncing.
"Shun, what's wrong?"

Shun let out a sigh, almost painfully, "Aren. Please don't freak out but; all of our friends know."

"A-about what?"

"You being a delinquent."

Shock, doubt, and shame crept onto Aren's face, his eyes widen and his eyebrows creased, his pupils dilated. "Y-you told them?" 

SHun flinched at the hostility in Aren's voice, but beneath those sharp words he knew something else was bubbling underneath, "D-don't worry, everyone's fine with it." Aren backed off.

"They are? They aren't terrified?"

 Shun shook his head, "They were shocked, but, they care and accept you, Aren. They do."

"H-how."

"I don't know, they just do. You're one of us, you're not a part of your old gang."

Aren nodded with a wayward breath.

"I was thinking we could do something for you. I've decided we could go rollerskating."

There was a perplexing expression on Aren's face as if he was processing the words in his brain, "Rollerskating. I've never done that before."

"I can." I can't, is what Shun thought, there was a thumping in his chest and a voice in his head, "I thought it'd be a nice outing."

Aren hummed in agreement, "Alright."

Shun laid eyes on the purple guitar on the ground, he pursed his lips as he analysed it.

"You want me to play something?"

"Yes," he nodded sheepishly, "Can I suggest a song?"

"Only if I know how to play it."

As the sky turned pink, orange, and yellow in reflection of the earth's natural treasures, the forest and hideout were alive with music and singing. Aren couldn't help but smile as he watched Shun dance and sing his heart out; he looked so odd yet so beautiful and soft. This pleased him.

Aren tuned out, and his heartbeat took over, drowning out the guitar strums and singing. All he could see was his heart, the silence, and Shun. After all, Jet Black Wings was a hero.

Shun was his hero.

Aren's soul was haunted by his eyes, which caught the dimming light, the soft hue on his face that made him glow, and his smile and laughter that could make a star look like a cinder compared to a solar flare. All he's ever known is to hold his own- he's seen the way the world works, he saw the cold and harsh life before anything else. But now, he wants to hold Shun, close and warm- he doesn't want to go back to the lonely life.
He just hoped the pain in his chest was genuine.

Chapter Text

Shun had no idea how his mother permitted him to do such a thing. His mother was the textbook definition of a 'mama bear' when it came to his safety, so he wasn't allowed to go out after hours.
There was only one thing that convinced her: Aren was going to be there. She seemed to care for the boy; confident, kind and protective; Shun had told her about him as he seemed trustworthy and she saw it herself. That shouldn't worry her.

"Now, you promise me you will call if anything happens."


"Of course, momma I will!"

Shun said his goodbyes as he slammed the car door.

"Yo, runt!"

The tense look on Shun's face faded as he turned slowly to Nendou, Saiki, Teruhashi, and Yumehara, who was waiting for him.

"Oh, hey ogre," he sighed as he put his fingers against his temples. "Do you want to be swept in the dust after the rink is cleared?"

Nendou replied sassily, leaning down to make eye contact, "I won't be beaten at sports in your short life anyway.".

"I'll show you.".

Saiki shook his head; how did I even get here? Well someone may as well supervise.

"So, why are we all waiting outside, shouldn't we go in?" Shun asked.


"We're waiting for Hairo and Kuboyasu and then we can go in," Yumehara explained.

Shun felt his throat clog; as a strained sigh came from his throat.

"Hm, an outing that you planned for the taller nerd, are you sure you wanted us to be your wingmen and wing women on your date?" Nendou had a sick grin on his face, covered by a shadow that made his eyes glow.

"W-what?"

"What he means is, we understand the signs between you," Teruhashi rolled her eyes, explaining.

Shun didn't know how to respond. Yes, this was all for Aren but what did that matter?

"Yep, and after this, you'd abandon us, like all relationships?" Nendou tilted his head. Yumehara and Kaidou glanced at each other, and the blue-haired boy blushed.
"I mean...in class you were writing...AK + SK," she whispered, "we all noticed it in your book."

"You all saw that?"

The three nodded. Saiki only gave him a knowing glance before looking away.

/>
His voice reverted to his old cocky tone, "It doesn't even stand for Aren. It stands for...uh...Authentic King and Silent Knight."

"Runt...I might be stupid but even I can tell it's obvious."

Shun felt like his throat was being choked, clogging his air source, and replaced with small and faint mutters.

Oh crap, why would you write your initials in the margins of your notes? AH you know that's a common and cliche thing to do when you have a crush.

Saiki found the moment to enter the rink. *Holy crap...listening to thoughts throughout the day is normal that's like a headache on a good day. This, however.*


Teruhashi rose a brow and look at Yumehara, both girls were silent and pondering. "Kaidou..." The light brown-haired girl gave him a serious look. Only she knew. Only she would be the one to know,


'I can't imagine we would get together. It would be impossible." Shun put his hands in his hoodie pocket, "Like, if he was on fire and I had the only bucket of water, he wouldn't come near me. Let
alone like me."
Yumehara rose a brow. Has this boy got to be joking right?

"Now who's way too cool?"

Shun jumped and spun back as if it was the first time he had seen Aren. "Aren, hey Aren, how are you doing? What are you doing here?" His eyes twitched as he scrambled with his words.

The purple-haired boy has confusion in his eyes, there was a strained noise he made as he sputtered, "You invited me, remember?" he gave a bitter chuckle, as he darted his eyes around.

"Oh, my bad. I almost forgot."


"How could you forget? You organised this and," he shook his head disappointingly as he nudged his head to the building, "we're in front of the rink anyway." He swooped in closer, his eyes revealing any secrets he might be keeping, "Are you okay?"


Nendou coughed into his hand. The two turned back to the three who were staring at them expectantly.

"Hey!"

Now Hairo arrived, the only one breaking the awkward tension. "Why yall waiting out here for? You ready?"

"You bet!" Nendou rose his fist in the air, and fist-bumped his rival. The gang stepped into the cool-conditioned building, there were only lights flashing in all colours with the atmosphere was dimly lit. The head speaker was bearing the music, primarily early 2000s songs.

There appeared to be cafes, stores, and a separate arcade room. The group started checking out at the front, paying for their tickets and getting their roller skates. Shun's legs couldn't stop bouncing like they were activated by a switch. The lights were mostly darker in colour, with a lot of blues, purples, and pinks. The music blared from the headphone, and it was of high quality. Aren sat next to him, trying to cram his feet into the rollerblades. He had blades with only one set of wheels in the middle, whereas Shun had blades with four wheels on both sides, front and back.



Aren rested a hand on Shun's thigh, a pleasant smile on his face as he tilted his head backwards, "You ready?"


"Are you ready to fall on your ass the entire time?" Shun challenged. His leg stopped bouncing at the touch and his nerves relaxed; like washing his anxiety out with soap or something.

"You bet I am!" He enthusiastically cracked his hands with a satisfying pop.

Aren stood up shakily, his legs inwardly pointed, it felt weird having his feet no longer on the ground. The extra height made him freak out.

He extended his hand to Shun, who accepted it. He flopped onto his legs like a penguin. Shun looked around at the other people who were already on the ice. Hairo and Nendou were colliding, spinning around, and challenging each other. Teruhashi appeared to be floating on clouds, with no struggles and as graceful as ever. Chiyo appeared to be struggling, though she hadn't yet collapsed. "Come on!" said the girl with light brown hair to Shun.


Shun took a deep breath. Why did I have to lie? I can't skate.

Shun took a tired step, planted his feet on the rink, and his heart rate increased. He felt as if there was ice beneath his feet that was splitting and swallowing him up. Aren wasn't faring any better, desperately clinging to the sides as his legs threatened to split apart. Nonetheless, he was laughing to himself.

"Shun, didn't you say you were great at roller skating?" He exclaimed.


"Easy for you to say. You look like a baby deer attempting to stand!" Shun yelled, flailing his arms around in an attempt to find his centre of gravity.


"At least my legs aren't splitting apart," Aren grunted back, trying to pull himself along the fence. He tried to push forwards but found himself wobbling. Shun attempted to roll towards the rink's edges, but he pushed himself too far away.

Shun's body stuttered as he moved closer, fumbling and shaking until he collided with Aren's back. It almost started a chain reaction. "Whoa, hey now," He laughed.

"You two suck!" retorting over the blaring music, Nendou shouted over his shoulder as he slid past them.

"Thanks," Aren grumbled. He extended his middle finger toward him behind his back. He looked over his shoulder, catching Shun in his sight, who was clinging to his back. He felt his heartbeat going up. "Uh...you good." He whispered.

Shun found his bearings as he pushed away, slightly. He coughed into his hands. Why did he feel so warm?

Aren gained confidence as he attempted to move away from the sidelines, leaving enough space for him to practise on his own. His legs were still trembling, but he couldn't help but laugh. He looked over at Shun, who was still struggling.

"I take it that Dark Reunion is behind this. WHOA!" As he fell to his knees, Aren caught his breath. He took a breather and turned to face Shun.

"Are you all right?" Shun yelled, his face flushed with concern. He skidded over as he reached out his hands. Aren took them but slipped, grunting as Shun whimpered, dragging him down to the ground with him. They locked eyes, trapped within them, the silent breathing, and then Shun began to laugh.

"Holy shit, we're bad!"

"You're awful!" Shun shoved jokingly.

"You're even worse!"

"Are you two all right?" Yumehara asked, coming to a halt and nearly losing her bearings.

"We're all right. Shun brought us both down." As he rose to his feet, Aren replied with a good-natured grin on his lips. He extended his hand, and Shun took it. Aren had enough arm strength this time to pull him up.

"Do you need help?" She asked.

"That would be great." Shun gave a nod. She chuckled, her face contorted with an 'omg these two are stupid' expression.

She firmly planted her feet "You must balance yourself by spreading your legs apart and leaning forwards. Also, try walking like a duck."

The pair appeared ridiculous. Shun flapped his arms around like a bird, while Aren seemed to wobble backwards.

"Balance, gentlemen." She sighed and shook her head. Aren gave a nod. He took a larger stride and felt himself being pushed forwards; he let out a "whoa," sound but smiled proudly. He quickly switched to his other foot, feeling much more confident, but still stuttering around.

"Shun, are you all right?" Aren inquired.

Teruhashi turned around, wistfully, her smile brighter than diamonds, "Are you two having fun?"

"We're getting there," said the taller boy, adjusting his glasses. "Someone looks like Bambi trying to stand up."

"HEY!" Shun chastised. He wanted to push Aren forwards, but he felt pushed by an unseen force. Aren leant forwards, wrapping his arms around Shun's waist and stumbling around, helping to stabilise the younger blue-haired boy.

"phew, thanks," he exclaimed. He smiled up at Aren, his previous small grudge forgotten. He adjusted his stance in response to Aren's, pushing forwards with his feet and alternating. He was shakier than Aren, but he could stand on his own.

Teruhashi applauded the two.

"Hey look at you! You're doing fantastic!" Aren compliment. In the flashing coloured lights, his face lit up. His eyes shone hauntingly looking into Shun's heart; his cheeks were puffy as he smiled, the bioluminescence colours illuminating him; the sound of his voice was the only music to Shun's ears.

"Hey, you've improved quickly," Hairo said as he caught up with them.


"Yeah, I have no idea why I've avoided this my entire life, this is fun!" Aren said sweetly. his whole face lit up, "This was a brilliant idea. Thanks."

Shun awoke from his daydream, which had poofed before his eyes. "no problem."

Shun flinched as feeling a large arm snake around his neck, drawing him closer. He looked up at Nendou's unsettling face,

"Are you having a good time with your boyfriend?"

Shun nudged Nendou in the stomach.

"He isn't!" He yelled. He lowered his volume despite the fact that the music was louder. He wearily glanced at Aren. "You know. That is not the case."

"But don't you have a crush on him?"

Shun's mind was racing as he stumbled forwards, his legs trembling. He was completely out of control. He had leverage over Aren and Nendou, so he went with the safest option.

Aren's reflexes kicked in as he paused his conversation with Hairo and reached forwards, grabbing his hand and collapsing with him. He smiled broadly, his eyes slightly narrowed. "Are you okay?" He inquired.


"The dark reunion tripped me up." Shun sighed and stretched his arms behind his neck.
Aren helped Shun back to his feet. He looked down at their intertwined fingers with a breathless smile. He was no longer wearing the original red bandages but fingerless gloves.

"Don't your hands get hot under that?"

They weren't before. "Nah,"

Shun hadn't realised they'd come full circle until now, his leverage no longer aided by the railing, but his body felt stable next to Aren. His hands were rough and firm but soft and warm, like a crutch. Teruhashi, Yumehara, Nendou, and Hairo skated ahead, leaving them in their wake. Teruhashi muttered, "Let's leave the love birds alone." She looked at Yumehara sympathetically, "Are you okay with this?"

Yumehara returned the two boys' gaze. Playfully nudging and shouting at each other. Her face darkened with sadness, but not grief. "I thought he could be the one. You know. Someone who could shield me, make me laugh, smile, and love me. That was something I desperately desired. However," she observed Shun, "I can tell he's happy with him. Besides, there is plenty of fish in the sea. I've just not found the right one yet."

Teruhashi patted her on the shoulder "I understand. I genuinely hope you meet someone." Teruhashi looked up at the speakers, then locked arms with Yumehara, as music blasted through the air. "Come on, enough already. This is supposed to be enjoyable!"

Yumehara nodded, and she squealed as she was pulled behind Teruhashi.

Aren made the idea to swivel back around with his back facing nothing and now he was staring into Shun's eyes.

Aren poked out his tongue playfully, looking behind him momentarily; but most importantly, they were face-to-face with each other. Aren flailed his arms around as he felt himself falling backwards, he made a strained 'w-whoa' sound.

Shun laughed at the dork in front of him. It was hard to believe that the boy in front of him was once a dangerous criminal. Sabotaging people's lives, robbing, assaulting and possibly murdering people. Aren yelped as his back made contact with the outer railing. Shun fell forward, colliding with Aren's chest. His mind was racing as he felt Aren's heart beating. He looked up as he pushed backwards. Coughing into his hand, "So, we've finally got the hang of it, huh?"

Aren forced down the emotions that were bubbling in his heart like a cauldron; he scrunched up his lips, showing a bashful smile, "So we do."
Aren punched Shun in the arms; not forcefully, but not playfully either. He felt worse, hearing Shun's whimper. He reconciles his emotions and locks arms with Shun.
"Come on," Aren skated forwards, pulling Shun behind him. Shun's legs were shaky but it didn't even feel like it. Maybe, just maybe, there was a piece of Aren's heart that might like him back; but he wasn't ready to latch onto that idea.


Aren grinned competitively, wanting to speed up.
"Aren, slow down!" Shun demanded.

Aren didn't listen for a bit. He liked to do risky things, he knows that he could sprain his ankle if he was not careful, he didn't care that he was inexperienced, he only wanted to do something amusing. They crashed into the barrier a couple of times but brushed it off, they accidentally bumped into strangers who were trying to have a good time, and they crashed and fell on their asses again and again but they didn't care. The music moved their bodies, sending electrical waves that made them transcend into a world where it felt like it was just them, randomly singing alone to a couple of songs, spinning each other around a couple of times, and even falling onto each other.

Shun's eyes were drawn to a speck of pink. time warped slowly as he caught Saiki in his sight. He was sitting on a bench with his arms folded and a vacant expression on his face. Something about those green eyes told him something was wrong.

"Aren. I think I need a break," Shun admitted. The taller boy nodded respectfully.

Shun carefully made his way onto the carpet, waddling like a duck towards Saiki, who stared up at him.

"Why aren't you having a good time?" Shun inquired as he took a seat.

"I'm not one to race around on wheels. On the other hand, the music is giving me a headache."

"Ah..." Shun hummed incongruously. Shun fiddled with his pants, picking at the rips, "Um, do you want to get something from the café?" there was an awkward silence.

"I already have."

"Okay."

There is more silence.

"I was going to ask the same question; are you okay? You look off" Saiki knew the answer. Obviously. because he is a psychic. He can hear Kaidou's thoughts, they were louder than a drum.

"Not really." He gravitated his gaze to the rink. He caught Aren in his sight, he fell to the ground. Instead of getting angry and causing a scene he laughed and smiled. Yumehara and Teruhashi came over to him; possibly asking if he was okay. By the look on his face, he was fine. Standing tall and bright. Brighter than anything in this world. He was enamoured by the smooth purple hair, those eyes, voice, and smile. It made Shun want to sigh like he was in a rom-com series.

"You do know it's obvious, right?"

"What...my crush on Aren?" he snapped.

Saiki nodded. The likability metre was positively high. Shun's likability for Aren was at a 65 while Aren's was at 62. This correlated to a small crush, which may work out. There wasn't a huge difference, unlike Yumehara and Shun.

"What's stopping you? You like each other enough to find a ground basis for becoming something more than just friends."

"That's the thing. Are we? I don't want to latch onto these feelings that I may not even be certain about. I know the signs, I've seen them in the manga, I felt them myself, I don't want to jump to a conclusion based on a couple of coincidences."

"Yare, yare...romance isn't like the movies, manga or anime. It's highly unrealistic. But this is realistic. Heck, ever since you and Kuboyasu met, I have never seen you so happy. It gives me a terrible headache every time I see you sighing and brooding about him, seriously I haven't felt this much embarrassment since my dad became a shoe licker. Just get over your insecurity and talk to him, you'll never know until you try.

Those words were more emotionally charged than ever; in all the time Shun has known Saiki, never before had he heard such vigour and honesty. The words were sweet but at the same time, it felt like he was getting hit on the head with a hatchet.

"I thought you hated romance. Why are you invested?" Shun gave a weary look.


"I do. And I couldn't care less about your situation. I just want to make sure nothing bad happens to you guys. I'm like the group's mom, I dislike you and couldn't give less of a crap about romance and love, but I want to make sure everything goes well even if don't give a damn."

Shun smiled sheepishly, "Wow," scratched the back of his neck nervously, "I didn't realise you cared. Thanks, dude, I needed to hear that."

"Great, I'd like to request a refund for my sanity,"

Shun laughed quietly.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Hah, Aren! I saw that coming, you can't scare me anymore." Shun declared. Instead of flinching like a kitten he smiled and sat up confidently, no longer phased by the jump scares he used to have.

"Dang, I might need to be sneakier huh?" Aren hissed. He gave an amused grin.

"Um, had enough?" Shun inquired.

"Kind of. You want to go to the arcade?"

Hairo, Nendou and Teruhashi and Yumehara walked over, "What about the arcade?" Nendou asked

"Oh, we kind of want to switch things up. And there's an arcade room over there."

"Hell yeah!" Hairo cheered, "We're in!"

The gang took off their roller skates and put them down for the time being.

Aren and Shun grinned at each other as they raced ahead like little children. If they didn't know any better this could have been a date; of course, Saiki refused to say anything

"What game?"

There was a variety to choose from. From hoop shooting, bowling, laser tag, racing simulators and even more.

"Let's make a little competition out of this. We'll play three games and the winner is who has the most points?" Shun narrowed his eyes, "and...we can team up."

"Oh," Hairo's voice pitched, "I see where we're going with this."

"Oh please, you two against us; there's no way." Nendou bragged, poking a finger at Shun's chest.


"Yeah right; I have Aren on my side. He's stronger than you and could take you on any day." Shun vainly sneered, turning up his nose.


"Four eyes wishes he could. I'm way crazier and stronger."

"I don't think eating a whole watermelon by yourself and chasing mosquitoes will a mosquito coil, would be classified as crazy." Aren vaguely retorted, "You may have the stature of a delinquent but at heart, you're really not."

"What about you girls? Are you in?" Hairo asked

"We just wanna hang around and do our own things." Yumehara chuckled slyly, giving a sultry look at Teruhashi with a smirk.

"You boys have fun." Teruhashi nodded.

The first game was a simple basketball game. It was straightforward. Each had a timer of one minute to see how many points they could get. Aren and Shun are in one lane and Hairo and Nendou are in the other.
There was a little buzz to begin the game. With every throw, Shun made a little 'awho~" noise every time the ball slipped from his fingers. Leaving Aren to roll his eyes and facepalm gently. While the other side was filled with grunts and shouts that undouble would get them kicked out.

Fortunately, Shun had Aren on his side, who was far more powerful than him, despite the fact that the Jet Black Wings can defeat anyone in the blink of an eye.

The buzzer sounded, and the score was 9-15. Shun sighed exasperatedly, pulling on his hoodie strings. "We still have a chance, come on," Aren said, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"What about this one?" Aren took the initiative. He dashed over to the four-player driving simulator games.

"Too easy, I could be you in my sleep." With a flick of his wrist, Nendou spat.

"Please be my guest." Aren's eyes fluttered, guiding his hands to the machines.

Hairo and Shun exchanged firm nods, agreeing to a silent battle. Shun would be lying if he said he wasn't pleased with Aren's bravado and boasting to Nendou. Apart from Hairo, he was the only one who could put him in his place.

"No, come on, come on!" Aren grunted, yanking on the phoney wheel. Shun gave him a puzzled look, his eyes softening when he saw Aren's determined expression. His eyes were calculating, his jaw was set firm, and his soft but blistered lip gritted. Shun knew behind a threatening or terrifying expression was nothing more than a playful expression. Inside, he noticed a small child giggling and laughing, which Aren desired. He wanted to rediscover the sense of wonder he had lost as a child.

He was like a fire in that he was beautiful to look at but dangerous to touch. If Shun clung to these feelings, he'd be burned; he might like it a little too much, or he'd get third-degree burns on his heart.

"YES!" Aren yelled, "First place!" Hairo, Nendou, and Shun were close behind.

"We won!" He flashed a bright smile. With the uplift of his cheeks, his glasses became crooked.

"Does it matter that only you won, and Shun finished last?" Hairo contested.

"Do you think it counts, Shun?" Aren returned his gaze to Shun, seeking clarity.

"Obviously it counts," Shun said, shaking his head and snapping out of his reverie. "Aren is the one who deserves it to win."

"Fair enough, good game. Now, what do we want to do next?" Nendou asked.

Shun felt his phone buzz, he looked at the screen and saw a notification from his mother

Sweetheart, it's getting late, and I'm worried.

Holy crap, they've been here for two hours already? Dang, time flies when you're having fun

"We have time for one more game, and I must leave. This will be a tie to see who wins," Shun declared.

"All right, smart guy," Nendou said, towering over him, his butt-chinned face looming closer, "I challenge you to air hockey! To exact vengeance for the last time!"

"Consider it done. But don't worry, ugly head, we're not going to let you win." Shun glared, a dark shadow covering his face, his hand drawing Aren closer. Aren made a stifled grunt as he stared awkwardly at Nendou and Hairo.

The crew made their way to the air hockey table, Nendou and Shun giving each other death glares while Aren and Hairo shook their heads dimly. AS if they were silently communicating;


Yep, that blue-haired one's my idiot.


That butt-chinned one is my idiot.


"We go to ten rounds; will switch halfway."


"That seems reasonable to me."

"If you don't want to taste defeat, I suggest you give up now," Shun said from his end of the table.

Aren laughed at the drama.

"Only if it silences your noisy overside head."

"Fair enough," Shun shrugged, raising his head slightly to catch a glimpse of his hair and whispering to Aren, "Is my head oversized?"

Aren sat on another vacant air hockey table, he leaned back on the table with a sly gleam in his eyes.

"your hair is" He retorted sharply.

Shun processed the insult and laughed dimly, "hilarious." He muttered. Shun placed the puck on the table and with a powerful strike, sent the puck flying Nendou's way.


"Take this!"

Shun yelped as the puck shot like a bullet and into the goal. Aren rose his eyebrows at the dangerously fast reflexes.

"Two can play at that game." Shun smirked, "Look, it's Mera"

"Where?"

"Bam!" Shun cheered. "Take that!"

Aren and Hairo nodded fondly at them, "Is he really excited after winning one point?" Hairo asked.

Aren allegedly mocked, "You're one to talk."

Aren was transfixed by the pastel blue-haired boy's squeaks and whines whenever he lost, the sharp insults that poured from his tongue, as childish as they were, the dramatic poses, his dramatic shouting, and sly tricks. His eyes emphasised every detail of Shun's face, from his burning vermillion eyes to his soft and plush lips to the stray hairs that draped over his eyes, and he wished he could brush back the soft blue behind his ears.

"Kuboyasu... you're staring at Kaidou again?" Hairo's sing-song voice broke the silence.

"What about it?"

"I just find it interesting that you steal Shun's every glance. I've never him stare at anyone like this before"

"I've never looked at anyone like this before either," Aren confessed, he awkwardly bit his lip, rubbed the base of his neck and asked, "Hairo, are you aware of what's going on?"

"Did you know Shun writes your initials in the margins of his pages?"

Aren gave him a stunned and bewildered look, "He does? Shun probably thinks it means something else, like a fantasy name or something."


"Are you sure about your feelings?"

"I...I don't know."

Hairo nodded with a compressed lip, "remember, there is no pressure for you to get into a relationship that you're not sure about."

"I know that but, I feel like I'm not as honest as I'd like to believe,' He replied, "I've been trying to ignore these feelings so I don't ruin this friendship I have."

"Because you used to be a delinquent?"

A chime alarm went off in Aren's head, dimly glanced at Hairo. Hairo seemed to understand, "You know, Kaidou likes you for who you are, not what you were. Kuboyasu, I have never seen Kaidou act this happy ever since I met him."

Aren creased his eyebrows; he was just as lonely, huh? He thought. "I did this?"

"Yeah, Kuboyasu. You did that. In fact, you've helped everyone else too," he shoulder-bumped Aren, "There is no length you won't go to protect us and him."

"Thanks." He didn't know what to say. He jumped as he heard a victory cry.

"YEAH!!!!"

Aren was snatched from his daydreams and looked up to the bragging Shun. Needless to say, it seemed that Shun had one. Surprisingly.

"Hey, what happened to us having a turn?" Aren called out.

Shun gave him a guilty and apologetic look.

Teruhashi and Yumehara returned soon later, with prizes in their hands.


"I think I know who won." Aren folded his arms.

Shun took out his phone.
You haven't come back yet! I'm worried.

"I need to head off." Shun sighed, "Good game, Nendou."

"We should definitely do something like this again." Said Aren. He was smiling with his hands on his hips.

"Alright, I suppose we should get going, it is getting late." Yumehara yawned.

The gang returned their roller skates and stepped onto the street. The streetlights began glowing, and cars began to buzz past on the dimly light road, music was blasted from cars, and the sound of the wind rushed through the cool night breeze. Shun began to shiver. Aren ruffled his hair, and looking up from his bangs he smiled upwardly at him.

"Do you need a lift home?" Aren asked. Shun's heart skipped a beat
.

"You drove a motorbike didn't you?"


Aren nodded, "just down the block."


"Um, I'm not sure my mom would like it if I was dropped off from a motorbike."


"Oh hush, I'll park down the street, no big deal." The two began walking. Aren placed his hands
in his pockets, as Shun trailed behind awkwardly.


"Did you have fun?" He asked.


"Obviously. Thank you for tonight...for everything." He bashfully smiled. Aren found the bike and swung his legs around, he reached out a hand.

"So considerate, Aren. I feel like you're doing this to make yourself seem cooler."

"You use the Jet black Wings excuse to make you seem cooler, so what's the difference."

Shun couldn't think of a comeback. 

