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Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Knows That a Dating App Is Where It All Begins 𓆪

A soft ding echoed through the train carriage, signalling the next station. The rhythmic hum of the tracks beneath you and the faint chatter of passengers faded into the background as your eyes lingered out the window, your cheek resting against the cool glass.

How you were able to keep still your eyes open was beyond you. A very long plane journey with a connecting flight, the occasional crybaby kicking the back of your damn seat and now on a train straight towards Tokyo—you could sleep just right about now.

Your headphones drowned out the world, the beat flowing through your ears, perfectly fitting the slow, dreamy daze you found yourself in. The kind of music that made you feel like you were in a movie except the main character wasn't supposed to be sitting alone on a train with two heavy-ass suitcases, heading toward a completely unfamiliar life.

A whole new country. 

A whole new chapter in your life.

Oh c'mon now, it wasn't like you hadn't prepared for this.

Studying psychology at one of Japan's most prestigious universities was something you worked hard for. A school that, despite having regular students like yourself, was also in partnership with Blue Lock, a program that created some of the best football players in the world. You had briefly watched their U-20 match, and knew the names of some of its stars—but that wasn't really your concern since those players were most likely not wanting to be distracted when they were trying to work hard.

The voice of your dad managed to echo in your head, his final words to you before you boarded the plane:

"Stay focused on the right things when you’re gone and not on these damn boys."

You had agreed. You really had. But then your phone vibrated in your lap.

[ Tinder: Welcome! Start swiping now 🩷]

You had agreed, not promised. There's a difference.

Downloading the app was half a joke "for the plot", as you told yourself. Wasn't this what the university experience was about? You didn't mind something serious but your actions reflected otherwise. One decent photo, your name, and somehow, in your rushed attempt to set it up, you had accidentally listed that you spoke German.

Which you knew damn well that you didn't.

Maybe it was the long ass journey that you had that made you have not even an ounce of motivation to build your profile fully. But a simple eye roll and lazy shrug made you go, 'Eh, it's whatever, I'll update it later.'

Your ears perked up again. That same ding from before echoed through the train carriage alerting yourself and the rest of the passengers that they were now at their destination.

The train rolled into the station with a soft screech, and you softly exhaled, slipping your phone into your pocket as you grabbed the handles of your luggage. The moment you stepped onto the platform, the energy of Tokyo hit you all at once. People moving with purpose, the sounds of distant announcements, the city's neon glow just beyond the station exits.

Just as you reached for your phone again to book a taxi, something caught your eye.

A hair and beauty supply store.

It sat right outside the station, its bright signs pulling you in. That was rare. Back at home, you knew exactly where to go for your essentials, but here? You figured you'd have to go on a whole manhunt just to find the right products.

"Might as well stock up now," you thought, tugging your suitcases along as you stepped inside.

The store smelled of shea butter and fresh packaging, shelves lined with familiar brands mixed with some you'd never seen before. Shelves lined with satin hair masks, edge control, and hair mouse. Yep, you'd be coming here often.

You were scanning a section of deep conditioners, wondering whether to grab one now or later when something disrupted the quiet atmosphere.

"I'm telling you, three bottles is excessive."

"And I'm telling you, it's called being prepared."

Your brows furrowed at the familiar voices. You peeked around the corner, only for your eyes to widen slightly.

Hyoma Chigiri and Meguru Bachira.

In the flesh. Right there, the same guys who happened to be attending the same university as you were bickering over hair bleach?

Chigiri, who looked even prettier in person with his long crimson hair, had his arms crossed over his chest in disapproval. Bachira, messy-haired and grinning as usual, held up three bottles of bleach like they were some rare treasure.

"What are you even preparing for?" Chigiri sighed. "A bleach shortage?"

Bachira pouted. "Man, you just don't get it, princess."

"Tch."

You could almost laugh. This was unbelievable. You had briefly watched these guys play in the U-20 match, knew they were some of the best strikers in the country, and yet here they were—arguing about hair dye like two stubborn ass siblings.

Before you could process it any further, Bachira's gaze suddenly flickered over to you.

And in a split second, his eyes lit up.

Oh shit.

"Ooh, we have an audience."

Before you could react, he was already walking over.

"You there! Miss Stranger! Help us settle this!"

Chigiri's head snapped toward you, eyes narrowing slightly. Unlike Bachira, he was immediately on guard.

"Bachira." His tone was low. "Don't go dragging strangers into your nonsense."

But Bachira ignored him, stopping right in front of you, flashing a mischievous grin.

"Tell me," he said, holding up the products. "Three bottles of bleach? Smart or stupid?"

You blinked, caught between amusement and disbelief. Play it cool.

Chigiri sighed. "Please say stupid."

You glanced at the bottles, then at Bachira's excited face, then at Chigiri's exasperated one.

"...It's excessive."

Chigiri smirked. "Thank you."

"But," you added, tilting your head, "...What volume is the developer?"

Bachira beamed. "See! She knows stuff."

Chigiri raised a brow, now actually listening.

You reached for one of the bottles in his hands, inspecting it. "Well, if you're using 30 or 40 volume, you need to be careful unless you want your hair to snap off. And if you're already bleaching it regularly..." you eyed the ends of his hair. "You should be using more bond builders and deep conditioners, not extra bleach."

Chigiri stared. Bachira gasped.

"Luggage girl," Bachira said in awe, "you're a genius."

You couldn't help but snort. "Luggage—?"

"You heard her," Chigiri cut in, snatching two bottles from Bachira's hands. "You're getting one. One."

Bachira pouted. "Boo, you're no fun."

You shook your head with a small smile. But Before you could even process how casual this whole interaction was, your phone vibrated in your pocket.

