The sun hung high over the campus, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Kikidori leaned against a tree, his crimson eyes scanning the bustling students moving between buildings. Next to him stood Taiyo, hands shoved in his pockets, his usual mischievous grin plastered on his face.
"Hey, Kiki," Taiyo began, a teasing lilt in his tone. "I heard you and Ere'ana are getting all cozy in the dorms. What's next? Matching pajamas?"
Kikidori gave him a blank look, his voice as monotone as ever. "Why are you like this?"
Taiyo laughed, giving Kikidori a playful shove. "Because someone's gotta keep you on your toes, man. You're so serious all the time. Lighten up a little!"
"I'm fine the way I am," Kikidori replied, adjusting his gloves.
Taiyo smirked. "Fine, huh? Then let's see how 'fine' you are in a real fight."
Kikidori raised an eyebrow, his posture straightening slightly. "You want to fight me?"
"Not want. Need," Taiyo said, rolling his shoulders. "C'mon, it's been forever since we sparred. Let's see if you've still got it."
Kikidori sighed, stepping away from the tree. "Fine. But don't cry when you lose."
Taiyo's grin widened, and the two squared off, drawing the attention of a few curious onlookers. What started as a lighthearted challenge quickly escalated. Taiyo lunged first, aiming a punch at Kikidori's shoulder. Kikidori dodged effortlessly, his movements precise and calculated.
"Still slow," Kikidori muttered, sidestepping another swing.
"Oh, shut up!" Taiyo growled, aiming a kick that Kikidori blocked with ease.
The back-and-forth continued for several minutes, neither giving an inch. Taiyo's frustration began to show as Kikidori maintained his calm demeanor, dodging and countering with minimal effort.
Finally, Kikidori caught Taiyo's wrist mid-punch and twisted it gently but firmly, forcing him to back down.
"Give up?" Kikidori asked, his voice steady.
Taiyo pulled away, scowling. "Whatever. I'm done."
"Sure you are."
"I mean it this time, Kiki!" Taiyo snapped, throwing his hands up. "I'm not talking to you anymore!"
Kikidori blinked, unfazed. "You said that in elementary school, too. You lasted two days."
"This time, I mean it!" Taiyo huffed, turning on his heel and stalking off.
Kikidori watched him go, shaking his head slightly. "He'll be back."
---
Later that day, Kikidori found himself wandering into the library, searching for a quiet corner. The room was mostly empty, save for a familiar figure hunched over a table in the back. Tsuki.
She was deeply engrossed in her manga, her small frame hidden behind the book. Kikidori approached silently, pulling out the chair across from her.
As he sat down, Tsuki squealed, her face turning a shade of red so intense it was almost alarming. She immediately hid behind her book, peeking out nervously over the top.
"What?" Kikidori asked, his tone neutral. "I'm just sitting down."
Tsuki let out a tiny squeak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Y-you scared me…"
Kikidori tilted his head, studying her. "I didn't even say anything."
Tsuki's hands trembled as she lowered the book slightly, revealing her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. "W-why are you here?"
"Library's quiet," Kikidori replied, leaning back in his chair. "Why are you here?"
Tsuki fidgeted, her fingers clutching the edges of her manga. "I-I like it here… It's peaceful."
Kikidori nodded, his gaze drifting to the cover of her book. "Komi-San again?"
Tsuki's eyes lit up briefly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Y-yeah. It's… really good."
"You've read it a hundred times," Kikidori pointed out.
"I know," Tsuki murmured, her blush deepening. "It's comforting."
The two sat in silence for a moment, Tsuki sneaking glances at Kikidori while he stared out the window. Her heart raced, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind.
*He's so cool. So calm. So… perfect. But he's with Ere'ana. I don't have a chance…*
Kikidori glanced back at her suddenly, and Tsuki quickly hid behind her book again.
"You're acting weird," he said flatly.
"I-I'm not!" she squeaked, her voice muffled.
"Right." Kikidori didn't press further, letting the silence settle again.
For Tsuki, just being near him was enough. Even if she knew her feelings were hopeless, she cherished these quiet moments, however fleeting they might be.