Shun hooked his legs around and sat beside him. Aren turned on the engine and Shun squeaked, the vibrations went through his body making him wrap his hands around Aren's waist.


They took off down the street, everything passing them by in a blur. The night lights glowed like lanterns, the breeze kissed their cheeks, and the freedom of flight felt even more powerful than before. Aren's heartbeat raced; he'd done it a million times, racing down the streets, taking in the beauty of the night, but that didn't explain why his hands felt sweaty against the handlebars, or why he felt worried and nervous as if it were his first time riding a motorcycle. He took a look behind him.


Shun's face brightened. Seeing the beauty of the city at night gave him a sense of relief. He didn't even notice they weren't going in the right direction, but he didn't care; he felt the relief of purity and wonder. He's never been out after hours; he's never seen the city at night in all its glory. And he wasn't grumbling. He was given this as a reward. Aren was giving him a thank you gift for caring, for tonight, and for everything... Shun felt compelled to lean his head against his shoulder, engulfing Aren's intoxicating cologne.

As Shun's street came into view, the freedom was short-lived. The vibrations subsided as Aren planted his foot on the ground, thereby stabilising the motorcycle. Shun sighed pitifully as he unhooked his legs, wishing he wasn't However, something within Aren's mischievous eyes told him that this wouldn't be the last time they did this.

"Thank you, Aren." Shun's voice was unusually carefree and warm. Aren was drawn deeper into the spiral of bubbling emotions by his magnetic eyes.

Shun felt a jab to the arm and looked back, puzzled. He gave Aren a; "What the hell was that for?" look.

"That's for 'lying' to me"

Shun's face retorted with a deadpan glare. "Lying about what? What's the matter with you? You were all nice and sweet at first, and now you're tough and cryptic-"

A hug stopped Shun in his tracks. He was at a loss for what to do. He felt his mind wander into a hazy daze of 'wow, what's going on?' Aren's cologne remained intoxicating, his arms warm, and his heartbeat, despite racing, calming. "And that was for everything else," Aren pushed away as he averted his gaze.

Aren was uncharacteristically bashful; he blew the hair out of his eyes before starting up the motorbike.

Before he knew it, Aren was gone. Like a leaf in the breeze.


Shun felt his nose twitch as his chest rose rapidly up and down, almost like a bunny. He turned away, noticing Saiki standing a couple of miles away.


"W-what are you looking at?" Shun spat. He alarmingly screamed, understanding the reality of this situation, "What ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" He pointed demandingly. Saiki put up his palms defensively.


"Don't look at me, this is your problem."



Now he was full of embarrassment and exposure. 

Chapter Text

"Ugh let me tell you, it was a mess. The rich bastard comes along and thinks I can be imprisoned for years? Poor coordination, messy escape roots, the bodyguards were slack. The only one I see being thrown in jail is him."

Shun sighed deeply as he listened to Aren whine. He hasn't improved in recent weeks. In their class, a new transfer student had arrived. A snobbish, stuck-up, arrogant silver-haired boy who appeared to be too flamboyant to be interested in Teruhashi.

Shun nodded in agreement. Blackmailing, manipulating, and provoking so many people is unjustified, and he couldn't blame Aren for acting so sour.

"Don't be concerned. That will not happen again. I guarantee it. If anyone approaches, I'll go full Jet Black Wings and burn them to ashes."

"Thank you, but if your powers could turn back time, perhaps none of this would have happened." Aren rolled his eyes and sighed casually.

"Someone was talking about me," a sly voice said as the man of the hour walked into class. He wore a white feather boa scarf, and money flew out of his pockets like fairy dust.

"Oh my god," Aren exclaimed breathlessly. When he saw how ridiculous Saiko looked. He slammed his hand down on Aren's desk, his green eyes unfazed and smug. 

"Would you mind sharing what you were saying?" he inquired.

"Why should you care?" Shun inquired, his arms folded.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because the cheap-ass middle part was the only one I know of that landed someone in jail." Saiko managed to give a wink.

Aren scowled, "and escaped within five minutes." 

"But that's not why I'm here." He spoke clearly, "I'm looking for a proposal. I feel like we've gotten off to a bad start, eh? I was rude and awful, but I suppose there's something to be said for earning your trust."

"Yeah, because when I think of trustworthiness, I think of someone who has caused people to suffer." Aren retorted quickly.

"So I've decided to host a house party for everyone in this class. That includes you two. I've heard rumours that...you require some assistance."

Shun and Aren locked eyes before stiffening and saying, "yeah right?" Shun muttered something. "Just because you're telling the truth doesn't mean we can't believe you."

"You're very right it isn't like I'm trying to look out for you." 


"Get lost you..." Aren paused, "Shun, nickname."

"Lord of the Lies," Shun replied.

"Clever retort and cool bandages, say are they for something serious or?"

"You know that I usually wear these," Shun rolled his eyes with his thoughts that were trying to not spill out from his tongue. 

"I've never seen them before in my life," he rolled his nystagmic eyes, checking his nails. "Cool bandages aside, you never know this offer could change your life. Just say the word." Saiko slid some money on the desk towards Aren.


He sneered and flicked the money off his desk, his eyes demanding him to leave. Saiko took the hint. Eyebrows raised and managed a deadpan expression as he cruised to his desk. 
Shun and Aren resumed to let out a relieved breath. However, Shun stilled looked back and noticed a bit of hesitation when Saiko sat down. It must've been just his imagination.



"Don't even think about it."

Shun snickered before facing Aren. Still hearing his heart thump slightly. His eyes dilate when focusing on him.

"Anyway," Aren broke the awkwardness, "Do you have anything going on this afternoon?"

"Unfortunately, I do. It's going to be... tiresome and...long." 

The confused glance he was given made Shun a little nervous. Aren sighed, maybe he shouldn't interfere with Shun's plans. However, he would randomly barge into Shun's activities and flip the script, and they'd just do random things together. 

However, Aren had control and he knew he'd have to lay it off. For now, at least.

-----

Shun tapped his pencil against his desk, bounced his legs frantically, and scanned his paper. Even though he had a phone in the middle of his paper.

"A random question. Is there something you've always wanted to do?" Shun inquired. On the other end of the line, Shun heard a laugh.

"What is something I haven't done?" Aren joked, "Erm."

Shun could tell Aren was thinking.

"Well, skydiving, bungee jumping, and storm cloud watching with someone." Aren shook his head.

"Oh, please don't tell me you're going skydiving with me!"

"No, I wouldn't do anything you weren't comfortable with," Aren laughed.

The thought made Shun flush. So cautious and thoughtful.

"Stormcloud watching?" Shun muttered, "that's kinda boring."

"Yeah, but normal cloud gazing is boring, I want something more," He retorted.

"Why haven't you done that before?"

"Well, I'm afraid it'd be lonely," Aren sighed. However, there was a brief silence that made Shun wonder what was going on. "So, how about you? What have you always wanted to do?"

"See the Northern Lights and possibly travel to places like Greece, Norway, and Denmark, to name a few. Drive through the city at night, or go for a ride as the sun sets."

Shun could see Aren focusing on him even though they weren't in the same room. His dilated dark eyes, upturned pink lips, and the way he leant into his hands. The soft, focused gaze.

Shun snapped out of his daydream.

"Oh, that's such an easy thing to do." Aren scoffed, "You wanna do that right now?"

Shun almost fell out of his chair. 

"Please don't tell me you're taking me to see the northern lights?" Shun unexpectedly quaked, his eyes widening like a cat.

"What. No. I don't have the money for that dumbass." 

"Awh damn it." Shun laughed. He imagined how it would be. Just him and Aren travelling together, close enough to feel each other's breaths while watching the northern lights. Being able to see Aren glow among the pink, blue, and green lights that danced across the sky. As Aren drew him in, his hair stood on end. Lips inches apart, then-

"However, taking you for a ride through the city at dusk shouldn't be too difficult." Aren's sweet 

a voice interrupted his daydreams.

"Oh?" Shun's mouth quirked an eyebrow in a low whisper, and he didn't even realise he was 

zoning out. "I also have something that isn't so difficult planned," he realised suddenly.

"Is that so?"

Something about Aren's tone of voice gave him a wave of chills down his spine.

"I have something planned right now. Would you like to find out?"

At this point, it sounded like back-and-forth flirting?

"Shun...if it has to do with the lie you told me about you being extremely busy this afternoon, then I'm going to be Hella surprised and upset."


"Why upset?"

"Because I had to cancel the plans I had, dumbass!"

"Fret no more, my punk Knightmare, rest assured I have it covered."

"I shall await your return." Aren laughed on the other end of the phone, "Was that too cheesy or?"

"Eh, not for me." Shun bluntly admitted. He couldn't shake the feeling that slivered through his heart and into his body.

"Great then it settled, come over to mine."

"So demanding, Shun." Aren tutted, but he couldn't stop picturing Shun's lightened-up face, his soft cheeks puffing up when he smiled, or the half-hooded gaze he would give. "Alright, see you then."

As a result, Shun started counting down the minutes until Aren arrived. It gave him time to prepare. There was then a knock on his bedroom door. Shun walked over to his room and let his mother in.

"You seem like you're getting ready?" With a condensed glare, she crossed her arms. Shun expected to be in big trouble.

"You're not so secretive about sneaking out anymore," the silver-haired woman sighed, pursing her lips.

"WHAT, how did you? I...WHAT!"

"For months now I have heard you were sneaking out."

"By who," Shun shouted. His shoulders dropped as he considered his sister to be the culprit, "That little tattle tale! I swear when she gets back,"

"Nuh-uh, Sora wasn't the only way I knew; I could hear your conversations with Kuboyasu at night. That's what I believe. How long did you think you could keep this a secret from me?" Her voice became cold, and her face was obscured by shadows.

Shun tensed up. He clenched his fists and shifted his gaze to his feet. I'm screwed; I can't see Aren anymore... I mean, I see him at school, but it's not the same thing. Oh no, I won't be able to go out! You and your idiotic crush on him!

"Shun, tell me what's on your mind and spit it out."

Shun didn't know what to say.

"Well...I just thought I could....well, I enjoy hanging out with Aren and...well, the thing is, I've been having a lot of fun with him, and he makes me feel things I've never felt before. So I've been sneaking out...maybe lying a little...a he's a good person, too, so don't worry about my school grades."

"If he tries anything, or does anything to hurt you," his mother leant in closer, poking a finger on Shun's chest, "immediately tell me."

Shun saw this as a watershed moment in his life. Who was this woman? She should have disowned him, yelled at him, or ground him at the very least. This had to be the work of the Dark Reunion.

The doorbell then rang. She adjusted her glasses and turned to face her son, saying, "It's best not to keep him waiting. But, to be honest. I don't believe him. He gives me the impression of a 

delinquent."

Shun's face began to sweat comically "That's strange, a delinquent. He is a harmless butterfly."The doorbell rang once more.

Shun was sheepishly pushed down the stairs by his mother, who was staring at him.

"Hello, Aren!"

"Hey, you. Are you ready?" Aren leant forwards, a curious expression on his face.

"Of course I am," 

Aren waved to Shun's mother as he looked over Shun's shoulder, more like his entire head. Who responded to the gesture.  Shun pushed the taller boy out of the door frame, returning his gaze to his mother. They started trailing down the street once they were out of earshot and sight.

"So, what are your plans?" He cast a downward glance, making Shun feel smaller in his presence.

Shun took notice of the colours in the sky. "First of all, do you have your motorbike with you?"

"I'm glad you asked because I do."

On the corner of the street, a sleek motorbike lay still. "Do you mind driving?" Aren asked.

"w-what?"

"I mean, we didn't get our licenses for nothing."

"I prefer if you drive, I'll give you direction."

"I thought you were terrible at directions."

Shun shrugged, "You're right, I am. But I know where I'm taking you."

"Ah, a sacred place huh?"

Shun tipped his head with a pout, with a small 'hm'.

Aren swung his legs around the seat and strapped on a helmet. He offered Shun a spare from his compartment. The helmet was slightly larger than Shun had anticipated, and it clunked over his chin. Shun felt the engine vibrate beneath him and snatched forwards, clutching Aren's shoulders. Aren smiled, no longer tense and shaken like the last time Shun grabbed him and held him as they drove through the night.

"Tell me the way," Aren said as they clunked their helmets together. Shun's face was light pink, so thank goodness the visors were tinted.

Shun felt a rush of freedom wash over him as he drove through the city and along the seashore. Purple, pink, and golden tones were starting to wane in the sky, giving the air a halo and giving the clouds a seafoam appearance. Despite the fact that Aren had done it countless times before, Shun could tell he was enjoying himself. Without Aren, doing anything wouldn't be the same, even if Shun could use his imagination. Even if Aren could do anything all by himself, Shun's absence would make it less enjoyable. and vice versa.

They were each other's breath of fresh air and freedom.

They improved each other.

"Are you having fun?" Aren sped up, shouting over the wind. Shun jerked forwards, his arms wrapped around his waist.

"Jerk!" Shun muttered.

"You love it, admit it!"

"Fine, I do. It's amazing." He breathlessly exclaimed, looking around, "I truly feel like the Jet Black Wings, as heroic and brave as ever."

"You always are." Aren softly sighed, albeit a little disappointed that Shun used the title 'Jet Black Wings' to excuse the way he felt. 

Shun faintly heard those words across the rushing wind. Making him weak, wanting to cuddle up closer.

No, I mustn't let him enchant me. 

"So, where are we going?" He asked as it felt like they'd been driving for hours.

"We're almost there."

"So, what do you have planned?"

"You'll see."

Aren eventually found a ledge after rising a steep hill and making a couple of turns. Shun told him to stop at that point. He took off his helmet, ruffling his hair, as he stared into the open air. Shun's heart fluttered, god damn it, stop being attractive I hate it.


 It was a wide-open space. The cliff must have been miles and miles long, towering over the town below. The grass was long and swayed gently in the breeze, which tingled their skin. It felt like a surge of magic coursing through their veins.

Aren looked down, his eyes widening as he took it all in. He had never felt so tall as he peered down at the homes, apartments, and parks below. He felt as though he was up against the world. Aren was frighteningly close to a catastrophe but didn't appear to care. He laughed while maintaining his balance and just barely swinging his leg over the ledge. He had always observed everything from the ground up, but up until this point, he had never been off the air.

"Shun, this is such a lovely location. It's beautiful." Aren laughed hesitantly.

"Not as beautiful as you."

Aren froze in place, his reflexes kicked in as he immediately snatched his head to stare at Shun, mouth agape. Shun's feet felt glued to the grown as he began sweating as he bowed his head, as fidgeted with a notebook in his hands.

He was expecting for shouting until he heard, "You're beautiful too." 

Crimson eyes met violet eyes, trapped in a daze of awkward embarrassment as desire.  Shun captured Aren's figure, who contrasted with the sky, now, a burning purple, pink, and golden glow filled the sky. Aren breathed more slowly as he warily watched the smaller boy approach.


"So, why did you bring me here?" Aren asked.


"It's one of my favourite spots to relax and chill out. I don't come here often since it's a long way to walk from my house to here, but my family and I would just hang up here and watch the sunset."


"Well, it is a nice place. Shame I haven't been here sooner,"


They moved along the ledge together, side by side. Talking a chatting mostly and cherishing the serenity of the cliffside. Aren sighed, swinging his legs around to hop from stone to stone as he gazed fondly at the chuunibyou. He was nervous and trying to find the right words to say. Shun noticed this. He gave him a look that read, 'what do you want to talk about'. For a while, they had conversations about school, interests, hobbies, and story ideas for Shun's 'manga' he wanted to make.   At one point, while making strange gestures and chatting about random topics that came to their minds, Aren started making fun of Shun.

"I'm being serious, I had a very busy afternoon and couldn't hang out with you."

"Let me guess," He mimicked his voice in an effort to match Shun's pitch. "I had a full afternoon of fighting the Dark Reunion to get started." He dramatically covered his eyes with his hand and leaned back a little.

Shun was about to respond, but he lightly shook his head "Who is this character, I don't sound like that. Secondly, what are you doing with your hands?"

"I'm not sure what you're getting at. " Aren twisted his body as he slyly chuckled. He had one hand near his cheek, the other along his stomach, and his face was turned just a little.

Shun rolled his eyes and said, "Okay, flattering impersonation." His face was closer to Aren's, and he smiled tenderly as he shook his head with affection. "But I'm being serious; this is holy ground, and entry may only be permitted by stepping into the depths of Vanaheim."

"So, do I have access?" Aren asked, raising his arm quickly to his chin and forming a small claw with his hand.'

"Not if you continue to do that!" Shun jerked his hip out as he turned. Aren started to laugh uncontrollably. Shun grabbed Aren's hand and pulled it down while saying, "I'm being serious," and giving him a not-so-serious glare.

Aren nodded while pouting his lips. Both of them knew he wasn't being mean, there hasn't been a time when Aren would down talk or hatefully mock Shun for his eccentricities because deep down, Aren loved them. They made Shun more real and human. He's always had respect for people who are true and honest with themselves.

Shun continued to march, obviously offended by the attitude. "Come on, you doofus, I was just having a little fun" Aren called out.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Dark Reunion wouldn't make fun of me like this!" Shun muttered, "I swear you're trying to make me embarrassed,"

"Oh, The Dark Reunion is nicer than me? Huh?" He chuckled, swooping his head closer. Almost inches apart from Shun's face. Don't look at his lips, don't look at his lips, don't- was the mantra Aren repeated in his head over and over.

"Now, at least."


He began to smile, that is exactly the reaction Aren wanted.



"You're right," His voice grew slyer, he jabbed his head closer, making Shun's heart hammer from his chest, "you come here..:.all alone, in a private area where no one can find you." He started to taunt, "Makes me wonder about your true intentions, Shun Kaidou." His voice sounded deeper but slyer, like a cold chill down his neck.

He felt like he was being sized up, how close Aren was from him, with desire sparkling in his eyes. Shun swallowed the lump in his through as he replied.


"OH? and what would my intentions be, Aren Kuboyasu?" Shun scoffed, shaking his head. He placed his hands behind his back and swayed lightly towards him.

"You're working for the Dark Reunion!" He jabbed a finger at Shun.

"Blasphemy! How dare you accuse me of such heinous accusations!" The chuunibyou exclaimed. His eyes gave a serious but playful glare.


"I swear to god, I will unleash the power in my right hand and destroy you if you dare say such pitiful things- WHOA!" Shun was about to continue when his balance started to slip. He flailed his noodle arms around to regain his balance. If Aren hadn't been holding onto Shun's stick-figure self to pull him back up, he would have fallen off the cliff. Shun complained, "'Ren," as he laughed.

The nickname he was given nearly shocked the teenager who wore glasses. He received a lot of nicknames. Mullet-wearing Aren, Kuboyasu the Demon Killer, Carnages Middle's Murder Weapon, and Fire Light Halo

He prefered one of those choices over the others. But now, the neck name "Ren" sent butterflies through his chest.

Aren gave him a smug grin and Shun couldn't help but let out the chuckle that escaped his lips in disbelief.

"You should've seen how stupid you looked! You were like, WHOA," Aren copied Shun's gestures again.


"That's it," Shun stomped, putting his hands on his hips. The taller boy reclined his head, eyeing him confusedly. He rose his bandaged arms into a tickling motion. "You leave me no choice."

When Aren noticed that he was about to start running, he mused. He exclaimed with joy as he began to run up the cliff walk. These two teenagers, who believed themselves to be sworn friends and shared a beautiful and sacred bond that no one could fully comprehend, knew in their hearts that they would eventually develop into something more. Aren turned to face Shun, who was getting tired but appeared much happier, as they continued to converse in the moonlight twilight.

When Aren reached the top, he took a moment to catch his breath before taking a look around. While worryingly biting his lip, he adjusted his glasses. Shun could not possibly be climbing the hill at this point. He was aware that Shun was not athletic and moved very slowly, but he thought he had just passed Shun a short while ago.

"I know you're short and slow, but not like this," he murmured as he scratched his purple hair.

Aren yelped out in alarm, as two arms flung around his torso, as Shun held him close. He has a sharp radar that never fails him, picked up from his time as a thug, he always needed to be alert just in case of a surprise attack, but this time it backfired.  The two of them fell back onto the ground amongst the flowing, silk-like grass. 



Before Aren could say anything, Shun lunged forward and wrapped his arms around the taller boy's waist, holding him close to his chest. Aren looked up at him with an amused smirk.

 He tried to escape but Shun stretched out with a victory cry, "No, no, you are not getting away so easily. I win!"

Shun grinned close to his cheek, and Aren knew what was coming. He hunched up his shoulders as he was greeted with an attack of tickles. He wiggled and squirmed as Shun's gentle finger traced up and down his sides, he wheezed for breaths in between as his glasses became crooked. His heart pounding with hysterics. 

"Did you actually think I'd let you get away with this, huh?"

Aren tried to escape, as he hunched his shoulders and pulled his legs in, laughing outcries of 'stop', 'I'll get you back', and 'please stop', Aren began fighting out of his grip, he grabbed Shun's hand and twisted it over onto the ground as Shun yelped, "OW! OKAY, OKAY! YOU WIN." 

"Not yet," Aren muttered. He twisted his body so that he was looking down at Shun, pinning him below him, "I'm getting my revenge." He attacked Shun's sides. His fingers attack Shun's hips, which seemed to make him squirm a lot more. Shun fought for a breath as he burst into a fit of laughter, getting a taste of his own medicine. His crimson eyes began watering, as his eyes scrunched up. He was caged and cornered without anywhere to run, like a mouse being caught in a trap. A trap that he walked into and was paying the price for.

"YOU WIN! YOU ALWAYS WIN!"

Aren stopped immediately, rolling off him, allowing Shun to sit up. He brought his knees to his chest and leaned in closer, "You never stood a chance," he grinned and Shun rolled his eyes good-naturally. A  passionate grin appeared on Aren's face, Stop being so handsome and cute, it hurts me.

"Uh-huh, of course."

Shun swore there was a flirtatious look in Aren's eyes, as he bit his lip and eyed up and down, one that read desire and passion, but it must've been his imagination. Nope, way too early to think about that. 

Shun cleared his throat. They must've been here for a long time as the sites below were covered in darkness, like a big fuzzy blanket of blackness, as the clouds became a dangerous red, on a pink backdrop and the temperature began to drop, now it was chilly.  But the cold couldn't compare to the warm Shun felt in his heart next to Aren.

They were so close that their heads began resting against each other. Both of them had a look in their eyes that asked.

Is this okay?

They knew the answer was yes, but even then, they knew they were invading their heart's desires. The moment was short-lived, "You wanna head back?"

Shun sighed, the world was getting darker by the minute. "Alright. I suppose we have been out here for a long time." 

Aren rolled onto his legs, walking down the hill to the motorbike with Shun following.

"You wanna drive back?" he asked.

Shun thought about this. Aren brought them here, into a magical twilight, but now it was time to go. The least he could do is drive back.

Shun put the helmet on and sat near the peddles and engine. He was a little shakey as this was Aren's pride and joy and if he ruined it he'd be done for. Shun jumped when the engine started revving, he gripped the handlebars tightly, and his palms began to sweat. 

"Are you okay, Shun?" Aren asked. The light-haired boy put a thumbs up, and the motorbike began to move. Slowly, Shun began kicking into gear, driving down the road. Why the hell am I so nervous? Sure, you have a motorbike licence, and all you did was pick up the bike. You'll be fine. 

The bike jerked forward, making Aren clash forwards, wrapping his arms around Shun's waist. Great, another distraction! Not a bad distraction, a good distraction.


The two descended down the hillside, going pretty far off from the speed limit. Aren had to reach forward, leaning over Shun's shoulder to help him control the speed of the bike.


"That's it, you're doing great. Keep going." Aren said.

The compliment made Shun melt. 

The trees and houses went past them in a blur, with the headlights illuminating their path. The nighttime was chill and damp. There were sounds everywhere in the shadows. Despite Shun's fears of being out at night, he felt protected and safe with Aren's arms wrapped around him, his voice broke through the whipping wind when he would say praises and give pointers to help. 

They were still quite far up from the normal road below, but they did get a beautiful view of the city lights being turned on. It felt like they were towering over a small village that was wrapped in a gorgeous night. A village that felt so small from the ground.  It made Shun realise how caged he used to feel until he met Aren. Was he the sky to Shun's ground, or was Aren the ground to Shun's sky? Either way, they needed each other to feel alive and free. There was beauty in this night, from the silver moon that peaked its head over the horizon, the beautiful view of the houses, and the beautiful rush of love and freedom. 

Aren gently rested his head against Shun's, relaxing as their heartbeats swelled as one.

Passing familiar stops that looked haunted and unfamiliar, they eventually find Shun's street.  Shun stopped the bike as he took off his helmet, his face is illuminated by the golden street light. He smiled, brighter than the sun.


"I don't think I can say anything but thank you, Aren." 

"Why are you thanking me, you planned this." Aren took off his helmet, as he crooked a brow. 

"Right, silly me. I suppose this evening made me forget. But you did make it worth it though. And hey, maybe we could go storm cloud watching one day." Shun smiled, jumping off the bike.

 

"I'd...I'd like that." Aren smiled. He shuffled to the front now. Shun looked him up and down, looking at his eyes and then at his lips. It would be such a perfect moment. But I can't risk it.


"I'll see you later, okay-"

Shun felt a punch being delivered to his shoulders, shaking his head confusedly, "What was that for?"

"That was for lying to me, again,"

Shun gave him a disgruntled glance, rubbing his sore shoulder- what is with this guy?

"Oh come on, is it always gonna be like that-" 

Shun was pulled in by the hem of his shirt and a pair of lips were met with his. It was quick and in the blink of an eye, but it felt like an explosion. Shun stared in shock as if he was frozen in time, as Aren seemed to be processing what he had just done. 


"I'll see you tomorrow, okay." Aren shyly muttered. His cheeks were bright pink. 


"YEAH! Of course, of course!" Shun to be just as on edge as his crush was. "I'll see ya later, Ren."


Shun started hastily jogging down the street. He heard the engine rev and glanced back at Aren who began speeding off.

"My crush just kissed me." Shun muttered, "He kissed me. HE LIKES ME? HE LIKES ME!"

He felt like a giggling little girl. He didn't know how to feel. It's true. Shun's always liked Aren. romantically, and Aren likes him back.

Happiness...that was what Aren gave him.

And that was what he gave back in turn.

All this time, their happiness turned into love. A Love that Shun thought was impossible in his life.

Chapter Text

Aren believed he understood what it was like to experience fear. He climbed the tallest tree when he was seven years old, scraping his knee as he went up. He loved the feeling of pushing himself and challenging himself because he wanted to feel like he was a part of the sky. He enjoyed how the weight of his body would cause the branches to ominously sway as he felt himself moving towards his objective. Before one of the branches collapsed.

It was also a chilly winter day. His body was in excruciating pain as he fell to the icy, grass-covered ground below. He sobbed uncontrollably as the cold grew around him and he began to feel isolated and alone. But no one showed up, so he was forced to drag himself back home while wailing and suffering from achy arms, legs, and back. He was certain that no one would come looking for him and that he could take care of himself.

His leg was caught in a fox trap when he was fifteen. Fifteen-year-old, delinquent Kuboyasu cursed and cried. He was trembling and breathing more quickly as he tried to hold back his screams and sobs. His blood began to trickle down his legs, leaving red wine stains on the grass. He begged for at least one, just one person to stay by him, whether it was a relative, a complete stranger, or one of his gang members. Aren, who was fifteen, would never admit it, though. He was the best gang leader in Ibaraki Prefecture and wasn't thought of as weak because he was quick, fearless, and unstoppable. He was terrified, though, like a lost dog or a fox that never wanted to be in this situation. He felt so helpless, useless, and terrified.