You pulled it out and…

[ Tinder: You have a new match! Michael Kaiser has swiped right on you 🩷]

Your brows furrowed. Michael Kaiser?

The name sounded... weirdly familiar. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it.

Your gaze flickered back up to Chigiri and Bachira, a thought forming. Maybe he was connected to football?

Would it be dumb to ask?

Well yes, but Bachira was dumb enough to ask you if three bottles of bleach was okay to use in his hair.

So it only seemed fair.

"Hey, do you guys know a—"

Before you could finish, Chigiri suddenly grabbed Bachira by the collar.

"Time to check out," he said firmly, glancing at the growing number of people entering the store, some of whom were sneaking glances in their direction.

"Wait—"

"Thanks for your wisdom, luggage girl!" Bachira called over his shoulder as he was practically dragged away.

And just like that, they were gone, leaving you standing there, still processing the past five minutes.

To a degree, you couldn't blame them for rushing off like that since with being a Blue Lock player, they probably get a lot of fans always bombarding them—you just happened to be the odd one out.

You deeply exhaled, shaking your head before glancing at your phone again and slipping it back into your pocket.

—

And it wouldn't be long until you were inside the warmth of the taxi car after buying your typical essentials. Deep conditioner, hair mask, a cheeky lip gloss and variety of other products.

The soft hum of the car engine filled the space as the taxi pulled onto the main road. The driver had told you it would take twenty minutes to reach the university campus. A short trip, but just enough time for you to relax.

Leaning against the window, you let your eyes drift over the passing cityscape, buildings flashing by in a blur of neon and glass. Tokyo at night had a different kind of energy, one that made you feel like you were stepping into an entirely new world.

Your thoughts flickered back to earlier. The unexpected run-in with Chigiri and Bachira, the way they rushed off before you could ask them about that name stuck in your head.

Michael Kaiser.

A deep sigh escaped from your lips, finally unlocking your phone and tapping on the Tinder notification you had ignored.

His profile loaded instantly.

Michael Kaiser, 20

Three photos—one candid, one mirror selfie, one of him on a football field.

No occupation listed.

No "About Me" section.

Just a single line under Dislikes: "Weak minded people."

Your brows lifted. That's it?

Okay, you definitely had no room to talk since your profile was barely complete.

But the difference was that you told yourself that you would get to finishing it later.

With him uploading more photos than you, he definitely could've spared adding more information on his profile.

No mention of what he did, what he liked, nothing. His pictures, though... annoyingly, he was attractive. Golden hair with ocean blue tips at the end, sharp blue eyes, and a confidence in his posture that practically screamed arrogance. But something about his profile felt... off.

This guy looks like he should be on Raya, not Tinder.

Everything about him gave the impression of someone with high status, like a celebrity or influencer or, more likely, a fake account using someone else's photos.

Still, you weren't taking any of this seriously, so you barely thought twice before swiping right.

No biggie.

You locked your phone, now resting your chin on your hand as you stared at the skyline.

Bzzzt.

Your phone vibrated again.

[ New message from Michael Kaiser. ]

Your brows furrowed as you tapped the notification.

Michael Kaiser: Glaubst du wirklich, dass du mich einfach so ignorieren kannst?

You stared hard at the message. Now why the hell was he speaking German—

You damn idiot.

You still had up "Speaks German" on your profile.

Your lips parted slightly before she exhaled through her nose, unimpressed. Yeah, this had to be a catfish.

And you didn't even bother translating it. Instead, you simply typed back:

You: no speak German.

Then, without hesitation, you blocked him.

You locked your phone again and tossed it onto your lap, shaking your head.

The taxi slowed to a stop, the hum of the engine cutting off as the driver shifted into park.

You glanced out the window, eyes widening slightly at the sight before you.

The university was even more massive than you imagined. Modern architecture, towering buildings illuminated by soft golden lights. In the distance, you spotted the dorm halls, standing tall against the night sky, students moving in and out with luggage and boxes.

With a sigh, you grabbed your phone before stepping out. The driver had already popped the trunk, pulling out your suitcases with ease.

You offered a small smile, "Thank you," before grabbing your bags and making your way toward the registration office.

—

The process was quicker than expected.

Showing a form of ID and proof of acceptance letter earned you a keycard with your dorm number and a warm welcome.

The hard part was finding your dorm.

Eventually, you found your assigned room, sliding in the keycard, and unlocking the door with a soft beep.

Stepping inside, you exhaled. The dorm was spacious, more than you expected.

A comfy bed neatly set against the wall, a small fridge and microwave tucked into the corner, a desk and chair under a mounted TV.

You dropped your bags near the door, already considering collapsing onto the bed when—

Incoming FaceTime Call: Dad ❤️

You blinked before chuckling, swiping to answer. Your dad's face filled the screen, grinning.

"There's my girl! You made it?"

You smirked. "No, Dad, I'm still at the airport."

He narrowed his eyes. "Smartass."

You slipped out a laugh, adjusting your phone so he could see the room. "I literally just got in. Barely had time to breathe."

Your dad's eyes scanned the dorm through the screen. "Not bad. Where's the kitchen?"

You snorted. "There isn't one."

"What?" His brows furrowed.

"My dorm package comes with catering," you explained, flipping the camera toward the mini fridge and microwave. "I don't need to cook any of my meals. But if I want something quick, I have this."

Your dad exhaled dramatically. "No cooking? Damn, I should've snuck inside your suitcase when I had the chance."

You rolled your eyes, "so typical of you."

"Anyways," he continued, "how was the trip? Not too stressful?"

You deeply sighed, running a hand through your strands. "Let's just say... it's already been interesting."

"Oh, I can imagine so," your dad leaned back on his couch, squinting at the screen. "Hey, by the way, you seen Shidou since you got there? I have some words for that idiot—I miss that spiky-haired firecracker."

