The classroom buzzed with leftover festival energy. Students traded stories of food stalls and fireworks, laughter bouncing off the walls.
But at the back by the window, Ryuzí sat stiff as stone, chin propped on one hand, eyes fixed on the clouds outside. His other hand tapped the desk unconsciously, an uneven rhythm.
Across from him, Suki dropped into his seat with a dramatic sigh. "Morning!"
Ryuzí glanced at him briefly, then turned back to the window. "...Morning."
Suki pouted. "That's it? No snarky comment about me being late?"
"You weren't late."
"Still, you could at least say I look good today or something."
Ryuzí's ears turned faintly red. He muttered, "Idiot," without looking.
Suki blinked, then grinned like a cat. He's flustered.
"Yo, lovebirds."
Kenji plopped down on the desk in front of them, grinning wickedly. "Something weird in the air today. You two fighting? Or..." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "...Did something happen at the festival?"
Suki choked on his own spit. "N-nothing!"
Ryuzí's jaw tightened. "...Don't you have your own seat?"
"Relax, Ice Prince," Kenji chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "You're both red as tomatoes. Suspicious."
Aoi slid into her chair beside them, raising a brow. "Suspicious indeed. Suki can't even look Takeda in the eye without turning into a boiled crab."
"I am NOT—!" Suki yelped, face flaming.
"Case in point," Aoi deadpanned.
Ryuzí groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I'm surrounded by idiots."
Kenji smirked. "Hey, don't lump us in. We didn't have some romantic accident under the fireworks."
Suki slammed his head onto the desk. "KENJI!"
Ryuzí froze, eyes narrowing dangerously. "...What did you just say?"
Kenji blinked. "...Wait, so something DID happen?"
Suki's groan muffled into the desk. "I hate you."
Ryuzí's ears went scarlet. "...Nothing happened."
But the way he avoided everyone's eyes said otherwise.
During break, Suki dragged Ryuzí to the rooftop.
He leaned against the railing, trying to look casual, though his heart was racing. "...They're onto us."
Ryuzí crossed his arms. "There's nothing to be onto."
Suki tilted his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You keep saying that. But you're blushing, Ryuzí."
Ryuzí glared. "...No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"...Shut up."
The silence stretched, filled with the distant chatter of students below. Finally, Suki sighed. "Look, I didn't mean to freak you out yesterday. The words just... slipped."
Ryuzí's chest tightened. He remembered it too clearly—Suki's flushed face, the trembling voice, I like you, Ryuzí.
"...Don't say things you don't mean," Ryuzí muttered.
Suki's eyes widened. "Who says I didn't mean it?"
Ryuzí stiffened, turning away sharply. His pulse pounded in his ears.
Suki watched him, his smile softening. "You don't have to answer. I just... wanted you to know."
Ryuzí's throat felt tight. He wanted to snap, to push him away. But the words wouldn't come. Instead, all he managed was a rough, "...Idiot."
Suki grinned, leaning against the railing beside him. "Your idiot."
Ryuzí groaned, burying his face in his hands. This is going to kill me.
Back in the classroom, Kenji and Aoi exchanged knowing looks as the two reentered, sitting stiffly apart but with ears burning bright red.
"Definitely something happened," Kenji whispered.
"No doubt," Aoi agreed.
And though Ryuzí refused to meet anyone's eyes, and Suki tried desperately to act normal, the air between them was charged in a way that no one could miss.
The morning after had changed everything.