So, with his remaining tears, he freed himself from the vice-like jaws of the fox trap.


Yet none of that explained why Aren woke up, tears pouring down his face, he was tucked in his bed, warm, cozy, and safe; with a roof over his head. He felt like a total loser.

His heart ached as he trembled under the heavy weight of his heart. 

"What is wrong with you!"

He shouted. His voice was hoarse and broken as he cried out. 

All of his emotions came tumbling down on him. He felt like he was still the same coward. Crying over something that shouldn't bring him pain.

Except, instead of physical pain that ruptured his body, it was a pain on the inside that made him hunch his shoulders, trembling and shaking.

As he did the one thing that ruined everything.  


He kissed Shun. He didn't even ask and he went for it. He remembers Shun's face, shocked and unprepared, possibly because of how unexpected the kiss was. A kiss was supposed to be the most sacred type of love.

Shun was naturally awkward and shy when it came to romance, maybe he was too shy to confront him about what he did. Aren didn't even correct himself and apologized for what he'd done. 


Could he even confront him today? Face the one person who made his heart melt, the same person who made him so soft? 


He couldn't lose the one person in his life that meant so much. He couldn't be seen as a coward. He could stand being alone. He can't stand to lose the one person who cared about him. The only one who didn't judge or run away from him.

Shun wasn't scared of him.

He didn't want to lose the one person who wasn't scared of him. 

That's why he felt true fear.

A loud bang came from the door, barging in was a tall, shaven-haired male, with a plethora of tattoos down his arms. In his hands was a nailed bat.

"What happened! Did someone break in!" His father yelled, "I'd better not be a rival gang member."

"Dad, you know that no one could break in." Aren grumbled, fingers to his temples as he rubbed above his brow. 

"Oh, right." His father put down the bat. He noticed that something was up with his son. Now, Aren's father wasn't the most emotionally understandable man, after all, he was a gang leader, for much longer than Aren had been. He's tried to 'soften' up, but this usually meant Aren had to act under strict conditions when following his father's demands.

"What, what is it?" Aren snapped.

"Um, did you have a nightmare or something?" 


"Why do you care?" His son turned up his nose. The attitude he was given almost set him off. His father brushed it off as he took a breath.


"You look...distressed."


"Do you even know what that even looks like?" Aren didn't have the energy to argue back, "I'm fine. Don't worry."


"If you...say so." His father gritted his teeth before closing the door. 


Maybe Aren would voice his concerns but he doubts his father would care much. However, his mother on the other hand, sure, if she was still home and not at work, he would say something, but this was his struggle and his struggle alone.

He grabbed his fake glasses, which made him think he looked normal and polite and placed them on the bridge of his nose. In his mirror, he looked at the dark circles under his eyes, he normally has baggy eyes, from the past of staying up all day and running his gang and heists. Now, they looked even worse. Were these from thinking and tossing and turning all night? All he wanted to do was flop onto his bed and stay concealed.

-------------

Shun waited at their usual meet-up spot, a spot for them so they could walk to school together. Shun felt like there was a disturbance in the field, he felt it in his bones that something was wrong.

Maybe it was The Dark Reunion planning something? Or maybe it was the butterflies that remained from last night's rupture.

He still couldn't believe it. Aren kissed him. His first kiss was with an amazing person, who was brave, strong, kind, compassionate, and cool. Now, if Shun wanted a partner, they had to live up to that standard, and Aren ticked every box.

Shun began to fidget with his hands, muttering to himself, "Oh come on, where are you 'Ren?" now his feet began tapping.  "maybe it was because of last night. Now that I think about it," he remembered how Aren looked, the worry and embarrassment he had in his eyes, the way he adverted his head, "maybe he regretted it." 

Shun knows that his true companion was spontaneous at times, one moment he was completely reasonably sound, next, he wanted to do something crazy or lost his cool. Maybe that was one of the spontaneous desires that Aren had.

"Or maybe it was just a little taste of what could happen. And he doesn't want that..." Why did he feel like he was used for a little experiment? Was Aren toying with his heart all this time?

"Nah, not him, I know him better than that. It's not like he's a player or a heartbreaker? Maybe it was a delinquent thing?"

If it wasn't fake, then why would Aren kiss someone like him?


"Shun?"

"Aren! Hey! I was waiting for you!" Shun greeted.  "Hey, Ren you okay?"

There was something in Aren's eyes that set him off. "Huh, of course, why wouldn't I be?" A hint of coldness seeped into his voice. He leaned back, in a very delinquent manner,  shoving his hands in his pockets. His cheeks had a tint of rosy pink starting to creep up, as he dragged his foot along the concrete, Yet, under that hard heart, Shun knew something was wrong.

Licking his lips awkwardly, Shun spoke, "I have something to say."

Aren broke character, his eyes shot with fear, and he stepped away. He clutched his bag strap, containing his outburst. "Love to hear it, but can it wait. We need to get going." He said, trying not to let anything show.

"Oh."

Aren felt himself internally regretting his actions, as he caught a glance of Shun looking mildly upset. Don't let it get the best of you. It's fine.


Shun felt an arm fling around his shoulder, pulling him closer into Aren's bubble, he looked up at him, feeling the weight lift off his shoulders. Gently, he felt himself smiling as he relaxed at Aren's touch.


No, no, don't let it get the best of you.

Taking a deep breath, he remained calm.

-
"The offer still stands," Saiko stood in front of Aren's desk, holding out some money, "Half of the class is on board."

"Like who?" Aren grumbled, "As if people would flock to your house just because you flash some cash."

"I have all of your friends in my pockets. So..."


"Enough, I'm not interested!" Aren threatened, feeling the urge to break every bone in Saiko's body. Without warning, Saiko placed some money in Aren's breast pocket, he fumed at this gesture. 

Saiko shrugged before saying, "I'm doing this for a...selfless reason."

"Yeah right, I doubt it's beneath you." 

Saiko paid no notice. However, he was amused by Aren's temper. He brushed past Shun, giving him a knowing glance, and said, "How do you deal with him?"


Shun blinked at the question, this seemed to tick off Aren more. "I...don't think I understand the question," the light blue-haired boy beseeched.

"Don't push it," Aren grumbled, his voice rougher than expected. 

Shun nodded in alignment, however, "But what if he's right. What if he does want friends."

"Doubt that; sitting on his high horse, I just wanna...." He stopped himself and drew in a breath, "just let it go, Aren,"

"Well, being rich and snobby is probably all he knows," Shun pondered, his voice in a low whisper, "I mean, didn't you have trouble adjusting after leading a different life."

"Don't compare my situation to" Aren shouted, as he warned him. There was uncertainty in those big crimson eyes, flickering when he recoiled back. "Sorry," he muttered. He threaded his fingers through his hair, slumping back in his chair, "I've had a bit of a rough morning."

"Oh, why is that?" Shun asked. 

Aren placed his cheek in his palm, as he leaned on the desk, "Just...arguments with my old man." Thank god Aren had a way with lies, lies that hopefully won't backfire.  

"Ah, troubles with the parents. Been there."


There was a conversation from another table. Hairo sat on Nendou's desk, periodically glancing over.

"You're seeing this right?" Hairo whispered in closely.

Nendou rebooted his brain after picking his nose, "huh?"

Hairo groaned, grabbing Nendou's chin and making him look at Shun and Aren.

"Are they getting together or?"

"Not by the looks of it."

Hairo noticed how jumpy and on edge Aren was, facing away from Shun, not making eye contact, not engaging in conversation as much, and not sitting as close.

"Classic passive-aggressive move."

"The runt should just quit while he's at it."

Hairo jabbed Nendou in the arm, giving him a dirty glare.

"What? I thought that was the right thing to say?"

"Well, it wasn't."

Saiki couldn't believe what was happening. He rolled his eyes, For God's Sake, just talk to each other. Stop faking your feelings. This could be over if you'd just... Saiki sighed internally. Never mind, just let it go, Kusuo.


"Um, so, Ren, I wanted to talk about yesterday-" Shun rose his voice. Suddenly the bell began to ring, cutting off his sentence.

"Maybe it's best if we talk about it somewhere else?" Aren muttered, not glancing at Shun, for the first in a long time.

It appeared that both of them knew the issue. Shun nodded, as long as they could talk about what was wrong and not let it eat them.

----
The courtyard felt humid and sticky, dark grey clouds were rolling in, murking the sky in a dark and dull glaze.

"Looks like a storm brewing," Shun commented, looking at the sky. 

Aren looked up from his food, mainly looking at Shun, "huh, does seem like it."


The fluffy-haired boy gasped, "Hey, we could go storm cloud-watching as you wanted!"

Aren paused, as a small smile appeared on his face, "I suppose we could." He adjusted his glasses, "That's if you wanted to."

"I thought this was something you wanted to do. So it's really up to you."

The ex-thug sighed, putting down his food and turning his head away. Shun felt like had said something wrong and awkwardly grimaced, "Well, if you don't want to."

"Shun," Aren blurted out in a breath, "I do, I want to. But," he held himself off. "Nevermind."

Shun narrowed his eyes, wanting Aren to continue what he was about to say, his divine magic eyes detected something that was being hidden from him. 

"What, what is it?" Aren harshly whispered.


"Is this because of what happened last night?" Shun knew he hit a sensitive spot, he sighed as he watched Aren focus back on him. "If it's about the kiss then you can tell me. I know when something is bothering you, you can't hide from me."

"Okay, so what if it is!" Aren blurted it out, flinging his hands up, "I didn't know what came over me, it was late and after the fun, we had by the cliffside, it kind of just happened. I-I suppose it was just a gamble I took because I thought that could've meant I  have a chance with you which would've been awesome and now I'm making things worse."

"Since when were you the nervous and anxious one?" Shun chuckled under his breath, "I thought I was nervous when it came to love." He placed a hand on Aren's.

"You're not upset or disgusted?" Aren sat there, dumbfounded.

"Why would I be upset?" Now it was Shun's turn to be dumbfounded, "Aren, there is nothing you could do to make me upset. However," it was his turn to blush and ramble, "when you kissed me goodbye, did you mean it. Or were you playing around? And if so, why?"


Aren didn't know how to respond to that, he tried to find the right words as they bubbled in his throat, "Well, of course, I did. I guess. I'm not comfortable telling you how I feel but to put it bluntly, I do like you, romantically and stuff, and I didn't know if you felt the same. I know we're both awkward when it comes to romance, but I did mean it. But even so, I'm worried I blew my chance."

"You've been watching too many movies, and I thought I was delusional when it came to love." Shun laughed. The violet-haired boy felt like he was being mocked and heard, he didn't know how to respond.


"So, you don't hate me?" 


"No, of course, I don't, dumbass!" Shun shouted, he wanted to smack Aren on the head for thinking, "I also like you too, idiot! I've had feelings for you for a while too, and these feelings just keep growing stronger anytime we hang out. You've made me so happy, seen, heard and loved. And I want to do that for you."


"I...don't know what to say." 


"Well, I think you've said enough."


Aren wanted to let his heart take the lead, but he remained still. There was a feeling of lightness in his chest like his heart was suddenly full of helium, floating weightless and unbound inside of him; it was strange and confusing, yet simultaneously thrilling. 


"So...what do you want to label this as? Are we boyfriends or..." Aren asked sheepishly.


"B-Boyfriends! W-well, I can see that we both need some time to come around to this revelation. But, when we're both comfortable and ready."


"No, no, I get that. Sorry." Aren chimed in with a chuckle.


The table silenced, there was still tension, after that waterfall of emotions, which now created a flood of embarrassment. 


"We're gonna need to get used to this, huh?" Shun muttered into his hands and his leg began to bounce.


"Oh yeah, definitely," Aren grunted in agreement. He couldn't help but grin at Shun's awkward movements, "You had so much confidence to say all of that, now look at you."

"You're not fairing up any better. Mr, Tough Guy But Shy When It Comes To Love."


"That was a stretch of a nickname." The ex-thug jabbed Shun in the arm.  He smiled softly, without an ounce of stoicism, confusion, and recluse, he let himself relax, and put down his guard, "I'm so glad that's off my chest now."


Shun nodded. 

"So, where do you want to go about storm cloud watching?" He asked.

"The hideout," Aren immediately answered.

"You want to watch a storm, in a run-down, unstable, and cheap hideout?" Shun rose a quizzical brow.

"Oh come on, it would be much better than staying at our houses."

"Yeah, but, the hideout isn't a tent."

Aren gave him a demanding glare, as he rose a brow, " my intuition has never got us in danger," he noticed Shun opening his mouth, "and before you say it, the run-down building was your choice but you didn't listen to me. Just saying."

"You're not letting me live that down, are you."

"Nope."

-----

To say Aren was a little disappointed was an understatement, he wanted to take Shun away, far from home, and rest with him in the hideout they called home. 

However, Shun's mother forbade it, considering the heavy rain and crashing lightning and thunder. For an alternative, the boys stayed at Shun's house, watching the lightning from the porch. 

Shun jumped with every clap of thunder, as Aren almost froze every time the lightning struck. 

"Oh, did you see that one, that was huge!" Aren exclaimed, he paused as his eyes became hooded, "Okay, I see why you're mother was a little bit angry when I suggested this."

Shun turned his head with a cocky smile, "What was that about your intuition never-failing you?"

Aren jabbed Shun in the arm, gently as he let out a disappointed 'huffing' sound. 

"Hey, usually I can be pretty persuasive at times," Aren defensively shouted.

"You sure can be," Shun muttered, his gaze lingering on the other, as his eyes slanted slightly with the upturn of his lips, "but I like that about you."


Aren chuckled. The two jumped as a loud crash of thunder made them jump. They looked at each other, realising they had grabbed onto each other. They began blinking rapidly, feeling their hearts sore, feeling the rush of heat in their faces. 

"Sorry about that," Aren whispered, unable to let his voice out.

"No, i-it's alright." Shun stuttered, "I d-don't mind this."

Aren's eye flickered, and now a shy but smug grin appeared on his face, "Aw, am I a little teddy bear for you to hug, hmm?" he replied in a babyish mocking tone.

Shun gave him a death glare, "talk like that again, and I kill you."

Aren let out an explosion of laughter, making Shun roll his eyes pitifully. 

As the storm roared overhead, the smell of wet earth filled the air. Rain clinking on the roof, shifting with the wind, bending the trees, allowing the droplets to roll down the leaves, a sound as clear and lilting like the glassy clinking of a champagne flute.

The two were in awe as the lightning danced in the sky. Breathless gasped, "wow," "look at that one!" "Did you see that one" "it's so beautiful?" Bright, flashing lightning lighting up the sky like fireworks, and banging, crashing thunder roaring furiously, brought a wave of comfort. 

"I'm a little bit bored," Shun admitted, quietly.

"Really?" Aren sounded disappointed, "Oh, okay. Um, you wanna play a game or something?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know, never have I ever?"


Shun blinked slowly, "Really, why that game."

"What? It would be a great way to get to know each other a little more and expose our dirty secrets, who we are, and our pasts. I mean, if we wanted to be a couple we'd need to know about this stuff."


Shun shook his head softly, "okay, I'll start." The two put up ten fingers. "Never have I ever broken a bone?"

Aren put down a finger, "obviously, I had to fight every day, not every fight I'd done had left me unscathed. However, I remember the first time I broke a bone." Shun's beady, radiant, eyes made him go on, "I was around seven and it was during winter, I was climbing a tree, I don't know why, but maybe I wanted to challenge myself and climb up. So, I did. Until one of the branches snapped and I fell a good 20 metres."

"We're you okay?"

"Despite the fact it was cold and no one came to help me, not really. I had to drag myself back home to get checked up."

Shun's eyes had an expression of shock and confusion, "wait, so you had to walk home, crying and in the cold with a broken?'

"It was my leg. Hah."

"Dude," Shun blinked.

"Oh, it's not the worse injury I ever got."  He shook it off, "Okay, my turn,  never have I ever been the alibi for a lying friend,"

Shun sheepishly put his finger down, "All the time during middle school, even my first year at P.K. Heck, I'm still a scapegoat for Nendou and my sister!"

Aren muffled his laugh by his hand, "You poor thing."

"But it was because I was so weak and cowardly in middle school that I was a scapegoat for everything someone did."

Aren rose a brow, "they took advantage of your shyness?"

Shun rapidly nodded, "Yes. But now it's died off. Besides, I'm the Jet Black Wings, that was just a part of my story."

"Ah, a backstory where the shy and nerdy outcast becomes the hero, how cliche." Aren rolled his eyes. "Shut up! I have a better backstory!" "Right, Right- escaping an organisation- I know." Aren laughed, he felt like his glasses were getting annoying so he took them off, placing them down by his side.
.

"Never have I ever had a crush on the same gender," Shun mockingly asked.


"Oh god, dude, of course not. That fucking gay!" Aren shouted. He paused before smiling and putting down a finger. Both of them burst into laughter.


"I thought you were being serious for a second," Shun laughs harder.

"Oh, sure. As if I didn't kiss you before." Aren jabbed a finger at Shun's chest. "Yeah, I've had a crush on a lot of people." He calmed back down. "Guys, gals and non-binary pals."


"Really?" Shun blinked.

"When I look back, I realised I did have a crush on them," Aren admitted, "I just never committed."

"Really, why's that?"

Aren bit the inner corner of his lip, and he let out a stretched-out, 'um' sound. A little uncomfortable to admit. "Well, I was still a delinquent back then, so I suppose I never committed because I didn't want to hurt them...or get myself hurt. It was the judgement that worried me the most. That's why I acted the way I did today. When I kissed you yesterday, I felt like I was experiencing loneliness and fear for the first time all over again. I'd thought I'd lose you, and I ruined the one thing I never had before." He twiddled his thumbs as his gut swam with pity and shame, "I know I sound selfish, but you're really the only one I have in my life. I know I care about the others too, and they care about me as well, but it's different. I don't know how to describe it but when I first began crushing on you, I tried to deny it every single day. Just so I wouldn't lose you or myself in a disillusioned fantasy."

A clap of thunder broke Aren free from his rambling. He watched the lightning flicker with shifting eyes.

Shun wanted to shut the ex-gangster up, maybe with a punch or a kiss to the lips but held back as he rolled his eyes. He squeezed Aren tighter, "You'll never lose me, Okay. I'm sorry you had to deal with these thoughts for so long. You know me well enough to know that I care about you so much and that I like you a lot and wouldn't judge you."

Aren huffed bashfully, "the only one,"

He pushed back his hair, something he did when he was trying to rid of the embarrassment he felt, it was a cute quirk that Shun loved. "Okay, never have I ever stolen anything."

Shun thought about this. His eyes lit up but slyly looked up at Aren and put down a finger, "In fact, I have."

"You have, huh?" Aren replied, with his devious tone and by the  look in his eyes, "And what would that be."

Shun picked at his fingernails, "Oh, you know, things here and there."

"Right, right, as if you're implying you stole from me." 


Shun didn't say anything further, he just turned up his lips and rose a brow. Aren rolled his eyes.

 "Alright, never have I ever been a delinquent," Shun smirked. He yelped as he felt a punch to the shoulder.

"Okay, that's just mean," Aren scoffed, "Alright, never have I ever had a chuunibyou phase."

Shun shoved Aren hard, making the violet-haired boy laugh. 

"What are you talking about! This is not a phase! The Jet Black Wings has never been a phase and never will be. As if." Shun hunched his shoulders, "This is who I am after all."
"Of course, it's not." Aren played along.

"Exactly. I, the Jet Black Wings, will never outgrow this because deep in my heart I'll always be the Jet Black Wings."

"You don't have to keep doing that, right?"

The comment made Shun recoil back, as he rose a quizzical brow, however, Aren could tell he said something he shouldn't have said, looking at Shun's shifty eyes.

"I've noticed anytime you feel defensive, upset, or embarrassed, you always use your "jet black wings" as an excuse to hide your emotions. Don't get me wrong, I love it, I think it makes you so adorkable." Aren blushed slightly, "But, I hope you realize you're more than the Jet Black Wings. No matter what you hide or hold, I am sure that you are more."

"So, you think it's stupid?" Shun huffed, curling his legs in. Aren groaned, he couldn't believe it. How dare he misinterpret his words negatively?

"Didn't you just hear me, I said I'm endeared by it!" Shun glanced from the corner of his eye at Aren after he kissed him on the cheek. But the blush extending from his cheeks to his ears was a sign the words had gotten to his heart. "You don't have to outgrow that," Aren said, putting a hand on Shun's chest.

"But what if people don't like the real me?" Shun whispered, "I've always wanted to feel like I belong. In fact, I did everything I could to be like everyone else."

"you wanted to be petty and dishonest?"

Shun almost flinched by the comment. He slowly leaned forward with a crooked frown, "people aren't like that."

"They can be. That's why I like you for who you are. I never fell for the Jet Black Wings, I fell for you. You're just brave, confident and courageous without the Jet Black Wings mask. If others don't accept that, get rid of them, the ones who will care and accept you are the ones who matter. I can tell all of our friends would still love you unconditionally." Aren downturned his gaze, as he spoke softer, "because I do."

"Okay, why are these tangents getting deep? This is supposed to be fun, not a therapy session!" Shun shouted, his head looked like a tomato that was about to burst because of how red it was.

"You're right," Aren agreed with a contempt sigh, looking back at the lightning show in the sky, "You wanna dance with me?"
Shun flinched as he shuffled away, "Dance?"


"Yeah, out there?" He nudged his head to the rain.


"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Go get a wireless speaker, or you could sing with that enchanting voice of yours," Aren teased as he swooned in closer. A hand pushed his face away as Shun got up.

"Fine, jeez, you are so demanding!" Shun called out. So, Aren waited, chuckling as he watched the sky, feeling the sweeping wind and the splatter of rain on his face, he felt more at ease now some burdens were relieved. He heard the door open as he smiled at Shun, who had a black, skull speaker in his hands, alongside his phone.

"Don't get too excited, Ren," Shun rolled his eyes. He knelt down as he connected the speaker to his phone, pulling up a personalised playlist. Aren gave a hand to Shun, who excepted, and pulled Shun onto his feet, dragging him under the pouring rain alongside him.


Shun felt his heart thunder, as he stared eye to eye with Aren. There was a little bit of embarrassment and shame in his crimson eyes, which Aren noticed immediately.


"Hey, it's just me Shun, no need to be nervous. Hey, I'm probably going to make a fool of myself too." Aren smiled. The pouring rain flattened out Aren's hair more, as rain drops rolled down his face and gave his hair a shine to it. 

Shun raised a playful eyebrow as he felt his worries fade away. As he focused on Aren, who started making slow movements of his own, the beat of the music caused his shoulders to sway and he felt a shiver of pleasure run up his spine. Shun grinned as he shook his head, his wet hair flapping in the wind, making him appear pretty and cuddly.


Shun put his arms up,  almost like cat paws, (or like he was doing the thriller dance) and changed sides rapidly. Aren's movements were cut off as he stared in confusion and amusement, as he laughed. Shun put his hands over his head, squatting down slightly, and clapped.

(A/N- Whatever this is called)

Aren shook his head as he erupted with laughter.

"What's so funny!"

"Nothing, just that you look adorable, I guess," Aren retorted, trying to contain his laughter. His movements were more fluid, with some hip movements, some grace, and some lightness. He turned around and held out his hand, which Shun interpreted as a playful smile that curved onto his lips. He felt himself being pushed by Aren's side and spun around as he did so. Aren leant an elbow on the smaller boy and stuck out his hip.

"Who knows you had such...dance moves." He commented. "Were you trying to perform a courting dance over there?"


"No, it was both a dance and a ritual. To protect us from the Dark Reunion, duh."
Aren sighed, "Fair enough." The boys began to dance of their own volition. Aren was surprisingly quick on his feet while Shun was erratic and unpredictable. They danced with a sparkle of moonlight that peaked around the grey clouds as the music built over the torrential rain. The sky served as their little ballroom, with lightning bolts crashing down, and the grass acting as their dance floor. They Let their worries, pain, and sorrow go. Right here, right now they were living. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore; but just them.


Aren stumbled his way to the porch as he fell backward, rather roughly, as he collapsed with laughter. Shun pulled himself closer, as he flopped back onto the porch. The two smiled at each other stunningly, with specks of light dancing through their eyes, as little breaths escaped their lips. 


"That was fun," Shun lively shouted. Aren nodded, as he ruffled his hand through Shun's soaking hair.  

Shun had the desire to lean in closely, and kiss Aren on the lips but the thought was busted as Sora stood at the door, albeit disappointed.


"The hell are you two doing!" She yelled, "It's getting too dark and cold, get inside."

Shun sighed as he shut his eyes. Soaking wet, he trudged back inside, with his sister's wish. Aren followed behind, as his shoulders hunched. The two boys were met with a disappointed mama Kaidou, with towels and hair driers at the ready.

"What were you boys thinking, you'll catch a death-up cold in that weather." She muttered disappointedly. Aren realised how much his mother let him get away with things like this without consequence, at least she can play it off as a joke. Aren was thrown a towel as he ruffled his hair dry, he peaked from over the scratchy white towel at Shun who was getting special attention from his mum. Drying him down, fixing him up, blow-drying his hair.

"You boys should be more careful." 


Aren flinched as Sora appeared next to him, alongside Toki. The three looked at Shun, who was being babied.

"Are you sure you want that one?" She asked, with a hint of seriousness and confusion in her eyes.


"Uh, of course," Aren muttered awkwardly. 


"Well he's all yours and your problem now," Sora folded her arms as she spoke with a mumble.


"Uh...thank you?" Aren didn't know how he should've replied to that comment.

"Kuboyasu, you brought spare clothes with you, right?" The grey-haired woman turned to him, a lot more considerate towards him.


"Uh, yeah, there in my bag in Shun's room." He replied. 


---

Aren had to wait in Shun's room for a little bit while Shun changed outside of his own bedroom. So, that left Aren to sit on the bed awkwardly. He remembers the time he woke up with Shun in his arms, way before they knew about each other's feelings, despite it, he never forgot the touch, the sight and the feeling he got. Maybe he could experience that again.

He wandered around the room, looking through Shun's wardrobe. There was an abundance of emo-like clothing, which was very stylish, and there was a mini Pansexual flag at the back. However, that wasn't the most peculiar thing that stuck out. It was a white turtle-neck sweater that looked way too big for Shun. Aren let out a laugh of disbelief.


The door opened, and a dry and clean Shun stepped in. He was suddenly attacked by something behind thrown at his face. He looked down at the shirt in his hands and looked at Aren with a narrowed glare.


"You stole one of my shirts!" He yelled.


Shun realised the shirt he had in his hands, he blushed in embarrassment as he laughed aloud. With a cheeky grin, he replied, "I told you so!"

Chapter Text

Weeks have passed since the two naive hopeless romantics "confessed" their love for one another, and the conversation hasn't left either of their minds. They agreed that before starting a relationship and dating, they both needed time to sort through their emotions. Aren felt both excitement and fear at it. He could not get enough of this brand-new sensation. Aren grinned to himself as he stared at the concrete floor. Although he was still grateful that his heart wasn't broken, he couldn't understand why Shun hadn't left him out of disdain.