At the mention of Ryusei Shidou, you froze for a split second.

Ryusei.

That name brought you straight back to a late night a year ago.

Back when you were bored out of your mind, sitting in the dim glow of your laptop screen, hopping through Omegle for no reason other than to see what kind of weirdos the internet had to offer.

And that's when he appeared.

A tanned guy with wild pink-tipped blond hair, a Cheshire Cat-like grin, and eyes that practically screamed trouble with the way the pink glowed so bright.

The first thing out of his mouth?

"Hey, d'you like explosives?"

You blinked, clearly unimpressed but weren't surprised since this was Omegle for you. "How many people have you asked this question so far?"

"Aww c'mon, it ain't polite to ignore someone's question, but I'll let it slide this once. Eighteen."

You exhaled through your nose. "Then I won't be surprised if I end up seeing your face all over social media. Only someone from the dark web would say some shit like that."

He clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch. Tell me one reason why I shouldn't skip past you right now?"

A smirk tugged at your lips. "Hey, I should be asking you the same thing, Mr. Buy-One-Get-One-Free Explosives Salesman."

He grinned wider. "Nah, I think I like you, so I'll hold off skipping you."

And from that moment on, it never stopped.

Despite the time zone differences, despite his obnoxious and cheeky personality, the two of you talked constantly. The Late-night texts, the unhinged voice notes and the sending each other memes that made zero. You never got bored of it.

He was loud, reckless, a little unhinged but for some odd reason, you liked it.

Maybe a little too much, to the point where you even had a crush on him. But then... life happened.

Shidou got busier and busier, and your conversations became shorter. Less frequent. Then, one day, it just... stopped. And that was that.

Or so you thought until a few months later.

You had been chilling at home, scrolling through your phone, when your dad suddenly called you over.

"Hey, isn't that your damn crazy Omegle friend? That damn devil."

You frowned, stepping into the living room only to see the Blue Lock vs. U-20 match on the screen.

And there he was.

Except he wasn't on Blue Lock's team.

He was on U-20's.

You stared at the screen in shock, watching as he wrecked defenders like it was nothing, scoring like he was born for it.

Your dad had been commenting on and straight yapping about his skill, but you barely processed it, too busy trying to wrap your head around it.

Why wasn't he in Blue Lock? Did he decide to leave and join a different team?

You never got the chance to ask. No point in sending him a message to rekindle a friendship.

He had better things going on.

And now, sitting in your dorm room, staring at your dad through the screen, you blinked before snapping back to reality.

"Oh... yeah. I don't think he's here Dad. Remember, he was on that U-20 team so I assume that I won't be seeing him around here on campus."

Technically, you didn't know for sure. But considering he wasn't part of Blue Lock's program, it only made sense.

Right?

Your dad sighed dramatically. "Damn. I was hoping to tell him to stop being an idiot."

You rolled your eyes whilst chuckling. "That's a full-time job, Dad."

He huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "Alright, I'll let you get settled. Call me tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah, yeah. Love you, Dad, talk to you tomorrow."

You ended the call, exhaling.

You hadn't thought about him in a while. At least, not until now.

But he's not here now so you needed to focus on more important things, like your suitcase.

Unpack now or leave it till tomorrow?

Your body screamed for rest, but your mind was wide awake, buzzing with the weight of reality finally settling in.

You were here.

In a whole different country.

Not knowing of what was to come.

The thought sat heavy on your chest, an odd mix of excitement and uncertainty.

You shook it off. A walk would help clear your head. Grabbing your phone and slipping on your green zipper hoodie, you decided to explore the campus.

Stepping outside, the cool night air greeted you, crisp and refreshing. The campus lights flickered softly, illuminating the quiet pathways.

And then, in the distance, you saw it.

The Blue Lock facility.

Even from afar, its bright lights and towering structure made it impossible to ignore.

You kept walking, passing by a football field where a group of guys were still running laps.

Training at this time is crazy work.

You raised a brow but shrugged it off, instead tilting your head up to admire the night sky. The stars were barely visible, but the way the moonlight reflected off the trees made for a beautiful sight. You were tempted to pull out your phone, aiming to snap the moment—

THWACK.

Pain exploded up your arm.

"What the—?!"

You barely registered the blur of a ball landing into a bush nearby before clutching your arm.

Your first instinct was to start saying all sorts of curses than confront who kicked the ball. You really weren't in the mood.

"Oh? So you're real after all."

Your head snapped up.

And when gaze landed on him, then first thing you noticed? His eyes.

Icy blue. Piercing. Like he could see straight through you, dissecting every reaction, every thought you hadn't even formed yet.

His smirk didn't waver as he took you in, completely at ease like he had been expecting this.

Golden-blond hair, slightly tousled from training, fell perfectly into place. The blue streaks at the ends of his mullet stood out under the campus lights, the twin deep-blue rat tails framing the sharp structure of his face.

But it was the red eyeliner tracing his lower lids that made him unforgettable. It made his gaze sharper, more intense as if he thrived off the attention it demanded.

Then there was the tattoo.

The deep blue rose on his neck bled into thorny, intertwined chains that snaked down his left arm, wrapping around his toned bicep before ending at his hand where a crown with a keyhole was inked across his skin.

Dressed in a black compression shirt, his physique was impossible to ignore, the fabric clinging to the definition of his chest and arms, each movement revealing the strength beneath.

His black shorts hung low on his hips, and his white and dark blue trainers were planted firmly on the ground.

And behind him, looking far less imposing, was a guy with pale skin almost seemed to glow under the artificial light, the ends of his light brown hair fading into soft purple.

Unlike him, whose presence commanded attention, his friend had a quieter intensity.

His purple eyes flickered between you and his friend, uncertainty flashing in them before he finally spoke.

