---
The morning passed in their usual chaotic harmony.
Ken packed his duffel bag with spare uniforms and water bottles. His taekwondo academy had a packed schedule that day, and he was already ten minutes behind.
"I'm heading out!" he called, slinging the bag over his shoulder.
"Wait," Arashi said from the couch, standing up casually.
Ken blinked. "What?"
"I'll walk you."
Ken paused. "To the academy? Why?"
Arashi shrugged, grabbing his jacket. "I'm your boyfriend, remember? Don't boyfriends do that crap?"
Ken's heart gave a traitorous flutter.
But his mouth? His mouth said, "You just don't trust me not to flirt with someone on the way."
"You're not wrong."
Ken scoffed, walking faster to hide the blush burning in his ears.
---
They walked side by side. Not close enough to hold hands—yet—but close enough that their shoulders brushed now and then.
It was awkward.
Sweet.
Strangely domestic.
And when they reached the academy gate, a couple of Ken's students spotted them.
"Oh? Ken-sensei, is that your… friend?" one asked, giving Arashi a curious look.
"He looks cool," another whispered.
Ken panicked. "He's just a friend! A very annoying one!"
Arashi raised a brow but smirked. "Don't worry. I'm just here to make sure no one kidnaps your sensei."
One of the girls laughed. "He's so protective! Is he your bodyguard?"
Before Ken could answer, Arashi leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Bodyguard sounds better than boyfriend, huh?"
Ken elbowed him in the ribs.
"Leave already!" Ken hissed under his breath.
Arashi chuckled and gave him a lazy wave. "Call me when you miss me, princess."
Ken flushed all the way to the tips of his ears as the students stared.
---
Later that afternoon, Ken was running drills with his older students when Arashi showed up again. This time, wearing sunglasses and holding two iced coffees.
He walked in like he owned the place.
"Sensei!" one student gasped. "Your friend's here again!"
Ken turned, lips parted. "Arashi?! Why are you here?!"
"Lunch break," Arashi replied smoothly. "Brought you coffee. And also…"
His eyes narrowed slightly at the group of sweaty boys around Ken. "…wanted to see which one of these kids I need to fight."
Ken dropped the clipboard. "They're my students. You're not fighting anyone."
One of the boys laughed nervously. "You sure he's not your boyfriend? He's acting like one."
Ken spluttered, "Mind your own drills!"
Arashi handed him the iced coffee with a wink. "Don't worry, princess. I'm just here to observe."
Ken sipped the drink, face glowing.
But when he looked up again, he saw Arashi standing behind him—arms crossed, clearly glaring at a 19-year-old student who'd been a little too chatty.
And Ken knew.
This was going to be a long day.
---