Shun's mother was very concerned because Shun had to attend cram school, which he had been skipping out on significantly. Aren informed Shun that he would be waiting in their hiding place for the time being because he knew what had to be done. He decided to go home and change into more comfortable clothing as he continued down the path. However, he quickly heard footsteps approaching. He turned around as though a trigger had been pulled. Maybe he ought to have attacked. Saiko approached him, his eyes still calm but sly as ever.

"It's unusual to see you alone, Kuboyasu," Saiko commented.

"What is it now?" Aren exaggeratingly sighed.


"Is that any way to talk to your superiors?" Saiko crooned, giving a sharp grin.


"Piss off, you..." Aren paused, "Fuck, I wish Shun was here, he's good with coming up with nicknames."


"know your place, filth."

Aren cracked his knuckles, "Oh, really, well your place will be on the floor when I-" His lips threatened to curl into a twisted grin, as he wanted to snap his glasses in half and just- but he held back. "Nope, not doing that."

Saiko had wide eyes as he muttered at the ground with a disappointed scowl, "you're so easy to piss off."

You're so easy to make insecure, wait until I tell you about your---no, lay it off Aren. Calm down.

"it's not like you to walk home without Kaidou." Saiko remarked, "It's not difficult to spot you two in a crowd," this gave Saiko a window to open, "Speaking of crowds, a whole crowd is coming to my parlour this afternoon."


"You're still not letting that go." Aren butted in, "give it up, I'm not going."


"Oh please, what about the day you and the others came over, you all were having such a grand time."

Aren continued to keep walking, he hated how he could still see that arrogant smile he was being given, he wanted to turn around and just-


"Just because I let my guard down, allowing us to have fun at your house with Shun doesn't mean I should let my guard down around you. You're stubborn and annoying as all hell," He gave the most judgemental side-eye he managed.


"What, are you going to forget how you said you and the others would treat me to poor people outings and activities."

The delinquent stopped. Suddenly he looked back, seeing Saiko fold his arms.
"All that fun you and Shun had at my house, come on, you're going to forget that?"


Aren swallowed the pride that held him back, and he sighed. After a whole day hanging out with Saiko, seeing how amazing his house was, and seeing how hard he tried to get him and Shun to befriend him because he was rich made Aren reconsider his thoughts. And he did offer Saiko to let go of his upbringing and introduce him to day-to-day activities which Saiko seems as 'broke and lower class.' Fuck, he hated to admit it but he could understand where Saiko was coming from. What is this? A plot point carried from the manga, who knew. As the author is too lazy to input creative development into Saiko...
For now. At least.


"That's because I don't have to exaggerate to get what I want. That includes flexing about money everywhere." In this case, Aren could see that all Saiko wanted was people to follow him in other words- friends-


Saiko huffed, his pride was trying to fuel him but his stubbornness was running thin.

"Then how am I supposed to get what I want. If I can't buy my way into having want I want, then how am I supposed to make friends!" Saiko shouted. Almost making Aren recoil with the sudden emotional outburst from Saiko. "Come on Kuboyasu, you of all people should understand. You were delinquent you had to fight to give yourself a reputation."


Saiko noticed that Aren slowly straightened up, as his eyes lingered on nothing, however, there were cogs and gears turned in his head. 

Which sounded very similar to something he thought long ago.  If I can't fight then how am I supposed to make friends? How Aren acted on his first day here,  Aren slugged his shoulders as he sighed, "you're right"

Saiko's eyes flashed with surprise, he wasn't expecting him to agree. 

"You'd be surprised how rewarding it can be to allow yourself to let your pride and judgement go."

Aren looked back down, "because if there's somethin' I've learnt now, is how you can still be yourself without having to worry what others think about you. It's your stupid life, and it could be a chance to find a better life and be free of-"


"The past?"

Aren didn't say anything else, instead, he leaned forward and jabbed Saiko in the chest.


"Watch where you put your filthy poor hands!" Saiko snapped, holding his chest tightly. He wasn't expecting Aren to patch such a mean punch.


"That was to help you let that settle in that narrow mind of yours." There was still a cold and stubborn gleam in Aren's eyes, one that Saiko could admire, as he said, "Maybe I'll consider the party."


Saiko almost felt like he felt his whole world break. 


Now, Saiko saw someone who didn't want him for his money, but his views and personality. One that had yet to develop outside of just being snobby and rich.

"You know, it's pretty impressive how you managed to escape out of prison. Your tough, I'll give you that."

"Thanks," Aren rose his chin, "You're fucking stubborn and I hate it." He turned his back.

"Don't you turn your back on me, you filthy peasant?"


Aren turned slightly, "Have you ever considered you might be the peasant in someone else's eyes?"

"H-hey, what the...don't you turn your back on me, that's not true."


Aren couldn't help but feel sorry for Saiko, but again, maybe Shun was right. He probably doesn't know anything else besides being rich and having corporate followers, and that's just his way of expressing himself.


"This is the first time my father is not going to be home. So, this will never happen again."

Maybe he would go to the stupid house party. Besides, Saiko's house is pretty fucking cool, although he'd never admit it.

---

Aren relaxed into the sound of the strings as he moved his fingers along the bass' neck to play a chord. He was only a passable bass player because he never found the time to practise for anything other than boredom, but lately, he's improved significantly. Shun now gave him a good reason to. He started humming along with the strumming; just a collection of chords that sounded good together, Aren didn't have a  terrible singing voice per se, but he like it more when Shun would do the singing, but now again he would mindlessly mutter lyrics, like in the moment right now.

 He sank into the rough couch they were using in the hideout; it felt like it might tear, but he couldn't complain because he was at ease. Everything could use an upgrade. But it wasn't the right time. The peace dragged on, as he wanted to hear Shun's laughter, voice and presence enter the room, however, he had to wait.

He thought about what Saiko had suggested. Maybe they should go to that stupid party, it would shut Saiko up at least.  Alongside Shun would at least make it worth it, at the very least. So, would the others be there too? Most likely. How fun would that be? Going to dance with Shun. Like a cliche high school rom-com.


"I thought I heard a guitar playing." 


Aren almost jumped when Shun opened the curtain door, the blue-haired boy rose a brow as he strode over. 


"Oh, that was pretty early," Aren remarked as Shun ghosted his hand along his shoulder.

"yeah, the class wrapped up early." Shun sighed as he sat down next to him, his eyes drifted to Aren's kind eyes.  "Anything you want to talk about?"



"Not really." Aren fidgeted with the strings, now that Shun was here, he felt a lot more conscious. However, Shun knew something was up behind that condescending tone.


"Well, I do." Shun shuffled closer, ghosting his fingers along Aren's hand. Aren's eyes flickered around as he put down the purple bass. 

"Saiko's still insisting on us going to his house party. I ran into him this afternoon and something felt off."



"You wanna go!" Shun energetically chimed in.



Aren shrugged as the energy radiating from Shun threw him off, "Kind of. I mean the fun we had there with Saiki and Nendou, that's unforgettable."


"Dude, that was awesome. The bouncy house." Shun reminisced.


"The bouncy house. That fricken roller coaster." Aren shouted his voice peaking, feeling a lot more excited. 

"It was more like a small Disney land instead of a house. Now everyone is going to visit."
Shun noticed that Aren smiled slightly.



"You might be right about one thing, he's having difficulty fitting in. Maybe after tonight, he'll let go." The purple-haired boy sighed, "I'm glad he's taking charge of his life."

"Starting to see things in a new light, huh?"

Aren nodded, "Still hate him for his arrogance and stubbornness."


"Tsundere."

"Shut the fuck up." Aren shoved Shun's face away condescendingly. Shun gasped out a laugh.


"You wanna go with me?"


"You asking me out on a date there, Ren?" Shun interrogated playfully. As he wiggled his eyebrows.


"Ugh, of course not, it's a platonic outing, nothing more." Aren dismissively flicked his wrist. He cast a cheeky side glance, as his eyes creased. "Obviously."


Shun shuffled his feet together, "So when do we want to make it official?"

"What, with us being boyfriends and stuff."


"No duh," 


Aren tapped his leg as he muttered, "Well, it's kind of new for both of us, and I just want to experience it with you right now." He noticed that Shun had a look of hurt and confusion in his eyes, "Look we'll make it official eventually, I just want the time to be right."


Shun gestured with his hands awkwardly, "No, you're right. I suppose I just don't want us to act differently, especially with how...you know how we can be..."


"Yes, I do." Aren nodded, "But that's what makes us, well, us. Okay." He reached out his hand, which Shun took. Instinctively, Aren pulled Shun closer, pecking him on the lips. He backed away slightly with a blush spreading across his cheeks.


Shun's mouth gaped open, blinking rapidly as he began blushing. "Whoa. I need to get used to that."


"You better." Aren nudged him. "So, it's settled, we're going to that stupid house party."


"I wouldn't call it stupid." Shun rolled his eyes, as he muttered.

Aren just hoped this night wasn't going to be regretted.

------

Despite the enormous dance floor and the size of the house, Aren couldn't help but feel confined. It appeared as though this single house could accommodate the entire school. Every nook and cranny of the house was being explored as if it were an old ruin full of mysteries and secrets. He felt as though he was in a psychedelic haze as the lights above him flashed, and he noticed some faces that seemed strange and distant, which only added to his unease. After being rudely shoved, he staggered a few steps and turned around, balling his fist and growling inward.

"Sorry dude."

Aren unfurled his fist as he shoved his hands in his pockets, as he wandered away. Goodie goodies don't get into fist fights just because they get touched.

Maybe this was a mistake and Shun wasn't here yet. Shun's mother would never permit him to attend a house party, knowing her. Damn it. He observed people running up the stairs and exploring as they passed. He bet he and Shun would be doing that if he was here. As he looked around and took stock of his surroundings, he felt his heartbeat quicken.

"Kuboyasu!" Finally, a recognisable voice. As Hairo and Nendou waved at him, he grinned. Teruhashi, Mera (who was munching on the food), and Yumehara were standing next to them.

"You looked like a lost puppy, are you good?" Teruhashi commented.

"I'm fine, it's just a little overwhelming." Aren managed to shrug.

Mara turned around and said, "I have to admit, this place is to die for. Oh, if I could live here."

"Trust me, there's a bouncy house, roller coaster, secret passageways, manga cafes," Aren explained.


The group began to mingle, talking about how insane this place was. Until the conversation was turned on its head.

"So, how are you and Runt going?" Nendou asked, "Finally confessed?"

Aren was a little shocked by the question, as he stuttered, "You...knew what was going on. I-I mean um, I guess Hairo kinda already knew about this and erm, but I didn't expect all of you to know."

Everyone nodded.

He began blushing from the grins and winks he was given as he was relentlessly teased like a school girl.

Teruhashi twirled a strand of her hair and winked, "It wasn't so difficult to see, So, are you dating?"


Aren rubbed the back of his neck, "You could say that," 

"I called it," Hairo and Nendou high-five each other. While Yumehara and Teruhashi nudged each other.

"Pipe down, would ya?" Aren yelled, slipping into his delinquent accent. Hiding his face so that he could cover his blush

The group began whispering at each other, mostly like because of how embarrassed Aren was becoming.

"well, what do we have here?" An icy voice spoke. Saiko chuckled dimly.


"Kuboyasu, you came, what a surprise."

"Yeah, yeah, don't get ahead of yourself."

The group looked at the silver-haired boy, who almost backed down, it looked like he had something to say.

"Spit it out, Saiko," Aren demanded, his voice rough and stern.


"I don't know how to say it. But. Thank you...all of you. For coming, I expect that to happen." His eyes darted around, trying to avoid stable eye contact. He brought out some money from his pocket, "now- become my servants," He dramatically rose his arm, with money in hand.

He was given cold stares. 

"Kidding, jeez, you all need to learn to take a joke." Saiko brought his arm down, placing his hand on his hip, "you are way too sensitive." He turned his back. "I never had anything like this before, enjoy yourselves."

The gang were staring, but now in shock. A total contrast to his previous statements, however, it was Aren who understood, he tightened his lip as he looked away.


"That's a strange way of saying friends," he mumbled.

"That rich guy sure is from a different world, huh?" Teruhashi pondered.

"There you guys are," a silent voice spoke, one that made Aren's heart leap with joy.

"There you are, jerk. I thought you'd bail last minute!" Aren approached him, almost like he was about to scold him. Shun smiled as he felt his hair being ruffled, it made him feel reassured and adored. 

"Yeah, it took a lot of lies to convince my mother to let me out. I convinced her it was a 'study get together," Shun mocked.

"And she brought that?" Aren sneered.

"For now. It was the only way to come here," Shun muttered, he looked behind Aren noticing the others chuckling and muttering at them, "what's up with them?"

Aren rolled his eyes, sighing deeply, 'They knew about our feelings for each other before we did." 

Shun blushed, looking, mostly, at Yumehara who was the first one to call him out on his feelings. 
"Oh, yeah, they knew."

"Now they won't stop talking about it," Aren deadpanned and groaned. "I wouldn't be surprised if they betted on this happening."

"We did," Yumehara called out. Aren nudged his head with an expression that read, 'told you so.' Teruhashi swooped in as she stated, "Come on, guys, let's give the two some time. They don't need us around right now."

"Wait, did we just get kicked out of our own group?" Shun muttered.

"I think we did."

A smoke machine started to cover the area in a misty fog, like a castle in the sky, as the lights flashed down on the dance floor and music blasted through the air. Aren observed that Shun appeared... well...Pretty.His lips were painted a soft pink that beckoned for a kiss, his hair was fluffier than before, and his eyes appeared to sparkle in the light. As always, his attire was extra and blatantly fashionable. Why would someone so amazing and beautiful choose to date someone like him? That he couldn't understand.

Aren turned to look around and noticed that a few groups had started to dance slowly. He even saw Yumehara and Teruhashi spinning each other around, as well as Nendou and Hairo, if you could call what they were doing "dancing," since it was more like they were working out and competing with one another.

"Aren, is everything okay?" Shun enquired. Aren looked down at Shun and grinned sheepishly as he nodded his head back to reality.

"A lot of people seem to be dancing with the ones they like the most," Aren commented. Shun raised an eyebrow as he realised where this was going.

"Why, are you asking me to dance?"

Aren flicked off some lint on Shun's outfit, flattening it out as he requested, "I was hoping you'd be up for it?"

"I don't know, Ren. There's a lot of people and-"

Aren noticed how Shun shook slightly, as his eyes darted around at the other people, and the lights made him squint, he smiled as he took Shun's hand, "Just pretend it's just me." Aren spoke through the ringing in his ear. He stared into his kind eyes, which told him it was safe.

Shun gazed at his hand intertwined with Aren's, everything felt so natural, the heartbeat pounding in his chest, the elevation of desire and breathlessness coursing through him, the lights guiding him forward. Aren noticed the uncertainty in Shun's eyes, as he pulled away, his hand feeling vacant and cold without warmth. Until Shun intertwined his fingers once again.

"Do you want to dance?" Shun asked, his voice sounding confident as he redirected the question to Aren. The violet-haired boy breathed in staggeringly, leaning forward.

"Lead the way," Aren whispered sultrily, "Pretty boy."

"Oh." Shun squeaked, as his eyes were bloodshot open. He felt like there was a firework display going off in his stomach, feeling explosive and jittery, which made his knees weak. He didn't even think he could come back down to earth after that and yet Aren still waited. 

Shun got back on track after coming to terms with the shock and attempted to take the initiative despite knowing Aren was the right one. Together, they danced to the music. They were thrilled to feel their bodies synchronising as one with a beat that lifts their spirits. Shun made movements that were unmistakably...something, but they were dancing nonetheless, with exaggerated jerky movements. 

Shun did not anticipate that. He stifled a chuckle as a wide grin appeared on his face. The blue-haired boy looked around, observing the motions of other people's lips as their eyes grew fixed on him. No one spoke, drowning him in silence, and he started swallowing the pride he had once felt. Aren, however, was still present to prevent that from happening, and as he turned to face him, he recalled what he had said. 

Pretend it's just me.

He and Aren alone. Like every time. With all the courage and confidence he could muster, he let go with a startling breath as his heart stammered and he allowed a steady pulse to propel him forwards. He began dancing as he meant it, and it wasn't in a way Aren expected.

"Dang, Shun, I knew you have moves, but not like this," Aren commented.

"Let's just say, this isn't a protection ritual that I'm doing," he replied. Aren brought him closer, with a hand around his waist, one hand gripped his own, as Aren lifted Shun off the ground slightly, and spun them around.

"Then what would it be?" Aren asked. Stopping suddenly, he slid around back, placing a hand on Shun's chest, swirling his finger as he looked down at him.

"It's more like...I'm feeling a lot more confident. Without the Jet Black Wings thing." 

Aren softly grinned while rolling his eyes. Aren sighed and gently brushed the hair out of Shun's eyes after noticing that a tuft had fallen in front of his lovely eyes. This made Shun melt even more. Never before had that gesture had much greater significance. As they let go and let the conversation flow, they begin to quietly laugh. Because it felt so natural and comfortable, it was as if they had done this countless times before.

Hairo suddenly bursts into laughter as he prods Nendou to look at the other couple. Nendou makes a headshake.

"Since when does that runt know how to dance?" Nendou queried. He noticed the two who were teasing each other while spinning each other around, occasionally stepping on each other's toes, and imitating their movements. They were both competitive and playful even while dancing. 

"But look how happy they are. For the longest time, Kaidou has never laughed or smiled this much; in fact, Kuboyasu doesn't often smile either." Hairo remarked. He smiles as he turns to face the couple and observes from afar.

Despite being much taller, Shun snatched Aren by the hand and spun him under his arm, causing Aren to hunch slightly. While holding each other's wrists, they both jumped away from one another. Aren winked jokingly, in typical delinquent fashion, mischievous manner. In the bright light of the dance floor, he pulled Shun back in, dipped him down, brought him up effortlessly, and lifted and spun Shun around in his arms like a beautiful god he was holding. In this world where time seems to slow down, Shun felt like he was a rag doll, effortlessly being dipped and spun around. He looked at Aren with a look of astonishment as he wrapped his legs around him,  clinging as he was lifted in the air. Felt so close, closer than ever before, as if their bodies were pressed together, almost fit for each other.  In his stomach, there was a party of butterflies and a fireworks display.

"Oh hell." Shun squeaked. 

"That all you have to say?" Aren mocked, raising a brow.

"Shut up!"

 Shun felt like he was blessed by the world, in Aren's presence, and oh boy, was he lucky. Aren shrugged off the compliment. He noticed how tense Shun was, as he laughed awkwardly.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," he chuckled, placing Shun on the ground. 

"You never cease to amaze me, Ren." 

The ex-delinquent blushed, averting his gaze, "I could say the same thing about you."

Both of them gaze at each other, melting at the sight, seeing each other in the bright light, with a silent voice being shared, standing hand in hand. The world seemed to tell them.

 "Are you sure?"
"I'm ready, now."

They knew they were young and naive when it came to love, neither experiencing it to its full potential but their hearts gravitated towards each other, dying to hold each other as if their souls belonged together. After years and days of searching for love, they found it. Right in front of them, where neither could believe. 

"I'm ready now, too."

A beautiful dusty pink covers their faces

The music exploded into colour as they embraced one another, it was upbeat, smooth, and catchy, and Shun had an idea, all this time he'd been the one being showered upon by Aren, and he had no choice but to repay him. Shun took Aren by the hand and ran, dragging them to the centre of the dance floor.

 Music was on from first light to last. In a way it flowed through them and between them, creating bonds stronger than the walls of the confines of their hearts, growing closer, as they lose themselves in motion, their eyes never leaving each other. Their steps grow faster and faster with the music's tempo, and their movements are confident, and carefree,  as they stepped into line as if they've done this a million times before. 

 Aren held Shun by the wrist as they danced around each other. Shun's ears were pierced with a sharp ringing- looking at Aren- so happy- so graceful and so free. He didn't care about what other people thought of him now, a weight lifting off his shoulders. Being too enamoured with Aren made Shun lose his footing, and he collided with Aren making both of them fall. .Shun shot out his arms, wrapping them around Aren's waist like he was holding him in a dip. 
Shun squeaked as struggled to keep Aren up, as he was a little bit too heavy to keep up on his own, his breathing was shaky as he locked eyes with the violet-haired boy, who had a look of awe and amazement. Shun didn't have to guts to speak, as he began to turn a bright red, however, Aren took the sign as he stood back up as the music died.

"You getting shy on me?" Aren teased, nudging the smaller boy's arm.

"Shut up!" He quipped defensively. "It's the music I tell you the music affected me and that happened," He muttered.

Suddenly, the two were rewarded with clapping and hooting, looking at the crowd that had stopped for them. Shun felt more embarrassment crash over him.

"KISS HIM! KISS HIM! KISS HIM!" Their friends began chanting. 

"Go on runt, give him a smooch, right on the lips!" Nendou's voice was the loudest in the room.

Even Saiko seemed to be clapping for them, with a look that read, good on you.

"M-maybe we should talk outside," Shun muttered. Aren looked at the sea of faces and nodded.

"Good idea."

---

Even though the corridors are endless and vast, the mansion still feels cramped, especially with all of these people. The crisp night sky was like a breath of fresh air, as the two stepped outside amid the placid night.

It was as if they were set free from a cage.

"Okay, I doubt anyone's gonna find us here," Shun sighed, allowing himself to recover. Suddenly, he felt a kiss being planted on his head, as he jerked his head up, as his eyes widened like an owl. "What was that for?"

"Just for being you, I love how sensitive you can be," Aren crooned. Shun ignored the compliment as he hissed.

"Don't tell that to the others."

"Oh they already know, everyone knows." He tenderly interjected. "That just makes you a better friend, a great listener, and uh...a pretty great boyfriend." 

Both of them avert their gaze, as Aren rubbed the back of his neck, and Shun's foot scrapped at the ground.

Until Shun began to laugh, "all these past days you've said you're not ready to call us boyfriends in a romantic way, and here you are saying in a romantic way."

"Okay look, I wanted to commit the moment we confessed but wanted to make sure you were ready."

Shun mumbled, "Yeah, sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I was still so...confused and I didn't say anything about it. But I think the time is right."

"I do too."  

Shun bowed his head, as he glanced around. "So, do you want to be my boyfriend?"

"Yes!" Aren blurted out. Never has his feelings been so assertive. He calmed down as he nodded calmly, "I'd like that, but let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Aren noticed that Shun looked like he wanted to say something further.

"What's up?"

"Nothing's up, Ren. It's just...I just can't comprehend it all. Both of us, like each other. It's so new and I hope I can share this with you as well."

"I feel the same, as much as we overthink things, it's for the best we share this with each other. We'll figure this out, like always. Deal?" Aren extended a hand toward Shun. Like the first time they shook hands, however this time, his grip was softened and gentle, making Shun huff inwardly. Suddenly, he was pulled in by Aren, planting a quick yet meaningful kiss on the lips. It wasn't passionate but it held so many emotions that were bursting around them. That small cinder burnt into a raging forest fire. 

 
Aren looked back at the house, asking "You wanna go back inside?" 

Shun's eyes looked droopy as he muttered, "I'm getting a little tired, I might call it a night and go home."


"Did all that dancing tire you out, Shun?" Aren teased.

"Yes it did," he nodded weakly.


"Alright, I'll just tell the others."  Aren held Shun's hand once again, no longer feeling strange, but it suited them.


They open the door to see the others smiling cheesily as if they were caught doing something, Aren scowled, "Seriously." He face palmed, "something tells me this will be a reoccurring thing."

"Alright you grumpy queers, you guys can call it a night." Saiko rolled his eyes, though his eyes were slanted and stuck his chin out. Aren let out a reluctant 'hmph' as he eyed the silver-haired boy reluctantly. 

"Thank you Saiko, this was a great night," Shun spoke up, "We really need to take you out somewhere."

Aren couldn't disagree with that.

"Don't waste your breath, this isn't all for naught."  Saiko turned his back, flinging a hand over his shoulder, "have a nice night, you two."

Both nodded as they continued out the door, the blasting music fading as they continued forward.

"Did you drive?"

"No, I actually walked," Aren explained, "I thought it would be nice just walk instead of zipping around."

Shun joked, "Or you just wanted to walk me home like the gentleman you are?"

The other didn't reply he continued down the path. Taking the other by the hand, squeezing him gently and smiling. 

The two erupted the silence with laughter, chatter and antics that may as well have woken the residential up. The trek took much longer than anticipated, as Shun began to slouch, resting his head against Aren's shoulders.

"Don't fall asleep on me just yet, Shun," 

He couldn't blame him though, as he started to feel fatigued as they strolled through the night. However, he couldn't rest just yet, as he heard something. He darted his head around sceptically, as he walked slower. In the golden ray of the lamp, something swooped by in the shadows. He couldn't make it out, but he assumed it might've been a stray cat or just the dark playing tricks on his eyes.

"Something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. Just tired." He bitterly scoffed, shooting a glance back.


"If you say so." Shun didn't argue back.


The familiar face of Shun's house came into view, he had walked down these streets a million times,  walking to school through a small neighbourhood that felt cramped after a hundred walks down it, after a long time of feeling cramped and secluded, he finally had the sense of fulfilment. 


Happiness in fact when walking up this street with Aren by his side. Before Aren took his leave, he planted a kiss on his cheek, stepping back slightly as he blushed. Aren replied with his eyes stuttering with rapid blinks. Affection was different when you were being received with it instead of giving it. He grabbed Shun but the wrist and pulled him back, planting a kiss on his lips to return the gesture. Shun was now rapidly blinking as he stood back, making Aren chuckle under his breath.

Shun nodded as he entered his house. "See you later, 'Ren." He turned away, keeping his brooding attitude. "See you tomorrow, Jet Black Wings," he said, lowering his voice in regards to Shun's own tone. 
Then the door shut, and he swore he heard a thump, possibly from Shun collapsing against the door like a love-struck boy. Aren shook his head.  Never did he think he would believe he would feel so soft with Shun, it wasn't a bad thing, in fact, he loved it. He finally had a weakness. And he didn't mind it.

He just hoped nothing wouldn't take it away from him.

Chapter Text

=

You can't have a happy ending without fighting for it.

Aren's head was still spinning as he made his way back down the street; he could see why Shun must have felt so confined before they met because it was monotonous to constantly go back and forth. His thoughts immediately went back to the possibility of them becoming a couple. Until recently, he had never understood a concept. All of this resulted from a brief gathering and some smiles they shared. His thoughts were accompanied by the crisp night. Of course, this is real; why else would it be? We feel the same way. There was a feeling of foreboding—surely Shun isn't forcing himself? He sincerely wants to become my boyfriend. Is now too early?

"Get a hold of yourself, he likes you back." Aren murmured in his head, "I'm talking to myself once more, Goddamn it. Come on, Aren." Although he was new to romance and frequently rushed through tasks, he finally experienced feelings of love, compassion, and vulnerability—emotions he had never experienced during his time as a troubled youth—and he was unable to resist them.

 That raised the issue of whether or not he was being genuine and not just putting on a show for Shun and others. They might not have had a straightforward, cookie-cutter relationship after all. Throughout the relationship, more questions than answers emerged.

What about Shun, did he think the same way? He hoped that he wasn't the only one who had this concern."Don't get ahead of yourself! This is only the beginning." he reminded himself. He was correct; this was only the beginning, and he shouldn't be considering what might have been for Aren and Shun in the future if they were to stay together for that long. Of course, he didn't want to start too early, but he never has. 