"Uhh, Kaiser, do you guys know each other?"

Oh fuck.

You recognized him immediately.

Kaiser?

Michael Kaiser?

The same guy you unmatched on Tinder?

And his arms are now crossed, clearly amused and enjoying how flustered you look as he leans in to finally spit out.

"Oh, I did, for about 30 seconds before she blocked me."

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Makes His Presence Known Again 𓆪

"Oh, I did, for about 30 seconds before she blocked me."

Kaiser's voice carries amusement, his smirk sharp as he watches your reaction.

Your brows furrow, momentarily stunned. Your brain processes his words, but the dull ache in your arm snaps you back to reality.

"Wa-Wait who even kicked the ball?" You demand, irritation slipping into your tone as you clutch your sore arm. Your gaze flickers between Kaiser and his friend, your patience becoming thinner by the second.

Kaiser tilts his head, looking entirely unbothered, but before he can open his mouth, his friend hurriedly steps in.

"That was me," he admits, scratching his head. He puts on a sheepish smile, but there's something wary in his eyes as he looks at you. "It was an accident. Sorry about that."

You glance at him, sceptical, but his nervous demeanour makes you pause. Unlike Kaiser, who's clearly entertained by this, he seems... cautious.

Kaiser, however, doesn't seem interested in your back-and-forth with his friend. Instead, he takes a step closer, gaze dropping to your arm.

"Ness, go fetch the ball from the bush while I look at her arm."

Ness. So, that was his name and boy, was he obedient.

Because he was immediately on it, it was as if you blinked and then could see the bushes rustling, twigs flying as he searched beyond to fetch back the ball.

As for you, you turned your gaze back to Kaiser who was now taking a step closer to you.

"Let me see."

Your body tenses. "Why?"

"Because I asked."

There's something about the way he says it, smooth yet commanding, that makes you hesitate. He's close now, and you get a better look at him under the campus lights. The sharp blue of his eyes, the cocky tilt of his lips, the red eyeliner that somehow makes him look even more arrogant. His black compression shirt clings to his frame, accentuating toned arms and abs that really shouldn't be your focus right now.

Like, lock in for crying out loud.

Begrudgingly, you pull up your sleeve, exposing the reddened skin.

Kaiser hums, reaching out to run his fingers over the spot. His touch is unexpectedly gentle, until his thumb presses down just enough to make you wince.

You went to pull your arm away but he was quick to hold it firmly in place before it slithered away, tracing delicate circles on your skin to soothe the pain.

You really weren't sure if he was just finding any excuse to just feel you but you'd be lying if you said that you didn't like how gentle he was being with you.

He eventually lets go of your arm, allowing you to slip it back inside the sleeve of your hoodie. He's watching you intensely, not fussed with the fact that he had to look down at you as his frame towered over you.

His mouth was open but Ness returned with the ball in hand, shifting uncomfortably as he looked between the two of you.

"Here," he mutters to Kaiser before turning to you. "I really am sorry about that. It was an accident."

Ness offers you a final, wary glance before shifting his attention to Kaiser.

Kaiser, however, barely acknowledges him. Instead, he tilts his head toward you. "I'll walk you back."

You blink. "Huh?"

"Your dorm," he clarifies, like it should've been obvious. Then, turning to Ness, he adds while handing back to ball to him, "I'm done for the night. Go on without me, I'll meet you later."

Ness looks like he wants to protest but ultimately just sighs. "That's... fine. I guess I'll see you later then." He gives you one last unreadable look before heading off toward the Blue Lock facility, ball in hand.

You can't help but think whether or not Ness has something against you. His energy seemed off despite the constant apologies. But you shook the thoughts away as you turned your attention back to Kaiser.

You're left staring at Kaiser, still processing the fact that he's offering—no, deciding to walk you back.

You should probably say no. But you don't.

And it's a slow walk, the sounds of distant chatter and footsteps filling the air as students still roam the campus. The night breeze is cool against your skin, the campus lights casting a soft glow over everything.

Then, Kaiser speaks.

"Y'know, for someone who only had one photo up on her Tinder profile, you're way prettier in person."

Your step falters, heat rushing to your face which causes you to sheepishly rub the back of your neck.

You open your mouth, but before you can formulate a response, he effortlessly cuts in.

"So, then, why did you block me, Miss No-Speak-German?"

You groan, covering your face with your hand. "God, can we just—forget about that?"

"Hell no, not a chance," he grins, clearly enjoying this. "You swiped right, then blocked me. That's got to be a record."

You exhale, shaking your head. "Fine. I thought your account was fake."

Kaiser raises an eyebrow. "You're one to talk, your profile barely looked finished," a chuckle escapes out his lips, which makes you want to throw a brick at his head. "But yet, my profile looked fake? Enlighten me."

You glance at him before shrugging. "I don't know... You don't look Tinder-worthy. Maybe Raya-worthy, so that's why it shocked me to see you on there. You just look like a typical influencer."

Kaiser lets out a low chuckle, looking way too pleased. "I'll take that as a compliment. A German football prodigy on Raya wouldn't be out of the norm, though."

You shoot him a questioning look. "German football prodigy?"

He gives you a mock-offended look. "Don't tell me you don't know who I am."

You shrug again. "I know the Blue Lock players, but you? Not so much."

Kaiser scoffs, placing a hand over his chest dramatically. "Wounded. Absolutely wounded."

You roll your eyes. "So, you're a football player?"

"Specifically, the star striker of Bastard München," he corrects. He pauses, waiting for a reaction. 

As he paused, you swear to yourself that cricket noises filled the air.

And when you only blink, he sighs. "You really don't know anything about us, huh?"

You hum, shaking your head. "Well, I'm more curious about why you're here if you're on a completely different team."