He sighed as his thoughts became more subdued. The soft lights of the lamps cast a yellow hue on the ground and structures. Something that appeared too "normal" to be an animal darted by as he watched. The 'thing' had a subtlety about it that gave him the creeps. His mind told him to keep moving at a quick clip. Despite this, he remained watchful. It wasn't until he was able to focus on his senses that he realised what he was feeling in his bones. He felt something, but he wasn't sure what. Something was poised to strike.

Something jumped on him as soon as he turned his head. Aren appeared to be pinned to the ground with a thud but managed to push the unidentified stranger off him using his legs. He stood back up and turned to face the limp figure on the ground. He didn't know what had happened; he had to ask both the other person and himself what had happened. He spun around to look at the loud humming sound, which sounded like a motorbike. He experienced a sense of being blinded by the formations around him as if he were being caught in the headlights. Whose scheme was this? He was addressing no one in particular, but ambushes typically require coordination and planning.

But why are they doing this, why now, and who are they? On closer inspection, it became clear that they were all wearing white jackets that exposed their pectorals and had written on the sleeves "die," "kill," and other various delinquent slang. They were also all wearing white pants and white bandages that wrapped around their torsos."This can't be real," Aren stepped back in disbelief, unable to make sense of the circumstance. On the same night, he was dancing with Shun one second and being attacked the next.

As they violently swing a bat around, a thug screams. Aren blocks it with his arm as they collide with one another,  twists the offender's arm and locks it behind his back, he kicks them forwards forcefully with his leg. Sending them toppling onto the ground. It made him wonder if he had always been this way when he was a troubled youth, randomly throwing punches and kicks to gain the upper hand. Had he always been this cool and calculating as of this moment?

One criminal swings a street sign, which is much larger than their body but still packs a punch with each strike. Aren bent backwards, almost too flexibly. They lost their footing due to the street sign's imbalance, spinning out of view. As he staggered, his body went limp and trembled as he caught his breath, Aren could feel his exhaustion overpowering him. While fighting, he always had endurance, but all that dancing had worn him out. 

Aren kicked wildly as a metal baton was shoved up against his throat, locking his head, and yanking him back. He pulled back his lip and snarled, clearly not thinking. He attempted to find a gap, but he was squeezed too closely and at risk of suffocation. He stood staring around, almost as if he was desperate for somebody else to save him. For that matter, anyone else.

Aren let out a stumbling breath that was ripped from his lungs as he glared at the criminal in front of him."Enoshima?"He didn't even give the person's head locking him a good look; rather, he just stared up at the taller man, stunned.

"Katsunori!"

No, no, no. The ghosts of his past were rearing their ugly heads, haunting him. The Espers gang. His former gang, the one he used to command, was returning to confront him. Aren struggled to break free and let out a choked breath, but the hold was like a vice.

"Demon killer, it's been a very long time. Did you miss us because we missed you and thought about you every day for months?"

He sputtered angrily, "I'm flattered."

With the awful breath tingling down his spine, Aren thought he might pass out. As the others drew near, his mind was scrambling, his heart was racing, his breathing became erratic, and he started to shake. He wanted to scream or cry.

"Say, you had a massive glow up, Kuboyasu. What's going on, handsome dude?"

"Why are you doing this and why are you here?" He cried out. The criminals remained silent. Aren exploded "Well. If you don't even know what you're trying to do, let go of me." He attempted to thrash around, but his mind became foggy and his heart raced.

"Kat said it best: We missed you. We're here to save you, Kuboyasu, because, without you, we wouldn't be the Espers," Enoshima said, stroking a blade of a knife. From who? He wouldn't ever require rescue, and if he did, what would be the reason? Up until a realisation occurred to him. No, no, no, he quickly shook his head,

"I don't need saving—just let me go!"Aren felt as though he might pass out and go unconscious; his body felt so weak that he was having trouble even thinking straight. He can only manage to scream "SHUN" once.

As he was still processing what he had just said, he imagined slapping a hand over his mouth. Nevertheless, the idea of Shun rescuing him. Aren did require saving, but not in the manner that these thugs believed. The point wasn't that, though. He had an idea when Shun was brought up. How would he respond to this predicament?

"Kuboyasu! Run, don't just stand there! Now get out of here!"

The most courageous thing he was told was that. He could now comprehend how Shun must have felt in the past. Aren kicks out again. allowing him space to strike Katsunori in the stomach with a lethal elbow.

He stumbled free of the hold as he blinked quickly to fight back tears. He could not wake up from the terrifying faces and laughter, which had turned into grotesque shadowy nightmares.

"it's okay to run away."

He then fled.

It had a strange sense of familiarity with a long-ago event. He endured constant beatings, bruises, and taunts from his gang, and after a while, he had had enough of the appalling treatment and decided the next day was the time to change his life. So, acting like a brat, he fled.
He didn't know why, but he chose to run through the streets rather than through a forest because he knew the others could catch up to him.

 He experienced a different kind of pain in place of the fox trap's clamping down that would have caused blood to fall like a fountain. One which was being abused. He staggered until his vision was reduced to the tears building up and the jerky breaths he was exhaling, making him spiral into a panic. He reached into his pocket, desperately finding his phone.

He looks at the screen for a brief moment before dialling Shun. The grating buzz turned into something painful to listen to, and something clicked in his head. Shun would have to get involved in this, so he couldn't ask him for help. And the last thing he had ever wanted to do was that. Before he even had a chance to hang up, he feels the ground beneath him. By the time he was heaving on the ground, he had already fallen without even realising it. He stumbles and stares at the fools who beat him there as he feels a slight tug on his hair. "Shun." He uttered a tremulous whisper.

---

"Aren!" Shun shouted, "Aren what's wrong!" No one responded. He springs from his bed and He's still got the phone in his ear. He peers out from the top of the stairs and scans the dim living room. Though he wasn't sneaking out to meet Aren, it felt that way and was filled with fear. On the other line, there was a softer voice.

"Please, let me go!" A voice rang out.

That was more Aren-like.

"Okay, boys, we've got him. Let's pack it up!"

Aren didn't seem like that at all.

Shun's heart felt like it was going to burst out of his throat as it thudded against his ribcage. He hurriedly opened the door as if it were an automatic one. He evaluated his chances as a cool night breeze greeted him. Where does he turn? Instead of reflecting, he took off running down the street while remembering the routes he took to get to Aren's house. His feet pounded against the concrete sidewalk as he followed the lamp post's yellow light in the darkness when the moon was obscured by a blanket of clouds that made it difficult for him to see.

His sides ached from the stitches as his short, sharp breaths grew heavier by the second, his lungs heaving from the speed of his legs. He couldn't recall ever being able to run for this long; ordinarily, he would give up after the first thirty seconds, but Aren was now in danger, and Shun was the only one who knew it. Oh god, what would happen to him?

His pace started to slow and he suddenly started to jog. His eyes had noticed something. A phone was placed on the grass. He bent down to pick it up, and brought it close to his face, pressing the on button.

He chided, "This is Aren's phone." He quickly shook his head while repeatedly saying "no." There needed to be another justification. Aren was far too powerful, self-assured, and intelligent to be taken down and abducted—no, that didn't happen. But it might have. shouts and cryptic voices coming from the phone. He remembered how Aren cried for help- "Please, let me go!"- plaguing a nightmare in his brain. He surely wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight.



What was he to do? What emotion suddenly overcame him was unknown to him. guilt, suffering, perplexity, terror, and... vengeance?

 He wanted to confirm Aren's wellbeing. He longed to protect him. He needed to defend him.

He muttered angrily, "Shit, what do I do?" because there didn't seem to be anything else on the ground that could be useful. His mind was becoming cloudier and more disorganised by the second, and he felt like he was about to slam his hands against something. He had the impression of being a small child and having a temper tantrum.

"Hey."

Shun screamed while spinning around and performing a karate chop. The hand was blocked, and someone gave him a blank look.

"Really, you were trying to defend yourself and you flail around like a fish...Kaidou. Grow the hell up."

Shun backed off of the psychic boy "I swear, Saiki. I'm sorry, and I'm impressed with your fast reflexes." He finished with a light chuckle before yelling, "SAIKI!"

"Yes, it's me. Stop shouting."

Shun's squinty eyes appeared to be filled with countless questions that were just waiting to be answered. "What's going on here, what are you doing and-"

"The same reason as you," The universe informed Shun that Saiki knew what had happened as he froze.

"Aren."

"Don't even say it."

He mentally cursed at himself, telling himself that he should have acted sooner rather than waiting because he knew this was going on. He also thought that he should keep a low profile and let the police handle the situation, but obviously, that did not happen. Shun's broken-hearted eyes begged him to give in, but how could he? Saiki felt...satisfied to see Shun generally content.

"Kaidou, everything will be okay."

"HOW! I received a suspicious call from Aren that sounded like he was in trouble, overheard another voice, and now you're trying to tell me that everything will be alright." He yelled, his voice ragged, "Not fine at all! OKAY! How can you be so certain when AREN is in trouble?" As his eyes began to water, his sentimental side started to pour out.

 Saiki almost lost his usual deadpan expression; he was never one to offer consolation because he had no concept of unpleasant, difficult, or emotionally charged feelings. without adequate words. He was unperturbed and shocked. Shun started swallowing shallowly as his eyes were filled with fear and panic.

"I don't have an easy response for that. Kuboyasu is braver and stronger than he seems, but here is a start," Shun criticised as he fixed his gaze on Saiki. "He's difficult to break, so don't panic."

"Wow, this is unbelievable," Shun murmured. " So I'm supposed to stand idly by? Do nothing. How are you so sure that Aren will be okay? When hey, maybe I should go find him!"

"A good decision for tomorrow."

"No, I can't wait until the morning! Something clearly happened to," continued Shun.

"I'm aware, I swear. You've mentioned that Kuboyasu is in trouble one too many times. I know you are worried out of your mind, but, you have to continue to stay calm and collected. For Kuboyasu."

"Thank you, but that barely helps." Shun turned away because at this point he was unable to look Saiki in the eyes.

"What, are you expecting to go on a wild goose chase? Even if you do manage to help find him, how are you going to protect him from all of those delinquents?"

Shun turned around, a piercing glare in his eyes "D-delinquents? He was taken hostage by delinquents?"

Saiki mentally grimaced as he realised he had to keep the momentum going "I'll say this only once. And once only. You're going to save your boyfriend, I guarantee it. But please, I'll get the others on board so that we can find him. Please, swear to me you'll wait until the morning to consider this."

Shun sighed, "I'll try. I have to stay brave, for him. And as long as he's safe, it should be okay."

"Good, now you need to get back home...like right now,"


Shun didn't leave with a goodbye or a thank you, he started off in a light jog as he ran back home.

Saiki knew Shun would go out of his way when it came to protecting the ones he cared and that worried him.

You might not know this but Saiki is staring right at you, with an expression that reads, looks at what I'm putting up with. Naturally, I could just teleport to where Aren is and back but it would ruin the tension, I guess. I really don't understand romance... or the plot of the story.

___

Aren's head was spinning and his shoulders sagged as if they had been slammed against a tonne of bricks. He usually gave a glance at his worries, allowing the others to feel as little sympathy for him as possible. It was common enough for him to convince himself, even though a small part of him broke down at the idea of his tough and stoic delinquent persona being tarnished by any phobias or fears. Now, he occasionally reasoned to himself, perhaps he simply chose to ignore his fears; perhaps they weren't constantly present in his thoughts when he was having fun with his friends or by himself. That was a lie, though.

"Could you stop pacing? You're distracting me!" Aren had not, at least not frequently, visited the base of his former gang with his old "friends" in a very long time. As soon as they got there, he tried to get away, but he kept getting shoved into a pretty strange chair. The ropes that appeared out of nowhere and encircled his wrists and arms bothered him as well. In the moments that followed, Katsunori, Enoshima, Sureibu, and the others did nothing but cast him a scornful glance from the black shadows.


"Why are you doing this? You can't possibly think that it would be easy to kidnap me," Aren said, attempting to provoke them.

Enoshima shrugged, a scornful smile was given by the shaven-haired boy, "Oh, we knew quite well, Kuboyasu. Also, what's up with your hair?" he murmured over his shoulder. Aren furrowed his brow, unwilling to speak. "No streaks of blonde, no crazy mullet?"

No reply.

"Fair enough."

"Why are you doing this?" Aren was said a second time.

"We already said why; we're rescuing you."

"Define rescuing?"

Katsunori got angry and appeared to be waiting for the command to harm Aren. "Because this is more like kidnapping and that is the complete opposite.'

"For the past seven months, we've had little spies all around you, reporting back every now and then, and every time they'd come back, they'd always mention you and a certain scrawny little brat," Katsunori gritted his teeth. "Which means, you've grown soft- but that will all end," he said while clapping his hands.

Aren's voice deepened, "Leave Shun out of this." He choked back a breath as his eyes widened in realisation, "Spies? W-what do you mean?"

Aren hoped he wasn't thinking the same thing as the thought that had entered his head, but the gleam in his old friends' eyes persuaded him otherwise. In the abandoned house, the mysterious gang must have been collaborating with the Espers gang without his knowledge. The three punks who cornered him, pushing his emotions to the breaking point and forcing him to run to the bathroom—believe it or not—to cry. Shun was in more danger than Aren because he had been drawn into this without Aren's knowledge. And he was going to drag Shun into this too. One thing he was happy about, he didn't ask for Shun's help, as selfish and vain as it appears, he would rather endanger himself than let Shun get hurt.

The high-pitched ringing in his ear from the shadows was drowned out by the beat of his heart. He was played for a fool. They were practically prowling the space, one of them humming to himself as he messed with something behind Kuboyasu—something metallic that made a terrible screech as Enoshima dragged it across the uneven stone walls.


Kuboyasu practically begged to avoid having to bear the thought of Shun being forced into this uncomfortable situation as his stomach turned. But despite the fact that his only means of communication with him prior to discarding his phone were through his phone, he called out to him. Nothing was more important to him than to simply be with Shun or even the others. All he wanted was to feel secure.

He yelled over his shoulder, "I'm fine." His voice shook as he appeared insecure and defenceless, much like a whiny kid. He wasn't sure how much faith he could place in the worry he had experienced when the espers gang had dragged him back into the dark side, but he did have faith that the others would learn of his disappearance and come looking for him, whether Shun was there or not. "They'll come to find me," he said, having already put Shun through enough. 

"My current gang is the wildest one I've ever been a part of. Saiki, the wise man, Teruhashi, the vice president, Hairo, the enforcer, and Nendou, the treasurer. Unless you let me go. right now. They'll arrive here and rip your arses apart."


Uncontrollable laughter filled the space. Naturally, when he was the leader of this gang, he could make anyone submit by invoking pure fear and threats. He could make anyone sob or cower before he lifted a finger. Yet there he stood, the target of jokes and ridicule.

He was taken off guard when Suriebu's replied in a sketchy voice, he always had the voice of an annoying trash rat, in between those awful scraping noises, "I'm not sure about that!"

Aren tensed at the agonising scraping sound, which sounded like nails on a chalkboard but was a hundred times worse. When he finally realised where the screeching was coming from, he saw it out of the corner of his eye because he couldn't look directly at the grinning figure just behind him due to being paralysed by it: a long, thin swiss army knife made of sharp, silver metal that made Aren's stomach turn. That was once his, and he was very good with it.

"But the question is, how far will they realise before they decide you're not worth it?"

He wasn't prepared for that question. Not because he didn't have an answer-far from it- he knew his friends- his family in that fact. Maybe they won't realise right away something is wrong, he just...didn't want to crumble in front of these faces.

"I bet it must be agonizing to you, waiting for someone to find you," Sureibu straightened up, "trapped in a dark room, doesn't that add to the aesthetics?" he chuckled.


Aren slumped as much as he could beneath the restraints. Even though the rope around his upper body, just above his elbows, was tight enough to make breathing difficult, he managed to bear it. However, all he wanted to do was pull his sleeves down to spare his wrists from the ruthless, prickling fibres that had been scraping against them for the previous 45 minutes.


"I'm simply heartbroken you don't like this, Kuboyasu," his 'friend' continued as if he hadn't spoken, "We tried so," Enoshima clenched his fist, "so hard to appeal to your interests and keep you engaged, we practically begged you to stay. You held the gang together, as well as our entire school. We relied on you, Kuboyasu. You were our leader."

Aren stammered for a rebuttal but they had a point, so he just pressed his lips together and scowled some more. 

Enoshima continued, "Besides, we never suspected you to be a romantic." Whatever Aren had done after he had vanished the previous time had left him stony now; he was much quieter as he paced, and it was obvious that Aren was not his top priority at the time.

Aren groaned awkwardly and sank into his thoughts in an effort to block out the insults being directed at him. He makes a vow that he will never be able to forgive himself if any of them involve Shun in this. Aren held his breath as there was a brief period of suffocating and depriving silence before Sureibu's boots once more began to clack sharply on the stone floor.
"We've made this game for you, Aren," said Sureibu in a low voice that almost brimmed with something that was boiling and splashing too close to Aren for comfort.


"What game?" Aren hissed.

"to show you just how important and special and loved you are by your new little 'family'. You'll pretend that we don't exist so we'll pretend they don't exist."

Family? Of course, he had never considered it from that angle. Yes, it would be assumed that he had left his gang—in a sense, his found family. Everyone in this room identified with one another based on shared experiences and societal expectations of them. Aren, however, had changed; he wasn't the same menacing criminal he once was. He made every effort to put his past, his gang, and his crimes behind him. His true friends Nendou, Hairo, Teruhashi, Yumehara, Saiki, and...Shun helped him find his place in the world. To him, they were more crucial and significant.

Even if it meant keeping his old gang out of his own focus, he was desperate for his other half, his grotesque and irreconcilable reflection, to remain a shadow and keep himself in the spotlight of Shun's priorities and focus.

"Guys, I never thought about it that way," The others flinched at his hushed voice, "but I don't regret paving my own path in life. I've moved past this life; I'm no longer a delinquent, and I'll never lead again. I made this decision on my own; Shun didn't persuade or fix me, but he did make it feel worthwhile and I don't know what I would have done without him. He makes me complete." The boy with the violet hair veered off course and began gushing about Shun's significance to him and how he regarded him as the most significant person in his life. Katsunori was at his breaking point. "With him and my friends is where I belong."

"You had the choice to stay with us, the people who needed you, at any time. But you know what?" Enoshima responded in his place. "It's our turn to decide now."

They were used to seeing his face express anger, but not in this way. It was like a seething flame. His white knuckles revealed a chilly front as his eyes were vacant and dead as his fingers curled around the ropes. There was only anger and fear in the deafening silence that descended between them, their wide eyes meeting with profoundly different significance. Fuck it! He wasn't going to beat around the bush- he knew damn well what all of these guys did to send him over the edge and leave. He knew what he endured and hated lying to himself.

"You need me," Aren fumed, "Bullshit. You've only ever made my life miserable! I found it hard to believe how awful everyone was and how awful I was to this degree. I wasn't even exaggerating when I said that I was done with the abuse. You're acting like we were some kind of fun-loving group, but you already know how awful you were to me and everyone else around you." Everyone struggled to respond, but Aren prevented them from doing so, "I've never had a moment of ease in my entire life, and it has been very tough. And now you're pulling me back? But guess what, I won't let that fly. I will never join your gang," he declared in his lone statement.

Suriebu flipped up the blade, sharp and ridged like teeth, gleaming like the flashing teeth from the cold snarl he gave, "Can I please stab him? Just a little?"

Katsunori put up a warning hand, he approached slowly, the clack of his boots against the concrete like gunfire. 

When he finally righted in his seat, chest heaving and vision blurry with the rest of his tears unshed, Katsunori just watched him, a grim shadow of that smile still lingering on his face. 
"These may be your rules,"

"You're not giving me a choice!?"

"In the next 48 hours."

"Why 48?"

"Do you want to be less?" Enoshima snapped. He allowed the blonde to continue.

"If your so-called 'boyfriend' doesn't save you."

"Leave Shun out of this!"

"You'll stay with us."

"Fuck off."

"But, if this 'Shun' dude finds you, and fights us, you'll get to go free and we will never cross paths again."

"I'll bash your skull in before any of that happens."

"Or," Suriebu added, "We'll take Shun in your place."

Aren swallowed and opened his mouth to respond, but just as he went to push out a plea, there was something blocking it as he snapped his mouth shut. Aren felt his gut wrench at the thought of Shun being harmed. If he had to stay here, with the espers, forever, so be it.


"Do we have a deal? Demon Killer."

 Aren returned the smile, or a shaky excuse for one, from behind his broken facade.

"Good, Now if you don't mind, we have a blue-haired brat to put to the test."

And they were gone. 

Aren experienced a realisation of the seriousness of the situation. When he heard the term "blue-haired brat," his chest was once more pierced by a wave of panic. His once-strong and courageous façade crumbled as his emotions erupted in a mental cyclone, sending shivers down his spine and making him wince as the words echoed in his head like gunfire. He shook his head in disbelief. He coughed and struggled to draw in a steady breath before a tear finally broke free from his tightly closed eyes.

"Shun..."

---

A/n: These chapters seem to get worse and worse every time I update. Oh well..

Chapter Text

He sighed gleefully when he saw Aren waiting for him at the school gate. His smile drew him in closer, as he extended a hand towards him, and with the words, "There you are, I was waiting for you."
There he would always wait.

In its place, he felt nothing but a lack of familiarity, comfort, and compassion. Despite Aren's absence, the group waited mindlessly with an air of uncertainty and disarray. Even Saiko was hanging around them, well, leaning against the fence as far way he could. 

Yumehara screamed, "Kaidou!" as she raced towards Shun, "Saiki told us to wait at the front for you, that there was something wrong."

"Yeah, I know Saiki is cryptic at times, but not in this way," Hairo acknowledged. Just a few minutes ago, the pink-haired psychic approached the group and explained.

"Someone is waiting for you at the front gate."

This is what gathered the stray of concerned friends, Shun felt a tiny spark of relief that Saiki would do this, as he said, they would get everyone involved and save Aren in the morning. There was no breaking of that promise.

"What's going on runt? Why are you acting so strange this morning? I thought you'd be in paradise with four eyes?" Nendou asked. It was unusual for him to initiate the concern, he may be an idiot but he's not so stupid. When it comes to his friends of course.

All of the looks Shun received added to the spotlight that was obstructing his speech; it was as though a lump had become stuck in his throat and would not come out. Should he involve everyone else in the situation or just face the problem head-on? No, that would be too self-centred."Aren got kidnapped last night!" He blurted out, as if was a bandaid that needed to be ripped off, quick and painful. He only received a shocked gasp and a wave of silence in response.

Hell, even Saiko experienced a brief moment of anxiety. Right after the party?

"Aren and I had just left the party when it happened. He walked me home and then went his own way. Just before I went to bed a half-hour later, I received a call from him. Although no one answered, I could still hear his voice. And it didn't sound good, either. After trying to find him, Saiki informed me that he had been abducted by a group of criminals. And I'm worried because I don't know where to begin. And that he could be in danger and I couldn't do anything about it!"
As his heart rate increased and his mind began to race, the words came out of his mouth more quickly as his mouth couldn't keep up with his brain. He was purposefully burying himself with guilt and blame as if he had something to do with it, and by the second his lungs were being cut off by the hateful dirt and minerals that made him choke. He wanted to stay brave and strong for Aren but he just...couldn't.

The group immediately moved forwards to comfort the boy in distress. Observed that his eyebags appeared puffy and heavy as if more tears were about to fall. Last night, he cried for long enough. He missed Aren's warm touch and yearned to be in his arms once more because he felt vulnerable without it.

Instead, he was being given a different type of comfort, not like how Aren did, but another type of comfort. Teruhashi rubbed his back softly, Hairo, surprisingly, muttering words of positivity and reassurance, Yumehara took him by the hand, and even Nendou pulled them into a big hug. Saiko didn't know what to do, he wasn't the one for comforting words or touch, he wanted to say something but he knew he'd just ruin everything more, so he spectated from the sidelines. Appreciating how much they meant to each other.

"Look, runt. As much as I like to tease you, you need to calm down." Nendou spoke, it was weird to hear that tone coming from a voice like his, "what happened wasn't your fault. and if someone in our group goes missing we stick together and find him- after all, you know Kuboyasu wouldn't hold this against you."

"Nendou's right," Hairo agreed, "If one of us goes down, we ALL go down. And nothing can replace him."

"Hey, you always said that you were a hero right?" Saiko spoke up from the group, received with strange glances, "Well, doesn't a hero save people, Or save the person they care about most?"

Shun's eyes widened with the words, scrutinizing the silver-haired boy as the frameworks began turning in his mind.

"What, that's all I'm saying, stop looking at me like that!" He hissed.

A memory popped up in his brain, how could he be so stupid?

"Thank you," he said with a smile, "and Shun..."
"yeah?"
"You're my hero."

Shun was his hero, he referred to him as his hero. A hero shouldn't wait around and stand idly by, needing to be picked up by others, a hero saves people. He has saved Aren before, so now he could save him again.

"Saiko, that was the best thing you have ever said!" Shun shouted, his voice still a little shaky but he pried himself from the bare hug, stepping forward. "I even said to Saiki that I couldn't stand idly by and do nothing."


"I mean, you are the Jet Black Wings, right?" Teruhashi commented. 

Shun nodded. "Here's the thing though, I have no idea where to start looking."

"Hey, remember when he first transferred, didn't he say he used to live in Ibaraki prefecture?" Yumehara spoke up.

"That seems...actually logically sound. That's where he lived before he stopped being a thug, so most likely his gang would be secluded in that area." Shun acknowledged. There was a little gasp from Shun as he declared, "Come on, we're going to find him!"

"Wait...so we're skipping school?" Hairo questioned in shock.

"Well do we wanna wait or should we go find him?" Shun retorted.

"Fair enough."

"What are we waiting for, let's go find him!"

"Wait."

Shun spun around to back at Saiki, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, he walked slowly towards Shun.

"You're doing this huh?"

"Oh come on, you said that this would be the best course of action." He snapped back. Saiki rolled his eyes.

"As much as I don't want to, I'll go with you. Besides, I can't let you go with just them!"

They looked back as Nendou and Hairo head-butted each other, and collapsed on the ground.
"I see stars!" nendou whispered.

---

Aren didn't get a good night's rest at all, his eyes felt like they could just snap shut, his eye bags felt heavier than usual, and he made a stifled groan as he rose his head. All night, the gang would question him none stop and wouldn't let him sleep. So far, he's only gotten two hours of sleep and couldn't think straight...because he's not straight but also because of sleep deprivation. Even his mind felt groggy and dizzy.

Anytime he rested his eyes, he imagined Shun. He regretted getting himself into this situation, he just wanted to be in Shun's arms. He never realised how cold he felt without him. 

A knock at the door came. He knew he should keep his hopes up but now and again he thought someone must've found him, but only to destroy that thought as an ugly face poked through the door.

"Oh, good morning, Demon Killer. Feeling well rested." Katsunori asked.

"Mhm." Aren groaned, "nothing better than staying awake to the ass crack of dawn."

"I'm taking this as you don't want to be here anymore?" the other asked, "you know, you can just say the word and we'll take Kaidou in your place."

"Go eat shit!" he snapped.

"Clever retort," the blonde ignored, as he made sure the restraints were tighter, "say, how long do you think he'll find you."

"I'm not sure. But I'll kill you before he even gets here."

"Sure you will." 

Aren never felt more disrespected in his life, "Don't you start belittling me, I will make sure that you never come near me or Shun, or anyone else again. I mean that!"

"I would never, I know how terrifying you are," Katsunori shrugged, "Well, guess you're not even gonna get a decent meal either,"

"Knowing you, you probably poisoned it." He refused to even acknowledge the glare he was given.

"It can all end now," Katsunori stopped at the door, "don't forget, there are three options. One: you can stay here forever and we would not touch a hair on his head, two: we can take him in your place or three: he can save you. Too bad you chose the third. Still, the hearts of hopeless romantics are so easy to break."


There was a loud rattle coming from the door, it was different from Katsunori's harsh knocking, instead, it sounded like a desperate attempt to break the handle. 
There was a knife poking out from the door, shiny, silver, and frighteningly dangerous. A wide smile spread across Enoshima's face, his eyes were psychotic, and he licked his lips. "Several people were headed in this direction."

Aren's heart raced to wait for him to continue, "Who were they?"

"Eh, I don't fucking know, a century told me that there was this gorilla-looking guy, a red guy, two fine babes, a silver snake, a pink dude and a blue dude."

Aren didn't know what to think about this, he was so relieved that his friends were gonna find him, take him back home like it never happened, yet he was terrified. The gang wanted Shun to fight them, Shun was their primary target and he was heading right to him. Aren felt like he was being used as bait.  He couldn't bare to picture the thought of...he needed to leave.

His eyes snapped open like an animal, like a seething fire, his anger spread through his mind, "Games over. They care about me." He said, "Remember, it was a game to see whether they'd care about me, looks like I've won."

"For now, but let me remind you, Kaidou is the one that has to fight us, so just hold onto that little victory. Well, guess my shift is over," Katsunori sighed, "I was so looking forward to hanging out with you, Kuboyasu, well I guess I'll leave you with him."

He shot their old leader a sharp glare and left the two in the claustrophobic room. Aren could feel his breathing hitch with every shaky exhale, his eyes darting around the room to avoid looking directly at Enoshima, he knows how this man acts, with their one-on-one fight in the past didn't leave him unscathed, but he could still feel the blood trickling down his temple and his stomach tightened with the memory.
In a flash, the swiss knife was held at the neck point, forcing Aren to look up, if he were still a delinquent he wouldn't have flinched, yet he felt like a coward as he shied away from the blade.

"We're gonna have some fun, Kuboyasu."

"I'll kill you." He muttered, his voice was so frail he barely felt the sizzling emotions.

---

"So to find Four Eyes, we have to track down his gang?" Saiko complained. 

"That is the plan," Shun replied without a thought.

"Okay, but, if we even find them, doesn't that mean we would have to fight?" Hairo questioned, "and I don't think it's gonna be easy."

"With the Jet Black Wings guiding us, there is no way we'll go estray," Shun declared, "hey that rhymed," he muttered happily under his breath.

"Sure, be our guest," Nendou rolled his eyes.

Saiki rose an eyebrow, we need to speed up the plot, come on.

"But aren't you..well...terrible at directions?" Yumehara weakly recalled.

"Saiki's helping me,"

Shun just kept looking forward, unwilling to give in to the comments made and complaints thrown around. They've been searching for quite a while, making sure their pace was steady. (However, there were pit stops thanks to Nendou) but it was going to be alright. Shun looked down at his wrapped hand, feeling the rough bandages on his palms, closing his eyes he swore. For Aren.

This is a bit, Saiki paused, frowning at the hero-complexed boy, extra.

"Swearing on your heart for Kuboyasu," Saiko commented drily.

"You bet I am."


"You're betting on what?"

Everyone startled at the shrill voice-not much like Shun, who jumped- and glanced to its source. A brown-haired boy, with a shaven undercut, lips piercings, spiked bat in his hand which he seemed to be slapping against his hands, his skin nearly luminescent, though it was still ashen, leeched of colour, "I have to say, I am utterly impressed you've all arrived," it was like his voice rebounded everywhere, "And so quickly- I'm impressed!"

His eyes widened. "You must be Nendou, you must be Hairo, and you must be....oh wow... Teruhashi, why Yumehara, and let me guess your Saiki," His gaze found Kaidou's, and he smiled wider, shaking his head, "And you must be the legendary Shun Kaidou, I've heard so much about you."

Hairo took a step forward, flinging out an arm to shield Kaidou and the others, "Who are you and what are you doing?"

Suriebu just raised an eyebrow. "So, they did come for him? Who knew."

Something clicked in Shun's head, and staggering back as cut in, "Him?" Everyone seemed to be catching on, "Where is Aren?"

"Well, we dearly missed Kuboyasu's temper around us, he brings the gang to life," Suriebu laughed, ignoring the disdainful glares he received. "Now I'm stuck with an inept stand-in for the rest of my life."

"What is your name?" Shun cried out.

"Right right, my name is Suriebu, and destruction is my game," he said as he bowed and placed the bat behind him.

"Where is Aren?" he demanded emphatically.

"Right, right, I get it, it's all about him," Suriebu looked at them again, this time with a dramatic sigh and a hand to his heart, scanning their faces for reactions and rolling his eyes when he didn't get any. "He's a delinquent, you know," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Kaidou, don't think I don't know you adore stories in which the hero saves the damsel."

"Kuboyasu is anything but a damsel, and you know that," Saiko defended. 

"Hm, that's what I have thought too however, he's grown weaker ever since he met you," the punk sighed, "you see if you want to find your precious boyfriend," he sneered, inching closer towards Shun, "you have to play by our rules,"

"Rules?" Hairo muttered, "what rules?"

"We made a deal with Kuboyasu, option one is that he stays with us forever, option two is that we take Kaidou in his place," Saiko grimaced, stiffened, glaring at the thug who dared to speak of such a thing. "Or three," he poked Shun on the chest, "you have to save him, and you have to get past us to do that."

"And Aren chose option three," Shun realised. He couldn't blame him; Aren would either stay with them or have Shun stay with them. It was a difficult sacrifice to make because he knew Aren would do anything to keep Shun safe. His heart raced as he asked, "What do I have to do?"

"You have to fight us,"

A wave of shock washed over them, and they all looked to Shun for guidance."You're not capable of doing that!" Yumehara screamed."We'd be delighted to assist, but please reconsider doing so." Hairo declined.

"You'd be smashed to a pulp, runt."

Shun glared at them, but he couldn't recall ever having to deal with it for an extended period of time. "However, if I don't...other things may happen."

"Kaidou," Saiki telepathically said. The nervous boy looked over at him and back at the thug, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes for a second, the tension in his shoulders remaining but slightly lessening. "He's trying to agitate you. The longer we stay calm, the better we'll be able to find and reach Aren—and we will, okay?"Shun took another deep breath before nodding,

 "I accept the challenge."

"Hell yeah, that's what I wanted to see, no wonder Kuboyasu fell for you," the thug practically jumped with delight. "So noble," he said quietly, "so heroic."

"You know, if you accept this amount of cash, you could give back Four eyes," Saiko persuaded, waving the cash in his hands. "I know you mindless thugs love cash."

"Eh, I don't have to give you anything in return, but thank you anyways," Suriebu snatched the dollars from Saiko's grasp.

"No, you're supposed to give him back, the money, it's valuable," Saiko practically collapsed.

"Yeah, to pay the hospital bills after I finish with the blue-haired brat." He raised the bat and prepared to strike.

Suddenly, he was face to face with the butt-chinned boy, who had a creepy expression on his face, a smile curling on his lips, soulless eyes, and his crazy jaw was all he needed to use as the thug stumbled back."Kuboyasu was right, you're a punk, aren't you?"

No, he's just an idiot, shrugged Saiki.

"No one makes fun of Kaidou, no one, except for me!" Nendou issued a warning. Yumehara and Kaidou exchanged glances; the comment came out of nowhere and caught Shun off guard; he'd never heard Nendou say anything like that before.

"Excuse me, Sir," Teruhashi waved, "I know this may sound rude but," she sweetly said as she was glowing brighter than ever, Suriebu blushed and objectified her,  but suddenly the glow stopped, and a fierce scowl appeared on her face, "Give back Kuboyasu now, Or you will have to face the Kokomin, and I will tell you, they will tear you limb from limb until nothing remains."

Saiki finally felt proud of her, which was a surprise. The thug didn't know how to react, Kuboyasu might be right, they are crazier than the Esper's gang. "Stop talking shit and fight me!"

The punk yelled, pushing the others out of the way so that he was face to face with Shun, "You're his boyfriend, a pathetic wanna-be hero!" he widely sprinted and jumped, bat high in the air. The gleam in his eyes grew more sociopathic, twitching without remorse.

Shun screamed as he braced for impact, hands over his head and his eyes scrunched tight, there was a burst of heat and a violent sizzling sound, opening his eyelid slowly, in front of him Suriebu was restrained in place, and with a burst of yellow electricity sparking around him. 

Shun collided with Yumehara as they watched the thug collapse and cough on the ground. There was a smell of iron that radiated off the punk.

He didn't know if he should ask if he was okay or just leave him be.

You should be dead from that shock, but since there will be no murder you'll be let go, Saiki amusingly smirked. Of course, in three months blood will spurt from every spore.

"Kaidou, how did you do that!" Yumehara asked. He shrugged looking at his red bandages.

"That was amazing, dude!" Hairo wrapped an arm around the smaller boy, proudly exclaiming. 

"You really are a hero, huh?" Saiko commented, slumping his shoulders with his mouth wide open.


Shun could barely process the praise he was received as he chuckled to himself.  He turned to the groaning boy on the ground, the group leaned down glaring at him. 
"I won, now let Aren go!"

The brunette stood back up, wiping his mouth and growling, "This is only the beginning, you're powerful, but this isn't over. Just keep moving forward, and when you see a red sign, turn left. That will be your next challenge."

"What!" They all shouted, "This was only a test run?" Saiko spat incredulously.

"Trust me, you won't win," he staggered back, before running from where he came from. Shun took notice of the horror flashing in his eyes before he turned back, and he could feel his eyes widening. What was that? Clearly, he's not magical nor does he have powers, to begin with. Instead of questioning it, he knew the answer.

He was the Jet Black Wings. A powerful hero of darkness. A hero.

He felt his hero complex taking over him, if he could beat that mindless thug, then he could get to Aren.

----

Aren's jaw hurt, clenching it for hours. His mind reeled with shadows that moved across the wall but were replaced with the ugly smiles he was given, He couldn't be seen like this; he would always swallow away his fears like it was nothing, he never cried during a fight, nor did he surrender, but why did he want to run and hide? He touched the scar on his cheek that he was received with after Enoshima had his fun, the blood had run dry now, but he could feel the thick liquid dripping down his face, tasting the metallic fluid mixed with his saliva. 

"Oh, don't be like that Kuboyasu. Remember when you would threaten me with this, after our one-on-one fight, I've always wanted you to teach me how to be the best at knife-to-hand combat, but that dream turned to ash."

"You know how to cut, I'll give you that," Aren scoffed, he eyed the knife again, which trailed towards his neck. He swallowed his fear and let the pride overwhelm him, "Take your best shot, I dare you."

"But we want you alive, Kaidou would want that anyway." Enoshima sighed exaggeratingly, "Also, we should have known you were one of them. We used to beat those people up all the time. Shame we didn't know sooner."

Another pain of dread stabbed him in the chest. Again, another reason he never opened up to them. They were already horrible to him anyway, bashing him, beating him, threatening him. All it took was an event where he had enough, he had enough of the violence and abuse he was receiving. They would gaslight him; saying that everyone would fear him if he left, no one would want him, and he would hurt everything and everyone around. The fox trap was the last straw that made him back up and leaves. No one came, and no one cared.

A phone rang, and Enoshima picked up. 
"What would you know, a call from Suriebu, do you want me to put him on speaker so you can hear the gruesome demise of your boyfriend."

Aren shook his head frantically.


"The gang, powerful, coming this way, you're up." The voice yelled from the other side. Aren felt his soul leave his body out of relief. Shun was okay. He...he got past Suriebu? He defeated the powerful thug.  The violet-haired boy's heart sparked, "Shun..."
.

He wanted to ask all the questions he had, how did Shun beat you and when is he arriving? 

Enoshima groaned, "Fine," he snapped at Kuboyasu and  hung up the phone, "Hold onto that victory for a minute, after I'm done," he threatening drew a thumb across his neck, "you know what will happen,"

No, that couldn't happen. He would never let anything happen to Shun. He struggled against the ropes, now, this time, frantically.

"Don't hold your breath."

Aren Kuboyasu, a fusion of a delinquent and a thief, just like his mother said, he can get out of anything. All he needed to do, was use the mind before the sword.
He remembered the schedule of who would come in and who would leave. He remembered sneaking a peak at the outside, and realising that the base was being guarded,

"Guys" He yelled, desperate for anyone to hear from the outside, "Guys, I can't take it! I want to save Shun, please, I will stay with you! Just let me out!"

The door opened. A smile appeared on his face, "Please, I'll tell the others, I'll be the leader just like you wanted."

The guards, a mixture of stereotypical delinquent fashion and aesthetics, looked at each other in suspicion. "And you're not joking."

"I'm not. Tell Katsunori I'll be waiting, and I will not leave the room until told. Just please untie me."

"Promise?"

"I'm a very committed guy" he nodded.  The mindless drones did as they were told, Aren was a little shocked at how they obliged.

The ropes around his wrist and torso were being cut, it was like a breath of fresh air left his lungs. He was trying to hold back a flood of emotion and just barely succeeding. They finished cutting the ropes at Aren's wrists, and immediately the ex- delinquent's hands loosened the ropes around his torso but his wrists were shaking and his fingers clumsy.  Immediately, Aren rose up from the seat.  When he glanced down, though, all he felt was horribly sick; his stomach twisted, head light and spinning as he stared at the angry red lines across his wrists, spotted with blood and the early splotches of bruises just beginning to form in ugly shades of red turning purple.

His legs felt shaky as if they would cave in and drag him down to the floor, it felt like a burden to be free.

"Thank you," He smiled.

"This means you'll stay forever?"

"Absolutely. I just have something I want to give you, as a thank you for the hospitality." His polite and deceiving nature faded, and he grumbled as he picked up the chair and swung it. Sending the chair flying, toppling over the thugs.  He huffed, feeling winded himself.  His mind screamed at him to run to the door, which he sprinted, though his legs still felt plastered to the ground.

The light grew closer and closer, shining down on him like it was begging for him to follow, the other side was waiting for him. 

When he looked around at the abandoned base he was trapped in, his eyes were treated to a burst of dull greys, blacks, and browns. His breath caught in his throat as he remembered how things used to be for him. Every day after school, the gang would come here and start a bloodbath. The reminder hit him square in the stomach. The memories seemed so far away and yet so close. Aren felt a yank on the back of his head, followed by a powerful slam against the wall. As dust and cracks fell around him, he cried out. His head throbbed as if he had been struck with a mace. The agony was so intense that he couldn't tell who was in front of him.

"Going so soon, Kuboyasu. I thought you were a committed guy."

Hissed the voice. He recognised that voice. He recognised the person. His eyes couldn't bear looking up at him. Never, ever again. Aren yelled as he kicked forwards, allowing him to get away from his old friend. His brain told him to flee. He could escape this nightmare if he simply ran away. He always chose fight over flight. He would never run from a fight. Yet, his mind screamed at him to. His mind told him to either freeze or run and he didn't want to stay here any longer than he had to.

He had to escape.

"You really want to do this? Sacrificing your future just for a partner in crime?"

A sharp pain ripped through his leg as Aren fell to the ground. His leg felt pierced by a harpoon, and he looked down at the deep and fresh cut that seeped through his flesh. Next to him, was a sharp metal shard, decorated with his own blood.

Looking down at the river of blood rushing down his calf, he choked on his tears. He was trembling and breathing faster as he tried to suppress his screams and sobs. Aren was never considered a coward or a weakling; he was fast, fearless, and unbeatable. The most unbeatable delinquent. He imagined himself as a fox withering away in a trap. Instead of calling for help, which he knew was out of the question, he rotated his body. His glossy eyes glanced up at a grim figure standing above him, he hummed disappointingly. His tears raced down his cheeks, mixing with pain and fear as he shuffled back helpless. It was rare for him to cry; he stared down the strongest of delinquents and it took a stab to the leg that made him break. Or perhaps, it was the brick wall that was beginning to crumble down, like a castle wall being destroyed by an opposing army. 

"Stay for a little longer, Kuboyasu," Katsunori said sternly, "we haven't gotten to the best part of the game yet."

Chapter Text

As he was pressed up against Katsunori's chest, Aren screamed. His mouth was covered by a hand, and his throat was encircled by an arm. He writhed around helplessly, as though a metal ball and chain were fastened to every part of his body, as though he were about to be put to death."Kuboyasu, don't leave so quickly. We all need you, so kindly. Aren muttered an expletive

"Everything we wanted to be, you were. Without you, we had nowhere to turn and were helpless, lost, and afraid." Katsunori's words caused his eyes to enlarge.

"Of course, you wouldn't have any knowledge of that. Being loved when all you'll ever be is a monster must be difficult."

"Bullshit! You didn't even need me! I never gave you any thought. All of you!" Aren yelled, trying to scream loud enough to be heard over the hand covering his mouth. He felt himself choking for air, his throat tightening. Aren bit down on Katsunori's hand without thinking. He drew out blood, on his tongue, he tasted the metallic liquid.

Katsunori let him go. As he flung back, he screamed out. Aren grins. That sounded good to him. His heart rate was accelerated by the suffering, like the good old time of getting into a fight. Aren always loved the pain and pleasure it gave him.

Aren instinctively dove for the metal shard when he saw it on the ground. He picked it up off the floor. His hand was covered in blood as the blade spun between his fingers. Like a raging river coming to a stop, he felt blood pouring down his calf. His knuckles turned white, and a wave of rage swept through him.  Painful tears dribbled from his eyes. Aren has always been the kind of person who expresses his rage. He was the kind of person who would venomously shout out insults that were as sharp as nails. Aren was the kind of man who would throw you off a cliff without giving you any advance notice. these days. There was unspoken rage. One he was unaware of. Inside of him, it began to sizzle. It ate him up. filled his mind with. So you were advised to keep one eye open while you slept.

Katsunori tensed up. His throat was the target of the razor-sharp blade. Aren remained silent. He was as quiet as a mouse. His snarl shared his voice, his fists shared his soul, and his eyes revealed his thoughts. There was only his breathing and his heartbeat for company. The former miscreant, at last, faced his worst dread. "Do you understand? If you even dare to speak of or consider harming Shun." The blonde remained silent. "And don't even think of letting the others hurt him," Aren said, setting down the blade.

He stood up tall, feeling as though he was a powerful deity to be feared. With a fire in his eyes, he commanded him to stay in his place. He stiffly turned away, his chin raised high as he glared powerfully as he trudged away.

----

Under the bandages, Shun's arm had an itchy, static feeling to it. His brain was unable to process what had just occurred. He could not even lift a fire extinguisher over his head; he was a helpless, cowardly, and feeble being. But despite all odds, he succeeded. Stand his ground. Retaliate. And fight."I can't believe I just did that," Shun murmured in a low, uncertain voice before suddenly shouting, "I can't believe it just did that!" and leaping with his arms raised in the air.

He would mutter to himself briefly before ticking faster and faster until high mania erupted. He was like a ticking bomb. The others would be alarmed by his sudden outbursts. Yumehara advised Shun, patting his arm to calm him down, "You better use those powers sparingly then, don't want to wear yourself out now."

"Oh, you might be right, I should regenerate these powers; otherwise, who knows what might happen if I lose control." He gave in. "Oh, how I wish Aren had noticed that. He would consider me to be so brave and cool. He'd be so pleased."

The others remained silent regarding the situation as they were all overcome by the second wave of humiliation. They would all agree that watching Kaidou suddenly burst into power was shocking, but they could not stand the way he would boast and mumble. Shun nevertheless thought he was on top of the world. Next, what should he do? If he had to face a dragon, an army, and a tower to reach Aren, that was fine with him.

*He's back in his little world, which is wonderful. Seriously, his undue hubris will be his ultimate downfall. I probably shouldn't have-*

On his back, Saiki noticed his nerves tense up. Shun yelled. He was knocked to the ground when something pounced. The boy with blue hair writhed and sobbed like a worm being caught by a bird. His breath lingered over Shun, which smelled of garlic. He was a boy with shaved hair and offensive piercings on his tongue, cheek, and ears. Shun, damn you. Gather yourself; this is merely a war cry. The thug was forced to roll off of Shun when a foot slammed into his face, the crunch of the heel pressing against his skull. He was given some time to stand. Yumehara stood next to Shun as she assisted him in standing up.

"Are you okay?" She whispered.

Shun felt a shake in his core. He didn't get the chance to answer, as the thug rose onto his feet again. He rubbed his face with a sickening grin...

"This is Kaidou huh,  the strong, talented, and unbeatable Jet Black Wings. This is what Kuboyasu told me," he said with a crooked smile. "What shame he must feel, every hour, he'd talk about you." His eyelids were stretched as he pulled his face.

As the ginger gently grabbed his elbow and pulled him close, his freckled face fixed with determination, Shun drew a breath and shuffled to Yumehara's side. Enoshima tilted his head slightly to the side, a faint smile appearing on his face as his eyes shifted from Shun's face to his side. "It's time."

"Time for what?" Shun hated to ask.

"Your challenge, dumbass.'

Shun winced. Where is a bright flashing light when you need one? Shun noticed that he had a metal pipe in his hand. Come on. Give me a bright light and then whoosh! Powers.

*Sorry Shun, but it doesn't work like that

"Kaidou, we'll handle this." Hairo stepped forward.

"All of you, scram, the only one who stays is the blue haired brat!" 

Teruhashi, Nendou, Hairo, Saiko and Yumehara looked like they saw a ghost. They looked at Shun, panic and uncertainty in their eyes.

"Are you kidding? We're not moving!" Saiko snapped. Suddenly, the metal pipe struck out, stopping inches from Shun's head. 

Shun screamed. 

Saiko backed down. 

"Go back the way you came." It was a warning. "Or I'll send him to the hospital. Where he belongs."

When Hairo and Nendou didn't react, Enoshima sighed. It echoed up the valley, a discordant sound that rang uncomfortably long after he stopped. Hairo and Nendou exchanged a confused glance, obviously suspecting a trick. Yumehara protested haltingly, but Shun whispered to them, nudging them gently towards the trail. "I promise we'll be fine. Just leave and be ready for us to return, okay?" He appeared to be giving himself up to the group, in a struggle for survival.

Teruhashi appeared prepared to argue, but all she did was purse her lips. Enoshima received a look from Saiko and Nendou. Saiki had an expression that was difficult to read; it was one of stony resolve. When one of their friends was in danger, the group vanished, and the delinquent grinned and waved back. So giving. "Why are we doing this?" As he interrupted, The Jet Black Wings crossed his arms over his chest.

"Have you not known it all this time?" He mocked, "You're his hero," in a grating falsetto, his face painted with a fake smile that vanished instantly. Shun felt whiplash from that statement. "You want my challenge, right? Save the little damsel you have. Finishing with the words "Happily Ever After," you can go on a honeymoon on a rainbow or something. as if I care."

Shun stared.  His wrists were shaking - Enoshima realized, after a burst of panic, that it wasn't fear, it was adrenaline. 

"But you do care. You can about hurting Aren. You can about harming me. Wanting him to lead your pathetic gang. Such a waste of an amazing person if you ask me." Shun didn't want to press further but he came around with one last question, "Do you think he's happier there?" he was at level eye contact, one with dangerous intent, "Do you think he should live in a constant nightmare with you?"

Shun frowned at him, and when Enoshima looked over, the delinquent gave a bitter chuckle. "Well, I suppose you'll know yourself soon enough."

Shun's frown just deepened. "I'm not going to leave without him." The look in Shun's eyes was darker than a storm, lightning gleaming in his eyes  as he rose his head, "So, I accept your challenge."

Enoshima was waiting for this. Dang, Kuboyasu might not be wrong. The metal pipe would redecorate Shun's face perfectly. But the thug was already swinging, his face shadowed- Shun just managed to duck below the first slice of the delinquent's pipe. The girly shriek he let out was a vast contrast to his former statements. He was like a kitten with a lion's roar. Why did I think I could do this? Crap. Get yourself together Jet Black Wings-AHHH- Shun screamed as he was kicked onto the ground. Shun looked up at the metal pipe, ready to slam down, and it would all be over. Enoshima's face twisted with something angry as he chuckled to himself. 

He didn't wait for the Jet Black Wings to get up before he was back on his offence.  Aiming now for the 'hero's'  hand, which he'd braced against the ground. Shun pulled it back at the last second as he glanced wildly around. He rolled away as the pipe clanged against the ground. 

"You took him away from us. You took away our legacy. You ruined our lives." This delinquent was vile. Attacking unprovoked.

"So it's the reputation. Not about Aren's happiness. Did you even get the chance to know the guy? I know you've been hurting him for years. More than anyone. You've made his life miserable!" He stood off the ground.

"Shut up," 

"You never care about him. You never appreciated him. You only cared because you all used him for power!" Shun snapped. 

"Shut up." Another advancement was a jab at his left arm, and Shun were on the ground again, scrambling backward across the uneven floor. Shun cried out again. He clasped the strap of his bag...he didn't have much time to think.

Shun brought his school bag up. Slamming it against the delinquent's stomach. Enoshima stumbled back. He had to admit, he did feel a sharp pain, but nothing bad enough for him to topple over. He laughed tremendously. The pipe was raised once again.

"STOP! PLEASE! DON'T!"

The blue-haired boy didn't even get to recognise the voice that shouted out. Immediately, Shun gasped. His hands clasped around his mouth.

"Aren..." He whispered. Aren stood in place. Panting. His purple bangs looked heavier and messier, his face was shining with sweat, deep purple bruises on his cheeks, and by the looks of it, his pants were soaked in blood. Oh god. Shun just wanted to run up to him. Hug him. Take him back home.

Enoshima whipped around. Aren cried out. A taller, blonde, delinquent held him back. He looked like he had been fighting for his life. "Oh no! NO! NO! NO!" Shun cried out.

"Don't hurt him!" Aren begged. 

"You heard our boss." The blonde commandeered. Shun felt more anger than before. Their boss. Yeah. Fucking. Right. 

Enoshima scoffed, he spat in Shun's direction. He retreated. Now, it was the last challenge. The final boss. 

"Would you look at that, Demon killer, you're boyfriend perfectly in place? Just what we wanted."

"Shun, what are you doing here? Run!" Aren prompted. Aren's throat could be cut by a blade. His legs felt shaky and he felt like he might pass out at any moment. He stood back up. The boy with the violet hair wasn't sure how he got into this predicament. He recalled the pain in his legs as he ran, as well as seeing a criminal holding a metal pipe and hearing Shun scream.

"I'm not going anywhere without you!" Shun screamed. Aren thought he might pass out at any moment. He made an effort to flail about like a rabid animal. attacking the arms of the blonde criminal with kicking, biting, and clawing. "Look, I finished the task you set for me. I battled Suriebu, nearly perished to Enoshima, and am now here to get Aren back." Shun yelled angrily.