You tilt your head slightly, crossing your arms. "Well, I'm more curious about why you're here if you're on a completely different team."

At that, his smirk deepens, amusement flickering in those sharp blue eyes. "Good question." He gestures ahead, subtly prompting you to keep walking.

You do, listening as he explains, "Myself and my team have moved to Japan to take part in a match that’s coming up to prepare for the U-20 World Cup. Teams from all over have come to Japan, and the Blue Lock players are temporarily joining different clubs to compete against each other."

You glance at him, intrigued. "Okay, that makes... a lot more sense now."

Kaiser hums in approval, but before he can add anything, you hesitate before saying, "And, um... sorry for going off on you like that before, genuinely thought that it was you that kicked the ball at me."

The moment the words leave your lips, you regret them.

Kaiser quirks a brow, his lips twitching before he says, "Apology not accepted."

You groan dramatically, rolling your eyes. "Oh my God, you are impossible."

"Relax," he says casually, shrugging. "I'm not offended—the same way I'm not offended that you blocked me in less than a minute."

You groan again, covering your face for a moment before dropping your hands in defeat. As you approach your dorm, he slows his pace. "So, what are you studying here?"

You glance at him, surprised by the genuine curiosity in his voice. "Psychology."

Kaiser tilts his head, considering that. "Interesting choice. Trying to analyze people?"

You smirk. "Trying to understand them."

He hums, his smirk mirroring yours. "Well then... just be mindful since you might get hurt in the end the more you try to understand someone."

Before you can respond, you arrive at your dorm entrance. You turn to him, sighing. 

"Hey, umm... thank you for walking me back when you didn't have to..." You're rubbing the back of your neck sheepishly as you avert your gaze elsewhere.

The guilt was definitely eating you alive for sure.

You would've gone ahead with unblocking him but it's not like you can just search his name if he's been unmatched.

Instead of responding immediately, Kaiser takes a step closer.

Way too damn close.

Your back presses against the door instinctively as he leans in slightly, his presence looming over you. His cologne—fresh, with a hint of spice—invades your senses, making your breath hitch. His sharp blue eyes flicker to the sides, scanning the empty corridor, as if ensuring no one else is around.

Then, he lowers his head, his lips hovering just beside your ear.

"Y'know something? I would've asked you for your number... but you'll just block me again, won't you?"

Your face feels unbearably warm, lips parting slightly as you try to formulate a response.

Nothing comes out.

He chuckles under his breath, the sound deep and smug. His voice drops even lower, barely above a whisper. "But then again... we happen to go to the same university now, so it's not like I can't find you around campus, huh?"

Before you can even react, he pulls away, taking a step back like nothing just happened.

You stare at him, still pressed against the door, heart pounding in your chest.

Kaiser, hands in his pockets, simply smirks before turning on his heel, strolling away like he didn't just throw your brain into a frenzy.

"Hey!? What the hell, Kaiser?" You finally snap out of it, your voice slightly higher than you intended.

He doesn't stop walking. Without turning around, he lifts a hand and waves lazily over his shoulder. "Sorry, not sorry."

You gape at his retreating figure before groaning in frustration, aggressively unlocking your door and stepping inside.

Why on earth did he have to be so damn annoying yet so... attractive at the same time?

—

The morning sun poured through the thin curtains of your dorm room, casting a golden hue over the walls. The soft hum of your alarm filled the air, pulling you from a well-deserved sleep. 

Your body had practically melted into the mattress last night. But now, duty called.

With a groggy stretch and a few reluctant blinks, you finally sat up, rubbing your eyes.

After dragging yourself to the bathroom to shower and brush your teeth, you immediately reached for your spray bottle, misting your hair with water before applying your leave-in conditioner. Your fingers worked through your strands with care. The process was muscle memory at this point, but that didn't make it any less time-consuming.

As you stood in front of the mirror, your mind inevitably drifted back to him.

Kaiser.

How was it possible that someone you had only met yesterday had already wormed his way into your thoughts? It was infuriating.

Why did he have to say that in my ear?

You scowled at your reflection. It was annoying no, infuriating how easily he made you flustered. The way he leaned in, the scent of his cologne, that smug smirk like he knew exactly what he was doing. Worst of all, he was right. You had blocked him almost instantly, and now, you couldn't even undo it if you wanted to.

Not that I would've, you thought quickly, shaking your head.

Pushing those thoughts aside, you focused on finishing up. By the time you were done tying your hair up into a loose style, nearly an hour had passed. If you had woken up any later, you would have been running late for your first psychology lecture.

The psychology lecture hall was surprisingly spacious, with rows of seats arranged in a slight incline. You found yourself sitting near the window, allowing the morning breeze to occasionally brush against your face. The professor was already speaking, giving an overview of the content you'd be covering throughout the semester. You were listening... or at least, you were trying to.

Instead, your mind was wandering.

Not about Kaiser, definitely not him.

Okay, maybe a little about him.

But mostly, you were just zoning out, staring at the campus field visible through the window. A group of athletes was running drills, probably the university's football players. Even from a distance, you could see how effortlessly they moved, their footwork sharp and precise. Kaiser was nowhere to be seen there but you still squinted your eyes to see if there was any chance you could.

Then, suddenly—

"Heyo, luggage girl, it's you!"

Your body tensed.

The voice was unmistakable.

Snapping your head toward the field, your eyes landed on a familiar face. A grinning Bachira, mid-run, waving at you like an excited child. His wild yellow-streaked hair bounced as he ran, his eyes practically gleaming with mischief.

Your stomach dropped.

Heads turned.

Despite the lecturer telling everyone to quiet down, students began murmuring, whispering among themselves as they glanced between you and Bachira shouting from the field. Heat rushed to your face as you instinctively sank into your seat, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

You were already plotting to kill him the next time you saw him.