"Despite Kuboyasu putting yourself in danger, you still came looking for him." Head cocked to one side, Katsuonri spoke, "He carried out this. He put forth this. You are aware that if he had complied, you would not be hurt. But he was being ungrateful. You were supposed to save him, but look what happened instead."

Shun experienced a body freeze. He was hearing things that he couldn't believe. What a jerk to say that. Aren's head was bowed. confessing the truth and defeat to Shun. He looked all over with a twinkle of regret and embarrassment in his eyes. He should have just listened to them, not run away like a coward. He puts Shun in danger of dying. This was all his fault. Aren, not Shun, was the one in this battle. It was never. "Shun! Run, don't just stand there! Now get out of here!"

No way. No how. Aren couldn't possibly be considering sacrificing his freedom for him alone. He was unable to accomplish that. He values Aren more than anything else in this world. He was in the same situation a long time ago, and Aren did all he could to help. He had to pay it forwards.

"He is anything but selfish. What would happen if he did? You'd beat him to the ground, hurt him, and infuriate him even more. You hurt him before, so I know that will happen again. He knew if he agreed he'd be back to square one. He cares more about me than anyone has before."

Aren felt his fierce face break. He shook his head. "Shun. Don't even think about it-OW." The blade pressed tighter.

"NO!"

Aren froze.

"I'm taking him back. He will receive everything he has never had from me. You said you care so much about him, but look at what you're doing. For the sole purpose of dragging him back, you are risking his entire life. This offers no solution. You wanted to be Aren's friend, but that can't happen when all you do is hurt him," Shun murmured, "In some sick way."

"Shut up!" Katsunori cried out. He was unable to think. He didn't do anything but speak. It resembled a snappy bark. Shun stumbled back and stared at him. He was furiously biting his lip.

"Tell yourself that all you want. But when my boyfriend is in danger, nobody hurts him!"

Aren was pushed back and is currently being restrained by Enoshima. When Katsunori got close, he froze. Shun took a step back. He towered over him in height. greater in muscle than him. more perilous than he is. He was a squirrel, but he was looking at a beast.

Shun brought his school bag forwards and said, "Leave him alone." Before it could collide with his face, Katsunori grabbed it. He released the bag. Shun was now helpless. like docile prey.

Aren screamed, "Katsunori! DON'T! PLEASE!" Compared to before, he thrashed more violently. like a young child acting out. His eyes were welling up with tears. He sobbed until his throat began to burn.

"Go on! Hit me! But I will never forgive you. Aren will never forgive you!" Shun screamed, "You're a monster!" He fell back onto the ground. His stomach was crunched by a knee. He crumpled. He screamed. 

"SHUN!"

The poor boy was loomed over by Katsunori.

"Looks like the game is over. You lost." A knife was held to his throat. Shun gave him a stern look.

"No," "no," "no," He couldn't allow this to occur. He couldn't allow Aren to suffer harm. He can't let him be hurt. Never once more

Aren had no intention of losing the light in his life. Look where that has gotten him since he made that promise to himself that he would protect Shun. The bright spot in his life was Shun. one who cannot become exhausted. Aren shouted one final time. He struck Enoshima in the chest with his elbow. He was abruptly let go. He started to run when he felt his hair being pulled. He screamed as fingers tugged at the strains of hair. He scuffed and kicked. until eventually He was let go. His head felt as though it were being pounded by an excruciating headache.

He rushes over to Shun. disregarding his legs' discomfort. He wanted Katsunori to taste blood. He needed Katsunori to taste blood. Enoshima swung the bat. Aren luckily avoided. Damn it. His lip started to twitch. His sunshine was Shun. Even the sun, which is extremely bright, upbeat, and brave, can burn. Before he could do anything his body met the ground. Cold.

Shun screamed. He tried to kick his leg up to Katsunori's stomach. He did not anticipate that to occur, nor hit him. It did manage to make him stumble back, which was surprising as Shun wasn't known for his strength. However, itt allowed Shun to stand up. In an instant. Shun noticed Aren lying on the ground.

Anger will cost you far more than it earns. As with most primitive emotions, when anger is directed by the logic, empathy and creativity of the higher brain, it becomes an element of the hero's personality.

It was unbelievable. 

Katsunori struck forward. The silver blade flashed in front of his eyes. Slash, a clean cut was placed on Shun's cheek. He cried out. Not for the sake of pain. The blade tried to strike his neck. Yet, it was messy hand work, brute strength, mindless play. There was no calculation and no strategy. Shun saw through that. He should be dead by now. The delinquent was much stronger but not as smart. That was when his shirt was cut open. "You know," Shun muttered, "Aren was right. You guys are mindless. No wonder he had to lead the gang. There's something you should know about me, I'm smart. I may be delusional but not stupid." There was danger on the line. Aren's freedom was on the line.

"Shun..." he mumbled.

"I won't stop!" That was when the blade struck forward. Cutting pieces of Shun's fluffy bang. The knife was at eye point. That's when he grabbed the knife. He struggled with getting the blade out of the delinquent's hand. Shun began shouting, "It's difficult to hold back!" he began trembling to his core. He managed to trick the delinquent, placing one hand over the other on the blade until the blade pierced the delinquent's hand. "Especially if it's with me or with my boyfriend!"

"FUCK!"

 Shun took the opportunity and stole the knife from him. There was lightning in his eyes. He could kill this person. He wanted to, but before that could happen. He could use that pathetic knife against them. "Game over."

*Good grief*

He gasped as Saiki's voice entered his mind, Shun turned to him, as he walked toward them. 

"Saiki!" Shun gasped.

*This segment of this story has been a wild one, huh? You, the audience, can tell the author ran out of creative juices...ew, is that how that should be phrased, anyway, I'm glad that mess has been cleared up. They should have just ended this story in chapter 13*

"Did you just see that!" Shun shouted. "I was all like, whoa, and then bam! I scared them away and-" Suddenly before Shun could stop fanboying. He sucked in a breath. He turned back. Aren was lying on the floor. "AREN!"

*Oh shit. Was I too late?*

Shun slid to a stop. "Aren!" fell to his knees as he whispered. He loomed over him, placing a hand on his chest. "Aren, are you okay?"

Aren was still breathing, his eyes and bags looked heavier than before. He took a good look at Aren's face. He saw the cuts, bruises, and blood decorating his face. His heart sank, he couldn't stand to see him in this vulnerable state. He cupped his cheek, rubbing his thumb across the gash on his cheek. Suddenly, he noticed Aren's eyes starting to open slowly. He could tell Aren was fighting the exhaustion. He watched as Saiki knelt down too, making sure Aren was okay as well.

He didn't know when it happened, but suddenly he was looking up at Shun's face. That warm, beautiful face that he thought he would never see again. His arms were around his waist and his around the blue-haired boy's shoulders as he forced a few even breaths. Finally, hoarsely, he managed with the weakest of smiles, "Hey, Jet black wings."

Shun stared at him with wide eyes, a storm blazing in his gaze, but as he scanned Aren's face, his lips finally quirked into a tiny smile. "Hey, Ren."  

In response to the outside force rejuvenating his body, the violet-haired boy sat up. Suddenly, his head was buried in Shun's arm. His arms encircled Shun's waist, grasping desperately at him. As Shun squeezed back and placed his hands on Aren's back, he looked at Saiki. And mouthed, 'Thank you'.  While crying, Aren wipes away his tears, suddenly laughing. Shun leaned in for a kiss, chuckling out of breath. There was something different about this kiss compared to their previous ones. A quick peck on the lips was usually all they did. The initiative usually goes to Aren, but this time felt different. Both of them laughed into the kiss, showing how comfortable they were, once again, in each other's arms.

Saiki softly grinned for what seemed like the first time in a very long time. He got to his feet and gave the two some room. Aren muttered, "I'm so sorry."

"You don't need to apologise. I'm just glad I got you back." Shun felt his lips tremble. Aren was in his arms once more. Aren did nothing but cry in silence. The poor thing. He is trembling."I've got you," Shun said as he gingerly tangled his fingers in Aren's hair. "You're going to be fine." He muttered at his side, trying to hold back a wave of emotion but only just managing to say, "I'm sorry it took us so long."

Aren wasn't complaining. When Shun's eyes landed on the cuts slicing the ex-delinquent, he pursed his lips tightly. His fingertips were cool against Aren's skin, sending a chill down his spine as he carefully asked, "What happened?" while furrowing his brows. He raised his free hand to inspect it. He attempted to laugh, but it came out more choked than he had hoped.

"They weren't in the mood for a game of tag, I guess," he said. 

Shun asked humbly, his hand still in Aren's as he looked up to meet his eyes, "I know this is a stupid question, but are you okay?"

Aren just shifted his focus to a spot on the floor that was marked with wavy, white lines, he forced down a shiver that threatened to shake him at the memory of that awful scraping noise; a crash of noise made him flinch regardless. "I'm not sure,"

He was thrilled to see Shun once more and to know that the anxious boy had thought of him—as well as all the others, based on Shun's use of the pronoun "us"—while he was a sitting duck in that forsaken building. However, a deeper part of him twisted itself into knots because his old gang was right: the others did care about him.  They had come for him, and for some reason, all that part of him felt about it was guilty.

"You know this isn't your fault, right?" Shun squeezed Aren's hand once and said, softly. Aren felt Shun's eyes on him, darting across his lowered face with that thoughtful frown of his.

Aren rebuffed a grumble. For that, he both hated and loved Shun. "Yeah...sure." Aren still carried shame and guilt, as could be seen by Shun and even Saiki. Shun hushed,

 "Come on, let's get you home." Aren gave a nod. The smaller boy helped the taller boy to his feet by gently wrapping his arm around his neck. He was in need of a shower and some shut-eye.

Saiki stood by. The pink-haired boy and the blue-haired boy shared a glare. *I'll take care of.. them.*

"Thank you, Saiki." He didn't know what he was thanking Saiki for, for putting up a fake hallucination of Shun as a terrifying monster, helping him save Aren, for organising the others. Or maybe, thanking Saiki for all he's done. For helping him and Aren find each other.

----

From an outsider's perspective, it was like Shun was tailing a dead body home. That wasn't the case, though. For Aren was safe. Hopefully. Aren would never have to see those faces again because the agreement would never break down. Shun had hoped for that. After a long period of silence, Aren's comfortable home finally came into view. Oh my God, how worried must his parents have been? Shun rang the doorbell. Kuboyasu's frightful but loving mother was waiting at the door.

"Aren!" She shrieked. She observed her son hunched over Shun's shoulders. She immediately took him from Shun.

"Hi, mum."

"Oh, what happened to you? Where have you been? You're father and I were worried."

She franticly yelled. Aren could barely reply, leaning into his mother's hands.

"Things went down."  Aren bluntly stated. 

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up." The violet-haired woman muttered. She looked at Shun, gratefully, like he was a hero returning from a noble quest.

"I'm so glad Aren has a wonderful partner like you. You're free to stay for a while, Kaidou."

"Thanks, Mrs Kuboyasu."

"No need for that. Come on in."

Shun waited on the couch, mindlessly kicking his legs. He glanced at Mr Kuboyasu, who looked at him, arms folded. God, both of his parents were scary.

"Care to explain why our son looks like that?" He asked.

Shun flinched at the yelling. Everyone in this family could kill him if they wanted to. He resorted to poise and a calm tone. "Your son...well...he kind of got...kidnapped."

"That's what happened!? Our son! The boy I raised was kidnapped." Mr Kuboyasu laughed with hysterics, "You're joking."

Shun shook his head. Even this guy was inconsiderate to his son. 

"You're not?"

He shook his head again.

All of a sudden, his eyes were darker than the night. He stood up. "Well. I will never let that happen again. Never in a million years. I'll need to find these punks who did this" The ex-gangster dad glared at Shun, "You promise to look after my son right?"

Shun felt like he was given Aren as a prize from a king, sending their child to be married off. Shun saluted.

"More like my son will have to take care of you. You're so frail looking."

The jet-black wings slumped his shoulders. Wow, how accepting, Shun thought sarcastically. Footsteps echoed in the hall, Shun turned back to Mrs Kuboyasu who flattened her shirt. "How is he?" Shun asked.

"He's in his room, sleeping. I didn't realise how bad he got beaten up," She muttered, the woman touched Shun's shoulders, "I can't thank you enough, Kaidou."
Shun chuckled nervously, "So I can go see him."
The woman gave him a look that meant, what do you think? Of course, ya can.  The former criminal couple watched the boy run to Aren's room. 

----

"Aren?"

The boy with violet hair was on his back, weakly waving his head. "Hey."

Shun moved closer. He softly grinned at Aren as he sat on the edge of the bed. His scent was much nicer and fresher, and bandages and makeup were used to cover the wounds on his face. His injured leg was wrapped in a bandage that, ideally, indicated that it would fully recover. Aren's hair is much silkier than before as his fingers run through it.

"Are you still okay?". Why was Shun always so dreadfully, agonisingly thoughtful? Why did he need to make it so challenging for him? He believed that things might remain the same. His will broke in a split second. He would have sobbed if he had had less control

"I...I don't know." 

"You know this isn't your fault, right" Shun's eyes flitted across his lowered face as he frowned thoughtfully.

And Aren finally gave in and said, "It is."

Aren felt unravelled, uncoiled, and painfully vulnerable after the stress of his gang torturing him was over, and he heaved a sigh as if this mess amounted to nothing more than a simple shrug. However, Aren's chest began to hurt once more. Perhaps it was the sigh, or perhaps it was just the full force of the situation hitting him right then and there. "I gave in to their stupid taunts. I let myself go. You are now hurt. I warped you into a battle that was mine and mine alone. You and the others got drawn into this by me. I made a mistake here. Maybe this could have been avoided if I had never brought you up in conversation. If I had never left that gang. I hurt you."

Shun yelled, holding up Aren's wrist as proof that, "they hurt you." When Aren just winced, he let go of it. He waited, competing for his attention, and sighed when the delinquent only curled his hand closer to Shun's. For a short while, they were both silent; beneath the deafening silence, a bird called out somewhere outside the window, sounding like a soul finally departing from its body.

"Aren, you have never been perfect, but I know for sure that it's not just your fault. You can't just blame yourself or you'll break down inside. You've grown past your mistakes with them - doesn't that mean something if you're willing to try and protect, or at least your relationship with me?"

When Aren finally looked up, he noticed Shun holding him even tighter, as if he wanted to make it absolutely clear that he was there by his side and that he had saved his prince. Aren didn't respond, just took Shun's hand and tightened his arms around the anxious boy's shoulders as tears finally spilt over his face in his eyes once more.

He muttered something into Shun's shoulder, "Thank you." Aren felt himself begin to unwind in Shun's arms after the latter gave a small laugh and immediately embraced him back.

"You went through that. For me."

"Do not worry, Specs. Not a big deal, " Aren scoffed at the moniker. "I hope you understand that I did this because...I...well, Aren, I love you."

"I love you too." Shun had never been happier to hear those words returned. When Aren withdrew, he cupped Shun's cheek in his hand this time. His grin turned into a slight frown. Everything made sense. Shun saved him. from the start of their friendship to the present day in their relationship. "Hey, would you mind staying a little longer, just until I fall asleep? I'm tired."

"I can tell."Aren reclined and placed his head on the pillow. Shun imitated him.

"You know, you're actually really attractive when you're being protective."

"Live it while it lasts," Shun said, rolling his eyes. "That won't happen again."The other chuckled. 

"Shun..."

Shun was squeezed tightly in between them by Aren as he forcibly closed the space between them. Shun could not leave his side because of the cage-like nature of his arms. His lover gave him the impression of a cuddly teddy bear that would protect him from fears and monsters. A child who still needed to be shielded from any night terrors that might develop while they were asleep. Aren couldn't help but feel safe and protected even though Shun was smaller and weaker. And he was confident that he would protect the love of his life. Shun sighed, "Aren, you are so strong.

The words made Aren's heart leap. He returned the compliment with a quick kiss on the lips. He let out an emotion he didn't know he had.

"Say that you'll hold me, for as long as you can" he whispered.

"I will."

Aren was always seen as this confident, prideful and strong ex-delinquent. Aren was always the stronger one. But Shun was always the braver one.

And that's why he loved him. And he was never letting go.

So they fell asleep.

Oh, you're probably wondering, what the heck happened to Katsunori and the gang...let's just say, Saiki, got them sorted out. If you know what I mean. So, our two boys rest in each other's arms. Aren would never believe that this all happened with six words. See ya later, Jet Black Wings.

Chapter Text

Throughout the course of the conversation, Shun paces back and forth. Travelling back and forth between his desk and bed. Saiki felt hypnotized by the frantic blue-haired boy,

"What do you think? Do you think he'll like it?"

Saiki thought about how he was 'threatened' by his parents to stay at Kaidou's house, alongside Nendou.

You've been talking about something we don't know about. One moment it's a dark reunion, and then it's...something else."

Shun arched an eyebrow and glared at Nendou to stop talking. He groaned, detesting exposition. "Look, I've been with Aren for nearly a year now. Surprisingly for us, things couldn't be better. I just want to give Aren a gift as a way of saying "thank you" for everything he has done for me."

*You go above and beyond for him. Why does this bother you so much?*


"because...I'm not very good at making things. Still, I can try. Since I, or rather, we, saved him, I have wanted to make sure he knows how much he is loved." Shun rubbed the base of his neck while hurriedly muttering, "As the world's best boyfriend, I, Jet Black Wings, must create something extraordinary. I have to give it my all!" Nendou appeared to have lost consciousness as he started examining a fly in the room, while Saiki had his palms cupped in front of him and was gazing out the window.

"Oh come on guys, you're my emotional support group!" He shouted, "I need feedback." 
He pulled out a sheet of paper from his drawer, holding it up, "Tadah!"

Saiki was unable to understand the drawing. It was Kaidou that we were referring to. He'll inevitably make a mistake. It lacked detail and appeared very juvenile. He conducted careful psychoanalysis of it. Shun had been working on this present for Aren for a few days. He intended to make three presents for Aren. Although he was aware that it was cliche and on the noise, it was ideal. The first gift was primarily made of leather with silver swirls and patterns and purple sequences, resembling a bracelet. As a fallback, he had a collage of images of himself and Aren. The "big bang" was rumoured to be the third gift, but that hadn't been decided.

Nendou rolled his eyes and said, "It looks stupid. Since he's a punk, shouldn't you give him like a...weapon or something?" Rolling his eyes, Shun. Someone obviously doesn't understand Aren's personality. "What if you gave him something like a necklace? Easy to understand and carry out." Nendou recommended. It was too much for Shun. The stupid remarks from Saiki and Nendou were wearing thin.


*And Aren is unaware of this, right?* asked Saiki. Jet Black Wings nodded in agreement. *Okay, what would he do if he had to give you a gift and knew you were coming? Make a grand gesture or something modest but significant?*

Shun knew the response. Aren wasn't your typical guy; he was amicable, sympathetic, and considerate. "Yes, but recently. I want to make this genuine because of how I feel." Saiki was aware that he was not going to win this debate because Shun had the better arguments and Saiki was too worn out to participate. No matter what you say

"Are you done yet? Let's move on to something else, like ramen."

"There are ramen packets in the cupboard, but you two are going to help me." Shun declared. He was fishing for compliments.

"You said you wanted it to be real, so I'm going to leave, Later runt," grunted Nendou. On the stairs, he yelled.

"Damn you, Nendou," He yelled back and glanced up at Saiki while face-palming, "Say you aren't leaving, please."

*Nendou is correct. You must do it yourself if you want it to be genuine. Shun's heart fell to pieces. His jaw began to clench. Before opening the door, Saiki sighed and said,

*Your sincerity about this "gift" would be enough.*

Shun wanted to run after Saiki and drag him back. He could help him. Yet, he had a point. He had to be sincere and authentic. Aren liked it when people were authentic and honest compared to arrogant and showing off.
He turned to the paper on the ground..."I guess it's just me now."

--- 

Shun kept working past dusk. He worked on the bracelet for several hours. Looking at the sketch on his paper, he calculated where he went wrong while scratching his head. He has already failed about 50 times, and each time has cost him. He only needed to get one piece of leather right; otherwise, he would start crying. He detested having flaws and being impatient. He repeatedly moaned and pounded his head against the table. It wasn't until the final attempt that he realised he gasped what he had produced. "I completed it!"

"What's finished?"

From his door, his mother called out. As he slid out of his chair, he screamed. "Is there homework? Because working from ten in the morning to five in the evening isn't healthy, even though I know I'm strict."

"Mom!" He spoke to his mother in a shrill, crackling voice.

He said, "Oh it's nothing...just," while placing his hand to his heart.

"Oh, what a lovely bracelet. Did you make it?" She regarded the bracelet on the desk, as she spoke. Shun gave a nod.

"very well made. Who's it for?"

He struggled with his hands while slightly blushing. His mother was aware of this "I suppose it's for Kuboyasu. Oh boy, love is a strange thing at your age," she said, pinching the bridge of her nose. " So long as you don't spend a lot of money on him. I'll never understand what you see in that criminal, but it's a really nice thing to give him." Shun nodded, saying, "Of course, Mum."

"You're still fairly young at sixteen, that's all. I just want to let you know that love is a crazy thing and that you shouldn't obsess over it so much. It can cause you to lose track of many things."

Shun raised an eyebrow and replied, "But you worry about my future is perfectly okay?" smugly grinning. At the moment, his mother is making a small attempt to alter her behaviour by letting Shun leave the house whenever he wants without having to pretend to be studying. She was quite embarrassed that she had been negatively subjugating him with schoolwork and had failed to recognise how highly he valued freedom.

"Okay, you little brat, don't begin that with me," she snapped back. She noticed that she was having fun as well. It greatly aided in her ability to work and support her family.

"Yeah, I took inspiration from his hair. With all the purples and decorations on the leather. It means we'll stick together through everything, so I hope he likes it."

His mother snickered, which he overheard, "You make it sound like an engagement gift or something," Shun blushed and his shoulders jumped, "I'm kidding. What did you say about being concerned about the future? Shun, I swear, you need to relax. You're still young, and love is difficult. Who knows what Kuboyasu and you will face in the future, but try not to think too far ahead. Alright. want to avoid getting sucked into another irrational fantasy."

Shun groaned internally. She had also learned about his 'Jet Black Wings' persona in more detail now. She initially thought it was something he'd say to keep his brother happy when in reality, he was always like that. She wished he was a little more sensible but she allowed it either way.

There was a sound of a phone buzzing. Shun grabbed it and checked it. Notifications popped up from Aren.
"Firelight halo huh?" She muttered, "Strange nickname."

"Get out!"
"All right, brat." She shrugged before she left the room. Immediately, Shun began texting.

Jet_black_wings: sorry for the hold-up. My mother was annoying me.

Firelight halo: lmao. Anyway, what are you doing? I tried texting you but you never picked up.  


Wow, was he so focused that he forgot to hang out with Aren? He might as well keep his distance for the surprise.
  
Jet_Black_Wings: I've been extremely busy. Nendou and Saiki were around today.

Fire Light Halo: wow, you ditched me. Thank you so much, Shun. I love you.

Jet_Black_Wings: hey, I can hang out with others if I want

Fire_Light_halo: no you can't. We are dating and you shouldn't be hanging out with those people anymore. Do you love me anymore? I feel so betrayed!1!!!

Jet_Black_Wings: are you being severe rn?

Fire_Light_Halo: darling, I'm serious, I am way more toxic. Ya know cause I'm the bad boy in the relationship and all.

Jet_Black_Wings; enough, dude  

Fire_light_halo: wow, not even a pet name...just dude. I feel betrayed. lol

Jet_Black_wings: I love you

There was a pause for a second.

Fire_light_halo: awh, I love you too. 


Jet_Black_wings: anyway I can't tell you because it's top secret.

Fire Light Halo: top secret huh? are you finally admitting to being a dark reunion spy?

Jet_Black_wings: No!

Fire_Light_halo: Lol. anyways. How secret is it

Jet Black Wings: deadly secret. You can not know.

Fire_Light_halo: I bet I could find out in a second.

Jet Black Wings: yeah right. Prove it.

Fire_light halo: you're hiding something from me, something personal. Something interesting.

Jet_Black_Wings; that's only part of it. anyway, I'm gonna go. I'm tired.

Fire Light Halo: really, it's only five o'clock.

Jet Black Wings; The jet black wings need his beauty sleep. 

Fire_Light_Halo: alright, fine. good night, or good early night, Shun.

Naturally, his eyes were droopy, and he yawned and stretched, he did need some rest but it was a getaway so he wouldn't spill any details. Maybe he needed an early night.
----

"So, are you thinking about giving Kuboyasu the gift today?" She questioned as she sat down. They didn't usually eat breakfast together. Shun adjusted his attire while nodding.

"At the end of the day, though. In the hideout, and more importantly, by the waterfall, is where I want to give it to him."

"I never imagined you'd be a hopeless romantic, but a waterfall, huh?"

"No, Aren's the hopeless on. Just the two of us, that's all I'm hoping. Just that." The spoon was placed in Shun's mouth.

"First name basis. I wasn't on a first-name basis with my...ex-husband for five years before we started dating. You must have a special connection huh?"

"I'm not sure how to describe it," Shun nodded. She stood up and strode over to the cabinet where she kept her jewellery after saying, "You know. You could possibly give this to him if your "relationship" is special. One of them is mine and the other belongs to your father. You are aware of our current situation. Since it isn't worth much right now, perhaps you and Kuboyasu could find value in it."

---

As he walked down the street, there was a sense of dread; his eyes were calculating and shifty as though something might hit him. God, he was still so suspicious. The bracelet, the camera, and a necklace were all he needed. Adding it to the list seemed strange, but it all happened in the morning. Both pendants were in the smaller pocket of his bag. It would raise questions if he were to wear one.

Both of them were still healing from that day after everything. Shun thought Aren was not your typical guy because he is incredibly thoughtful, impulsive, wild, and kind. Shun rounded the bend to ensure this gift met his standards. He observed Aren moving a few metres away. His heart began to burn with a spark. The Polaroid camera was taken out of his bag after he unzipped it. "Aren, hey! Look over here!"

In contrast to his hooded and slanted gaze, the boy with violet hair turned his head innocently while maintaining wide, soft eyes. Click. Aren blinked before he regained consciousness. "Oh, I had no idea you could make that little face," Shun laughed. He poked Aren in the arm and waited for the image to take shape.

"You took a picture of me?" Aren furrows his brows in perplexity. He gave the image a quick look. He didn't know he could look like that, but he blushed slightly and felt a little embarrassed.

"And I did. I'm framing you, that's why."

Aren asked in a hurt manner, "Why?"

"For stealing."

Aren patiently awaited the catch. Why did his mind wander to a corny location? "Oh, that's it."

"That's what I said, yes. Why did you expect me to say that I stole your heart." Shun grinned smugly, confident that he was correct.

"Yeah, I did." Shun shook his head as he pushed forwards. This self-assurance turned into awkwardness. Naturally, they got over the awkward silence. There were definitely issues with their feelings, but that's true of any relationship. He blushed a little and zipped up his bag as his stomach filled with worry. They arrived in the classroom at last. There, he felt a wave of relief. Saiki and Nendou were conversing with one another. Shun approached them silently. "Guys, I've finished. I created the bracelet."

Nendou folded his arms, and sneered, "You making things, that's a first." Shun sighed and gave him an enraged puppy look as he looked up at him.

"Shun?" What are you doing?" Aren called out, slanting his body in response. While attempting to avoid suspicion, Shun grinned at him.