From the field, Bachira continued waving enthusiastically, his grin never faltering.

"Bachira, stop being so damn distracting," a sharper voice called out.

You hesitated before glancing back down.

Chigiri stood a few feet away from Bachira, arms crossed, his long red hair tied back into a high ponytail. He looked mildly annoyed but also slightly surprised when his gaze landed on you.

"Oh shit, had no idea she's studying here too..." He murmured to himself as he watched you.  

Great. Now Chigiri, too. He's also being added to your hit list.

Bachira only laughed, jogging backwards as he prepared to return to training. "We'll catch up later!" he shouted, flashing one last playful wink before focusing back on his lap.

You exhaled slowly, staring at the desk in front of you as the class's attention gradually shifted back to the lecture.

—

The sound of zipping backpacks and shuffling papers filled the lecture hall as students packed up their things. The first lesson of the semester was officially over. You swung your brown shoulder handbag over your arm, sliding your phone into it before making your way toward the door, weaving through the crowd of students eager to leave.

But as soon as you stepped outside the classroom, you nearly collided with two people standing directly in front of the doorway.

You took a startled step back, blinking up at the two familiar faces now blocking your path. 

Bachira and Chigiri.

Your brain stuttered for a second.

You didn't think much of it earlier when Bachira said he'd catch up later—but you didn't think he meant right after your lesson ended.

Before you could even get a word in, Chigiri cut straight to the point.

"Why didn't you tell us that you studied at the same place as us?"

Your eyebrow arched at the sudden interrogation.

Rolling your eyes, you crossed your arms. "Umm, maybe because you guys ran off before I could even get a chance to say anything?"

Bachira let out a loud, amused giggle, making you glance at him warily.

"You guys ran off like you committed a murder," you added, watching as Chigiri exhaled through his nose and looked away, clearly unimpressed by your dramatics.

Bachira, however, only seemed more entertained.

"Okay, okay, fair point," he laughed, slinging an arm around your shoulders before you could protest. "How about we make up for it by having lunch together? Dining hall's got some pretty good food, y'know."

You tilted your head up at him, unimpressed. "That sounds like bribery."

"That is bribery," Chigiri deadpanned beside him.

Bachira ignored him. "Sooo, you in?"

You exhaled, glancing between the two before shrugging. "Fine. But if the food sucks, I'm blaming you."

Bachira grinned, giving your shoulder a small squeeze before dragging you along.

—

The scent of food lingered in the air, and for a moment, you had to admit, it actually did smell good.

You settled into your seat, setting your drink down as you glanced at the two footballers sitting across from you.

Bachira was already stuffing rice balls into his mouth with childlike enthusiasm, chewing happily as Chigiri picked at his meal with more composure.

You leaned back, crossing your arms with a small smirk. "Y'know, I have a name other than 'luggage girl'?"

Bachira barely paused mid-bite, swallowing quickly before flashing you an innocent look. "Oh? What is it?"

The way his yellow eyes beamed with curiosity as he stuffed his face with no care with how he looked made you crack a smile.

"It's [y/n]."

Bachira hummed, testing the name on his tongue before grinning again. "Mmm that's a pretty sweet name but, nah, I think luggage girl suits you better."

You lightly kicked his shin under the table.

"Ow—!"

Chigiri shook his head, sighing. "You deserved that."

You chuckled, shaking your head as you reached for your bottle of water, taking a slow sip. So far, this interaction had been... surprisingly chill. Normal, even. You weren't sure what you expected, but it was nice sitting with two of Blue Lock's most talented players and just talking like regular students.

As you set your bottle down, Chigiri's voice broke the momentary silence.

"So, you said you study psychology, correct?"

You nodded, brushing some stray curls from your face. "Yeah, I did."

Chigiri hummed, absently twirling his fork between his fingers. "I think some people definitely need to be psychoanalysed in this day and age."

His red eyes flicked toward you with mild amusement before adding, "Especially those in Blue Lock."

Bachira, mid-bite, perked up. "Like who?" he asked, voice slightly muffled through his food.

Chigiri didn't miss a beat.

"Like you."

Without waiting for a reaction, he flicked his long red hair over his shoulder with a perfectly executed flourish.

He ate him up, like literally.

You snorted, watching as Bachira gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as if he'd just been personally victimized.

"Wow, Chigiri! You wound me!" he pouted. "For your information, I think I'm perfectly fine, hmph."

Chigiri rolled his eyes. "Don't you speak to ‘the monster?’ Yeah, that's what I thought."

You shook your head as the two fell into playful bickering, their voices overlapping as they tossed half-serious insults at each other.

But then, amid their back-and-forth, someone caught your eye.

Across the dining hall, a group of players had just walked in, the energy in the room shifting the moment they stepped inside.

Lo and behold, Kaiser.

And from the looks of it, a few other players from Bastard München.

You watched as they moved through the space with ease, hovering near a cluster of guys who dapped them up. Meanwhile, a few girls nearby were doing their best to get Kaiser's attention.

You could hear the faint, flirtatious lilt in their voices even from here, see the way they tossed their hair and leaned in closer.

But the moment your eyes locked with his, he made sure to hold his gaze with yours. That ever-present smirk curling at his lips was put on display like he knew exactly what he was doing to you.

His arms were crossed, posture relaxed, but his body was angled slightly in your direction as if unconsciously drawn to you.

Your grip on your water bottle tightened, heat creeping up your neck.

Why did he look at you like that? Like he had you all figured out already?

You needed to look away. Break the eye contact. Act like you weren't getting caught up in whatever game he was playing.

But you couldn't.

It was as if he had you under some kind of spell, one you weren't even aware you were falling into.

Then, in perfect sync, two sets of fingers snapped in front of your face.