He muttered closely to them, "I'll show you later. Make a promise not to tell him."

"The pipsqueak wants to tell you something, four eyes!" Across the room, Nendou yelled, and everyone heard. He could have spoken without using the head speaker. He had no concept of social cues.

"And what would that be?" Aren chuckled, leaning against his desk.

"Nothing, oh."  Shun brushed him off.

The ex-delinquent came forwards and said, "Oh right, the secret," with a honeyed, cunning voice.

"Aren, it's not a secret. OKAY, so it is, but"

'A secret,' He inched closer. Shun drew back and lowered his gaze. Aren shook his head, "I know. Don't worry; you can tell me when you're ready." His hands were on his hips. Shun felt relieved when he heard that. "You realise how bad a liar you are, right?"

---

Shun would purposely take pictures of Aren during the morning classes. Some of the photographs he obtained showed him calmly gazing into space or the two of them together. The final image showed him nodding off in class. He was curled up in his arms, wearing no glasses, and breathing slowly. When he felt Shun looking at him, he grinned and laughed to himself. He said groggily, "Shun, I can see you looking at me." When he opened one eye, he noticed that his cheeks had pink undertones.

"What?! I'm just making sure that no night terrors feed upon your brain. I promise that the dark reunion has been nothing more than a trap for you." He makes eye contact.

Aren hummed sleepily and sank deeper into his arms as he relaxed peacefully. He discovered Saiki making a note in his journal. They were free to do whatever they wanted because it was a free period. He then quietly crept over to Saiki and gave him a shoulder tap.

*What?* Saiki shouted. The mental connection made Shun flinch.

"The gift, I want to show you it."

He frowned his brow in puzzlement, hating to admit it, but he was curious. Shun rummaged through his velvety pockets, his fingers sifting through coins and other trinkets until he located the bracelet. His eyes enlarge. The bracelet was crafted from supple leather, embellished with purple sequins that resembled scaled moults, and featured carvings in the leather.

*I'm impressed. Nevertheless, the sequins do make it look childish.*

Shun muttered angrily, "Thanks. " He glanced over at Aren, "Do you think he'd like it?"

Saiki shrugged. *Maybe.* Naturally, he could use foresight to see what happens, but his mind was wandering somewhere else.  

"Hey, pup!" A loud, brazen dude-bro voice yelled. Nendou encircled him with an arm and drew him in, saying, "Hey, what's that, is that junk?"

"Wow, Nendou, so sincere," grumbled Shun as he struggled to free himself from Nendou's hold. He turned to face the sleeping boy and said, "It's not junk, it's the bracelet I'm giving Aren; it's a way to keep each other closer."

"Not if you give him that!" Nendou grinned. Shun grumbled, "Hey, he deserves more than that.  I have an idea, let's ask him."

Shun violently shook him. He vowed, "Don't you dare, I'll rain hellfire on you if you dare do that." Shun pushed his arms out, pretending to be a boulder to stop Nendou as he tried to approach the sleeping man, but in reality, he was just a pebble. "No, no, no! Nendou, please don't do that!"

"Yo, four eyes!"Aren jerked awake, his breathing becoming laboured, and he exclaimed, "W-what, what the hell was that for?! What's wrong with you?" he hollered. He furrowed his brow as Shun appeared to be hugging Nendou. "What are you doing?"

He lied, "Nothing, nothing at all." Because of the reddening in his ears, Kuboyasu could tell. When Shun had the chance, he grabbed the bracelet and threw it away. He turned to face Aren, who gave him an all-knowing look and said, "Shun, I can tell when you're lying."

"You certainly think so. Besides," he looked over where the bracelet had landed. Bullies picked it up in pairs. Shun was the target of their laughter. They immediately started using scissors to rip it to pieces. "What girl made this?"

"Maybe it was a guy."

"Oh, I feel sorry for that guy's significant other really. I would burn this if my partner gave me this, I'd burn it"

Very mature. They eventually threw it in the garbage. Shun's fist clenched as his eyes widened in embarrassment. Aren looked at Shun's defeated face, and his brows drooped. "Shun, are you all right? What is happening?"

Shun wanted to punch the desk because he had worked so hard on the bracelet, which to him represented everything that Aren stood for. "I'm good. That was just a backup plan. now for plan b."

"Plan b? What are you on about? Oh, right, your secret project," he said, shaking his head. He grinned a little and shot him a playful glare with his hooded eyes.

"Aren," Shun grumbled. The boy shrugged, settling into his arms again.

"Well, I'm going back to sleep. Wake me up when class is over, okay?"

"Sure thing, sleeping beauty. I'll be here so that no nightmares will come your way."

Aren grinned, but Shun couldn't see it because his arms were covering his face. When Aren was sleeping again, Shun crept to Saiki, "I can't believe that happened," he whispered, "I worked incredibly hard on it, all of my efforts were turned to that."

*I'm aware, Kaidou. You have another choice to consider, as you stated. * Saiki had no idea what it would be like to be in Shun's position right now. It was upsetting to put effort into something you were so passionate about only to have it destroyed.

*Is using my restoration reasonable? But it's just a bracelet. What if I need to use that power for a bigger disaster down the road, and it would be foolish to use it on a lover's argument? It's only good for a day. I have absolutely no idea what love is. Why are the other project pictures there, too? That's tacky. As you can see, I am illiterate when it comes to love. Thank goodness their dynamic hasn't changed to the point where they're swarming around one another.*

Turned his head to the bin. He sighed, *Maybe I don't need to use restoration,*

---

Shun made the decision to get to work during math. He pretended to be doing the chapter questions with his math book open, but in reality, he was just looking through his current collection of photos. eating lunch, him sleeping, kissing, making goofy faces, and those infrequent but priceless soft moments. He had a brilliant idea, but most of the gifts were failing in execution. The photos weren't large; rather, they were quite small, which was a good thing because the gift wasn't always in Aren's face. It was understated, so perhaps he could store it in his bag or wallet. It resembled a concertina-bound art book. He noticed that Aren wasn't paying attention to him, and doodling on his paper.

"Hey, Kaidou, what are you doing?" A voice came from above. The math teacher loomed over, clearly not buying the scheme, "I am fairly obvious that this isn't maths. If it was art then I'd be happy to let you continue. Pay attention okay?" he was a cheery teacher, a little difficult to understand but cheery either way, "If you want to stare at Kuboyasu, then he is right there, no need to keep photos of him and you."

Shun pressed his lip tight like he was winded in the chest. Aren stared, wide-eyed, smiling jittery and laughed under his breath.

"It's nothing."

"It is something. Shun, if you want to tell me something, just do it okay? All day, you've been acting strangely." Shun could hear Aren speak, but no one else could."Aren, it's alright. Really." Shun and Aren were aware of each other's flaws and frequently made light of them. Shun is sensitive and honest but reclusive about it, in contrast to Aren who was reclusive in the relationship while desiring honesty. And Aren trusts Shun, so he allows him to demonstrate comic dissatisfaction with his excessive curiosity. They can laugh together at their weaknesses without fear of offending or being offended.

"if you say so," Aren muttered. When Aren wasn't looking. His body began to shake. People were laughing at him and their teacher blew his cover. He felt like he could slip away and nobody would notice. He grunted and shoved the 'gift' into his tray.


---

"So, that's how we confessed. I would never believe it but it's true. Chiyo and I found each other without even realising it. We were so caught up with unrealistic expectations that we were blind to see who was in front of each other," Teruhashi concluded, placing a hand on Chiyo's shoulder, and lightly kissing her on the cheek.

"Kokomi," Chiyo blushed, "You're embarrassing me. You know, I'm upset these two got together before I got with you!" she pointed to Shun and Aren.

"sweet," Aren commented, "I wish we could've been there. We could have been your wingmen just like you've been there for us."

"No need for that, Kuboyasu. We're just...on the right path, with each other."

Hairo laughed, "Well, looks like everyone's falling in love huh?" he glanced at the two couples. 

"Didn't you two have a thing going on, you and Nendou?" Shun queried, "Before we dated, we overheard something about you two coming out for each other's sakes," he said, nudging his head to Aren, "Was that a confession or?"

Nendou wasn't with them at this time, so Hairo looked around, hoping no one would hear, "Well, it's complicated how I feel. I admire and love him for everything but his stupidity and witlessness. Even though many of the girls flee, he continues to flirt with them. When I attempt it, it comes across as a contest."


The love birds looked at the red-haired boy. Their gut ached with sympathy for the guy.
"Don't worry, Hairo. We've been in that strange pining stage. When the time is right, you'll get there. It just takes time. And don't think because we're in a relationship you have to get into one too." Aren sincerely spoke, "Hey, Saiki's perfectly happy without dating anyone,"

"Thanks, Kuboyasu."

"Hey, you were supportive of my feelings towards Shun, only makes sense I do this same. I admire you Hairo."

Hairo smiled, nodding slightly. "Okay, I'll confess by the end of the tennis finals." The group laughed.

Shun tapped his finger and cleared his throat, whispering to Yumehara, "Hey, have you two given each other gifts before? Something sincere and simple."

Yumehara's eyes widen, "you want to give Aren something, huh?"

Shun nodded, "I had three options, I would give him a handmade bracelet, a photo album thing, and...well...it's kinda embarrassing but it's the last option."

He slid his hand under the table, allowing Yumehara to peek under. Her eyes widened as she gasped, giggling slightly, "That is so sweet. They look expensive."

"They are." He glanced up at Aren, who was conversing with Hairo, "I just want the time to be right. I have a game plan so," he whispered close to Yumehara's ear. Little by little, her face lit up, feeling jittery. 

"Awh that's cute!" she giggled, "Oh, I should do that for Kokomi,"

"What's cute?" Aren asked.

"What about me?" Teruhashi followed. The two looked at their significant others. Yumehara and Shun glanced at each other, he pressed his finger to his lip, and the girl understood.

"Just a...date with Kokomi" Yumehara explained. The other half had a spark of intrigue.

"Great more secrets," Aren nudged Shun in the arm. Shun groaned.

"You're not letting that go huh?"

Aren chuckled, "Not likely." The bell broke the spellbound awkwardness. For Shun, it was the perfect timing. Just one more lesson and then he can go home a prepare.

---

"Gah!" Shun yelped, he patted his pockets, ruffled his hand through his bag, and his hands fumbled against the books, pens, and papers, frantically searching the messy abyss. "Oh no, no, no! Where did it go!" He made it this far. He made it to the hideout. Yet he managed to ruin that too.

"fuck, fuck, fuck!" he frantically searched, it was like he was on an adventure, traversing his hand into unexpected waters, "I swore it was here. Damnit. M-maybe. No, only Yumehara knows what it is. Aren, well..." Shun groaned inwardly.  He finds a solution and then immediately burns it. Awh, jeez. It was impossible for him to say, "This is the work of the..." Maybe it fell out of his bag while he was looking for a book or a pencil. All he knew was that it was safe and secure one second and lost and forgotten the next.

It was as if he was hyping himself up as if he was going to propose, oh good grief if that ever happens. Shun blushed at the thought. They are still in high school, no need to think about that. "My mother was so supportive of this too," he whispered into his hands. Aren was going to be here any second.  Shun ruffled his hands through his bag deeply. He felt something, though it was not what he wanted. 

Shun glanced around the hideout. Hoping that it could traverse into something different. Maybe he just plays it cool and they just hang out. Yet the text he sent was too serious.
"I can't be seen here...it's hopeless."

---

The curtains swayed open, as a light shone through. Aren peeked around, seeing no sign of Shun anywhere. He tilted his head, he checked his phone.

The_Jet_Black_Wings: I have something I want to show you. Come to the hideout.

It was a serious message. He surmised that the "secret" was involved. "Shun? Are you here? If you try to scare me, I'll swear, huh?" Where usually a clay cat sculpture of a cat would be, there was a leather ring on the desk with purple markings that resembled scales but were the exact same shade as his hair. The other was a concertina-shaped pamphlet with tiny pictures of him and Shun on it. His cheeks were flushed pink. "So that's why he was taking photos of me." 

Kaidou needed to be present. He could not have been abandoned by the foolish boy. Not at all, no. Aren was well aware of where to look. Twigs crunched under Aren's feet as he walked through the woods, snapping in a satisfying way. This time, the atmosphere was different and a mirror image of earlier times. He could hear his racing, anxious heart thumping in his throat. Why did he feel this way? Although it appeared to be something better, he looked down at the ring on his finger.
"Oh man, where is that..." Aren ceased to sputter. Shun was sitting on the smooth stone platform, looking down at the small lake with the waterfall. Other than the wind, birds, animals, and his heartbeat, there was no sound. The lake now twinkled brighter than before. Aren felt sick to his stomach at everything about this.

"Oh, so this is where you've gone off to?" Aren yelled. Shun slowly turned his head, not realising how loud Aren's voice was. Normally, he would flinch, but Aren's stride became shaky due to Shun's slow head turn. "Shun, you've been acting oddly all day. You've kept something a secret. Something that shouldn't be such a big deal. And to top it all off, you sulk over here while you ask me to come. What's wrong?"

"Leave me alone, Aren,"

"That's all you had to say?" He blatantly overstated, "Wow, I had to come here, and for what? Not getting an answer?" he sarcastically muttered, "Thank you so much, Shun."

Shun moaned pitifully and leant forwards. "Sorry."

Aren sat down next to him, his eyes narrowed and demanding answers. After a beat of silence, Aren punched him in the arm. "OW!" Shun cried, "Why are you still punching me?"

"I see that voice  is coming back maybe after a couple of knocks it will come back completely."

"Okay okay, I give up."

"Shun, if this has something to do with those gifts on the table. You can stop worrying." He pointed to the leather ring on his finger, made out of the materials from the bracelet. 

When did that happen?
Shun drew his head back, "I gave that my entire being. That photo album was a backup plan that our math teacher ruined, that leather ring was intended to be a bracelet." He started to break, grinning as he did so. "I'm sorry I ruined this surprise."

"Shun, I wanna know why you ignored me. I just want to make sure that never happens again."

"Well, how could I not? You're the most significant person in my life?"

"Shun-"

"But anytime I find a solution I managed to ruin it, lose it and scrap it."

"Shun."

"Aren...there another gift I was gonna give you. It was going to be a grand gesture but I lost it. It was a necklace I was going to give you. It was my mother's betrothal gift to my father, but since they split she had no reason to keep it. She told me I could give it to you."


Aren's eyes widened, twinkling. "What does the necklace look like?"

"It's silver and has a pendant of a compass. My mother said this necklace was always pointing to whoever you love, in that way, you'll never be alone or lost. I had another necklace that was like a tidal wave, like an ocean. You know, sailors, compasses, the ocean. Although it does also look like a fox. That sort of thing."

Aren mumbled, "That's what it was." Shun looked at Aren with wide-eyed innocence as his ruby-red eyes flashed at him. Aren searched his pocket clumsily. the necklace was placed on his palm. "I found it on the ground. I didn't know who it belonged to, so I figured I'd take it with me and give it back to the owner in the morning." He examined the details as he followed the circular pendant's patterns. "Shun...I adore it. I adore each of these presents." He clutched the necklace and held it close and smiled at Shun, blushing. 

"Take it. Do what you want with these. If you throw them away I'll make me happy. Maybe it's best we'll leave it at that.'

"Hang on, Shun," Aren whispered, his voice half broken with worry.

"I'm so sorry, I'm a total joke, I'll never be able to do something great. I should've done better."

Aren couldn't believe it. Did he forget he saved his life? His entire world changed the moment he met him. That was when Aren shuffled closer, burying his head in Shun's shoulder, and holding him close.

"Aren, you don't have to pity me." Shun adverted his gaze, clearly blushing and heating up, and scratching his head.

"Why pity, I'm being sincere. These gifts are the most perfect thing you could've given me."

"but."


"Shut up, Shun!" He snapped. Unsettled by how forceful he sounded. Yet, Shun obeyed and looked up at him, his eyes downturned.

"Shun, I adore you as well. You are perfect the way you are for me. Just because a couple of minor inconveniences shouldn't get in the way of what's important. Shun, you'll never know how much you mean to me. Shun, remember what you said to me, when...you know, you said I wasn't perfect. Can't you apply that to yourself You're willing to do anything to protect, care and help me. These gifts are the embodiment of those things. You just don't see it yet."

Shun shuffled away. After five months of dating, Aren knew the right words to make his heart race. Aren fumbled with the necklace and put it on. Staring at Shun while he did so. He saw the glimmer in his eyes, which burned with honesty. "And well, you did give me the greatest gift already. You. Just being here is the only gift I need,"

Shun had tears waiting to fall. He broke, even more, when Aren started tearing up as well. "I hate how sensitive I can be" Shun shakily whispered.

"Yeah, well, it's a part of you."

"Can I make it up to you?" 

Aren allowed the tears from his eyes to fall down his face, it felt nice to cry, especially in front of Shun, "How about a kiss?"

Without a word, Shun jumped forward. As their lips connected, they fell off the stone platform and onto the grass with a thud. They refused to acknowledge the slight pain, as Shun wrapped his arms around Aren's shoulders, while he placed his hands on Shun's jaw. After months of kissing practice, they finally knew what they wanted. This time, instead of a barrier or lies and misleading, they can sink into the kiss, cry, laugh and deepen it. The mild chirps of birds, the rush of the water trickling down the waterfall, and the warm colours of the cloud behind them, made it feel like a storybook. Shun sat comfortably on Aren's lap, as he relaxed. They pulled apart, smiling at each other. 

"We're not perfect, but, again, that doesn't mean we're useless," Shun muttered, understanding that Aren didn't need anything fancy, he just wanted Shun, just like he wanted him, and suddenly, placed the other necklace on himself. It was shiny and silver, and it had a swirl pattern, some could see it as a wave while some could see it as a fox.

"We match now," he acknowledged. 


"Does that mean I've been accepted into the family?"

"Whoa- let's not get ahead of ourselves." Shun shushed him up. He stood up and helped Aren up. "You know, we've done a lot for each other. I'm...I'm proud of us."

"I am too."

Shun eyed Aren up and down, smirking, before jabbing him in the arm. Aren glanced at him confusedly, "what was that for,"

"just for being you," he shrugged, he glanced at the necklace on Aren. This necklace was always pointing to whoever you love, in that way, you'll never be alone or lost. "I love how soft you can be."

"Don't tell that to anyone," Aren grumbled. He liked the idea of having a hard exterior and being difficult to please, but Shun knew that was the case.

"Oh everyone knows, it makes you a great person and boyfriend." Shun firmly clasped Aren's hand, "Come on, I have to get back home. Do you need me to walk you home first?" Shun and Aren began retreating through the forest.

"No thanks. I don't think I need   a bodyguard."

"Awh, but you said I was attractive when I was protective."

"You're always attractive." Aren nudged him further.

"Whatever you say, Fire Light Halo."

Chapter Text

Love is difficult, painful, strange, thrilling, and dangerous. You have ups and downs, fights, mistakes, heartbreak, and loss. That's what Aren and Shun went through. For the time being, they remain by each other's sides, and through tears and longing, they find their place, right in front of them. Some say love is unexpected, that you'll fall for the most unlikely person, while others say it's destiny. In this crazy world, who knows?

The group remained in the woods, surrounded by trees and the lake's rushing water. On the riverbank, Aren, Shun, Nendou, Hairo, Yumehara, Teruhashi, and Saiki sat. One, it has evolved into a safe haven for Shun and Aren, but it has also evolved into a haven for any lost souls. The group lies on the blanket, a food platter in front of them, with nothing but them and the world behind them.

"I have a question," Teruhashi speaks.

"What is it?" Yumehara asked.

"It's a little deep, but what if we never met?" She inquired. The entire group goes silent. Saiki believes that there is an alternate reality in which that occurs, but he does not want to dwell on it.

Hairo looks over at Nendou, who is eating ramen. "That's a little difficult to come up with. I honestly believe I would not be the same." Despite the fact that Nendou ate like a pig, he didn't dismiss the fact that Hairo had found peace with him, saying, "I'd never have the motivation or courage." He looked around at the others, "Honestly," he looks at Saiki, "this is all your doing man,"

The pink-haired boy rose an eyebrow, *How so?*

"Well, I wouldn't have met Kaidou, Teruhashi, Kuboyasu and Nendou with you. Before I found you, I'd work my ass off protecting everything  I aspired to be. I was harsh on myself, but now," he placed a hand on Nendou's arm, smiling softly then at the others, "I'm okay now."

"Aww, that's nice, dude," Nendou admitted. "I mean, buddy, if you had started at a different school, or a different location, or just being your untrue self, I don't know. I'd be working full-time at a ramen shop and would never have met you and everyone else. Meeting Kaidou, on the other hand, would be a mistake."

"How dare you!" Shun yelled making Nendou burst with laughter.

"I'd be the best ramen chef in the world, and everyone would admire my strength, charisma, and charm." He brags.

"Hmm, definitely," Saiki mocked, slowly nodding his head.

"Hey, you got with Hairo, so love knows no bounds," Teruhashi added, noticing how they both smiled at each other. Teruhashi smiled at Chiyo, "well, Saiki and I have a strange history, don't we?"

Saiki nods, eating coffee Jelly. Teruhashi still resides by a little stubbornness to this day, but ignores the attention and gets what she wants. She allowed Chiyo to become comfortable with herself, her mind, body and soul. She was always a hopeless romantic who had a past of dating awful men. Chiyo wished she was like Teruhashi with her beauty, but she was already beautiful in Teruhashi's eyes. 

"I know you don't have to say anything," Teurhashi squeezes her hand, "We wouldn't have met if it hadn't been for you," she says to Saiki, "if you hadn't ignored me ever since we met, my life would have been very different."

Saiki huffs, "Why are you making me feel good about myself, stop it." Saiki looks over at Aren and Shun, who were the only ones who weren't speaking as they fidgeted in their seats. Aren was deep in thought, fidgeting with the necklace around his neck, and when Saiki read his thoughts, he hissed, then he read Shun's thoughts. Everyone is aware of them now. Aren looks at Shun, who returns his gaze. Aren smiles as the blue-haired boy nods.

They turn to face the setting sun, the warmth of its rays bringing peace to the land. Love is a quiet emotion that, over time, becomes part of the oxygen you need to breathe, so even if you're not sure it's there, any form of removal causes the emotions to choke. "Are you ready to go home, it's getting late?" Kuboyasu inquired, looking around. They'd been out here all afternoon, he had a point.


Really, but we could have more fun here, let's play dodgeball," Hairo sighs, wanting to be more active.

"Not right now," Teruhashi says, "we'd barely be able to see the ball anyway."


Hairo sighs, agreeing with their observations. "Perhaps another time?"

"Look pal, we can do this all over again tomorrow, how about that?" Nendou nudges his shoulder.

Saiki gags. Compromise, healthy relationships, and communication. Love is disgusting, and he was surrounded by love birds, but their dynamic hasn't changed significantly. They were still the same idiots, but some kissed now and then.
 
"I think we should get going," Yumehara says, standing up. "This was fun."The gang is in agreement. They begin packing up the picnic blanket and basket, as well as their trash, one by one.
Aren and Shun carefully guide them back to the hideout, the rushing water behind them becoming quieter and being replaced by night birds and critters. Only Shun and Aren stop to acknowledge the hideout as they pass by. It was a place of many hopes, dreams, love, and loss.

The group arrives at the roads, where a single motorcycle has stopped. "What, you couldn't arrange transportation for us? Everything revolves around you and Kaidou," Nendou mockingly mutters.


"You can get your own bike," sneered Kuboyasu. "Aside from that, this place is easy to find, so your parents should have no trouble finding you," he winked. He handed Shun a helmet from the bike compartment.

"I'll see you all tomorrow," Kaidou said. The wind soon blew behind them. The hum of a motorcycle roaring down the street. Shun's thoughts are louder than the rumble of the bike as he focuses on the boy in front of him. Shun desired a love like this forever as if his soul was in another room and they didn't have the key. But Aren had it. Shun looks around, noticing they've passed their street art wall; once upon a time, that wall was barren and dull, but what was once dry and bleary has exploded into something more.

Shun laughed to himself. Passing by the homes and houses, he never felt safer in his once-congested neighbourhood. Shun notices how his necklace flies through the air, catching the faint silver gleam of the swirling patterns. A house he shared with his mother, brother, and sister felt like home now. No more waiting for his mother to chastise him for staying out late, no more teasing from his sister, and no more hiding from his brother. "All right, we're here." Aren said as he came to a halt on his bike. He removes his helmet and asks Shun, "hey, you okay?"

"More than okay," Shun says as he removes his own helmet; "next time, I'll drive."

"Whatever you want to say, boss."

Shun, on the other hand, refused to leave. Their souls had been alone for so long that having company was almost unsettling. To find or seek another would be to condemn him to a lifetime of darkness, knowing full well what they had previously hidden from themselves. They will never be able to return. That day, when he found Aren alone, it was like he knew him all along. He knew Aren before they, officially, met, but now he is someone Shun has always known. He wants to hold Aren close, he doesn't want to let him go. He was holding the world in his arms, he doesn't want to go back to the lonely life.

"You know, without Saiki, I think we'd end up right here," Shun muttered.

"What do you mean," Aren said, tilting his head.

Shun shook his head and got off the bike, allowing him to stand next to Aren and compete for his attention, "Our friendship began on our own accord. My friendships with the others developed gradually while hanging out with Saiki, but I chose to know you. Take a look at where we are now. That day, I'm glad I saw you beating up those thugs on your way to school."

Aren laughed, "I'm glad  I saw you running off," he stuttered, "I didn't mean it like that, you being scared of me it was downright awful, but you know what I mean." 

"Yeah, I do," Shun admitted, blushing. Once they had experienced the real thing. So. All these miles apart, still carry the memories of their time together. It's all so ridiculous. It's all so true. It's all so aggravating. Everything is excruciatingly painful. They'd never have it any other way. "Well, I'll be leaving now," he said as he gently punched Aren on the arm, "that's for being an idiot."

Aren shook his head slowly, blinking slowly through those hooded eyes; this time he didn't have anything to steal. Then his lips were pressed to his, softly kissing him. Aren leant back, softly humming. Shun pulled away, "and that is for everything else. Hey, we still have our manga to finish, so why don't you come over tomorrow?"

"Sure will," Aren said, nodding.
"This has been fun, Aren," Shun said, brushing his hair out of his eyes.

"It has," he said, raising his brow. "Also, using my words against me isn't smart," he rolled his eyes, grabbing Shun by the hem of his shirt and pulling him back in for another kiss, it's a win-win.

"Damn it!" Aren burst out laughing. He leant forwards and punched Shun in the arm. This punch was much rougher than the others. Shun could only stare while rubbing his aching shoulder."See ya later, Jet Black Wings,"

 Those words were like honey, it was sweet and sugary but sticky to get rid of. The motorbike began to rev up. 

"See ya later, Ren," Shun winked.

Love is complicated, painful, strange, thrilling, and dangerous. You have ups and downs, fights, mistakes, heartbreak, and loss. That's what Aren and Shun went through. For the time being, they remain by each other's sides, and through tears and longing, they find their place, right in front of them. Some say love is unexpected, that you'll fall for the most unlikely person, while others say it's destiny. In this crazy world, who knows? They say that the most important and meaningful kind of love is the unexpected kind. This is the kind of love you don't believe is possible until you're too deep in it and can't get out. Aren and Shun know what is like.