Sassy much?

"Hellooo? Earth to [y/n] or luggage girl?"

You jolted slightly, blinking rapidly as you turned to find Bachira and Chigiri both staring at you.

Bachira tilted his head, grinning. "You totally zoned out just now."

Chigiri leaned his chin on his palm, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. What were you even looking at?"

Yeah, you were cooked.

You forced a cough, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing. Just... got lost in thought."

You ignored the way Bachira shot Chigiri a look, both of them clearly not believing you.

Clearing your throat, you quickly changed the subject. "Anyways, what were you guys saying before?"

Chigiri leaned forward slightly, his red eyes still holding a trace of amusement. "We were asking if you were free later tonight."

You tilted your head. "Later tonight?"

Bachira nodded eagerly, setting his chopsticks down. "Yup! There's a dorm party happening later. Karasu, Otoya, and Yukimiya are hosting. It's an open invite, so we figured we'd ask if you wanted to come."

A party?

You definitely weren't expecting that.

You hesitated, rolling the idea around in your head. You liked partying, sure but you still hadn’t finished unpacking in your door and decorating your room.

"Uhh, I don't know..." you trailed off, tapping your fingers against your water bottle.

Out of the corner of your eye, you could still feel it. That presence.

You didn't have to look to know that Kaiser was still watching you.

It was like a lingering weight, an unspoken awareness that sat heavy against your skin.

But you forced yourself to keep your focus on Bachira and Chigiri.

Bachira grinned, leaning in slightly. "Oh c'mon, luggage girl. It's your first real day here, and what better way to settle in than with some good vibes only?"

You narrowed your eyes at the nickname but let it slide. Just this once.

Chigiri, ever the voice of reason, added, "If you're worried that you'll be the only girl there then don't worry, people who ain't part of the Blue Lock Project will be there too."

That did make the offer slightly more tempting.

You didn't know many people yet, and while the idea of a party wasn't entirely in your comfort zone, but it was better than spending the night unpacking alone in your dorm.

You sighed, finally giving in. "Alright, fine. I'll come."

Bachira immediately cheered, throwing his hands up. "Yes! That's what I'm talking about!"

Chigiri simply smirked. "Good choice."

—

The afternoon passed in a blur and before you knew it, it was time to prepare for tonight.

Standing in front of your mirror, you added the final touches to your makeup.

A subtle yet flawless beat, lashes curled to perfection, and a glossy finish on your lips

Your face card definitely wasn't declining tonight.

Your outfit was effortlessly put together. The black mini dress hugged your figure perfectly, the high neckline and long sleeves balancing out the bold cutout at your chest that paired well with your black platform ankle boots.

Just as you were adjusting your earrings, your phone buzzed.

Bachira🐝: we're outside your door!!

Earlier, you had exchanged phone numbers with Chigiri and Bachira. So, it only made sense for him to be messaging you... but a simple knock on the door would've sufficed. 

You smirked and quickly typed back.

You: You do know you can just knock, right?

Bachira🐝: My hands are busy. Gotta preserve them for when it's time to start drinking

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head as you grabbed your handbag.

With one last glance in the mirror, you made your way to the door.

As soon as you opened it, you were met with Bachira and Chigiri's eyes widening in unison.

Bachira let out a low whistle. "Damn, okay, luggage girl. You didn't have to go this hard on us."

Chigiri, who usually had a cool demeanour, actually looked a little impressed. " You look good."

"Why thank you bumble bee and princess." You teased, stepping out and locking your door behind you.

Bachira stretched his back before walking backwards and flashing a cheeky grin towards you and Chigiri who had already begun walking. "You're gonna break some hearts tonight, I just know it."

Chigiri smirked. "Or break some egos."

You laughed as the three of you made your way down the hallway, the night officially beginning.

—

The walk to Karasu, Otoya, and Yukimiya's dorm was short, just a five-minute trip across campus, but the closer you got, the clearer it became that the party was already going to be an interesting one.

The muffled bass of the music pulsed through the walls, blending with the occasional burst of laughter and chatter from students loitering in the hallway, some already tipsy.

The front door was already wide open, practically inviting you in. The three of you stepped inside, and immediately, the scent of alcohol, sweat and weed hit you like a wave.

The shared dorm was noticeably bigger than yours, considering that yours was single. 

Neon LED lights flickered in different colours, casting an electric glow over the room. The speakers blasted music loud enough that you could feel the bass vibrating under your feet.

Groups of students crowded the space, some deep in conversation, others dancing freely. Bottles of alcohol were being passed around, and the occasional smell of weed just kept lingering in the air.

Bachira grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Now this is what I call a proper welcome party."

Chigiri shot him a look. "You say that like you don't party every other weekend."

"That's a lie. I only party every weekend." Bachira smirked before turning to you. "You good, luggage girl?"

He definitely wasn't planning to let go of this damn nickname anytime soon.

You rolled your eyes at the nickname but nodded. The vibe was definitely wild, but nothing you couldn't handle.

"Yo, princess and bumblebee."

You turned around to see three guys making their way toward you. Karasu was in the middle, his signature smirk present as his sharp eyes glinted with amusement. Otoya walked beside him, hands in his pockets, casually scanning the scene with a laid-back grin as he was eyeing girls' asses, while Yukimiya, with his composed aura, gave off an effortless charm.

As they reached you, Chigiri and Bachira were dapping them up and when they were done, all three sets of eyes landed on you.

Karasu was the first to speak. "So, who might you be?" His grin was playful, but there was a glint of curiosity in his gaze.

You barely had time to answer before you felt another gaze—Otoya, who was very blatantly checking you out, his eyes trailing over your outfit without an ounce of subtlety. Meanwhile, Yukimiya simply offered you a warm, polite smile.

The contrast was almost comical.

Chigiri took it upon himself to introduce you. "This is [y/n]. She's a friend of ours so go easy on her."

Karasu chuckled, glancing between Bachira and Chigiri beside you. "Well, a friend of princess and this monster bumblebee here is a friend of mine. Right, guys?"

"Yo," Otoya hummed, his grin widening.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, darling," Yukimiya said smoothly, bowing his head slightly before lifting the red cup in his hand.

Without hesitation, he held the cup out to you. The clear liquid inside swirled slightly, the scent of vodka and Sprite mixing in the air. You raised an eyebrow at him.

"And this is...?" you asked, eyeing the drink with mild suspicion.

Yukimiya chuckled, "Just vodka and Sprite. I poured it before we walked over, haven't touched it."

Otoya and Karasu snickered as Yukimiya's gentlemanly nature showed itself.

"A gentleman as always, Yuki," Otoya teased.

Yukimiya merely shrugged, still smiling. "What can I say? Some of us have manners."

You took the drink, the cold condensation of the cup pressing against your fingers. "Appreciate it."

Karasu gestured around the room. "Make yourselves comfortable. There are bottles scattered everywhere if you need a refill, but if you want something colder, the kitchen's over there."

"And if you want a blunt then come head over there." Otoya gestured over towards his bedroom as he looked down at you before winking.

"Not a damn chance you down bad ninja-shit, c'mon get a move on." Karasu and Yukimiya grabbed Otoya's collar and dragged him away. 

You began giggling at the scene as Otoya was grumbling under his breath, Karasu bursting out with laughter and Yukimiya was the same smile shaking his head as they lead him elsewhere in the party.

—

And the night went on as it was filled with a mixture of laughter, drinks, smoking and blasting music.

You had long since lost count of the rounds you'd taken, each sip of liquor sinking you deeper into a carefree state. You mingled effortlessly with other students and even crossed paths with familiar footballers like Isagi, Nagi, and Reo. Conversations flowed between playful banter and random debates, and between drinks.

At some point, you slipped away.

Chigiri and Bachira were too preoccupied, caught in flirtatious exchanges with a group of girls giggling at every word they said. You didn't bother interrupting. Instead, you wandered into the dimly lit living room, where the atmosphere was vastly different.

Here, the bass of the music thrummed deep, a sultry, intoxicating beat guiding the slow and sensual movements of the people swaying together. The neon lights cast a warm glow over the scene, illuminating shifting bodies lost in the rhythm.

Alone or not, you didn't care.

Your hips instinctively moved to the music, arms loosely lifted as you let yourself sink into the melody. Your eyes fluttered shut, the feeling of the moment washing over you. There was something liberating about letting go, about not thinking, just feeling.

But then, warmth.

A looming presence.

Large hands found their place on your hips, steady yet firm, guiding your movements in sync with the beat.

You knew who it was before he even spoke.

The deep, husky voice ghosted against your ear, teasing and familiar. "Funny seeing you here. I didn't know one of Shakira's backup dancers snuck into this party."

Your lips curled into a smirk, but you didn't open your eyes. You didn't have to.

"Shut up, Kaiser," you muttered, but your body betrayed you, still moving against him, still letting his hands stay where they were.

He chuckled, the sound rich and smug. The scent of liquor mixed with weed clung to him, making your mind hazy. His grip on your hips tightened slightly, his breath fanning against your ear once more.

"You look really good tonight."

You scoffed, playful but slightly flustered. "How many girls have you said that to?"

Kaiser hummed, acting as if he were genuinely considering it. "I'd love to say twenty-five, but I guess I'll just have to go with one."

A quiet chuckle escaped your lips, and that was when he moved.

Effortlessly, he turned you around, your body now facing his as you blinked up at him. The neon lights painted streaks of blue and violet across his sharp features, and despite the arrogance in his smirk, his eyes held something unreadable.

Towering over you, his gaze locked onto yours. You could tell that this man had been smoking with the way his eyes weren't his usual deep ocean orbs and were now a crimson shade.

Kaiser tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming with amusement. "If I ask for your number, will you promise that you won't block me again?"

You crossed your arms, tilting your head at him with a playful glint in your eyes. "Hmm, I don't know... I can't make any promises cause I might just end up doing it again."

Kaiser let out a deep chuckle, unfazed. "Then I'll just get a new number to reach you again."

You rolled your eyes, though the corners of your lips twitched up. "It's definitely giving down bad."

"Can you really blame a guy like me though?"

You scoffed at his smooth response, but before you could even think of a comeback, your curiosity got the best of you. "Weren't those girls earlier good enough for you to ask for their number?"

His smirk widened. "Oh?" His voice dropped to something even more teasing. "So you were watching me?"

Damn idiot, why would you admit that?

Your breath hitched slightly at the realisation, eyes widening before you quickly tried to recover. "I–I wasn't watching you, I just—"

Kaiser grinned, clearly enjoying your flustered reaction. "You're a little creep, ain't you?"

Heat flooded your face as you stumbled over your words. "I—You were literally doing the same thing!"

Kaiser let out a low hum, his expression completely unashamed as he openly admitted, "Of course I was. But at least I own up to it."

You were stumped. This man had no shame whatsoever.

Before you could say anything else, Kaiser's hand found your waist, pulling you just a little closer. His touch was firm yet teasing, fingertips pressing lightly against the fabric of your dress. "Just relax," he murmured, voice low and smooth. "You're a sight for sore eyes anyway."

With one hand still on your waist, he casually pulled out his phone with the other, unlocking it and handing it to you.

You let out a huff, lazily smiling at him as you took his phone when he handed it to you. Your fingers tapped against the screen as you entered your number. But just as you were about to input the last three digits—

A loud crash.

And full on shouting.

Your head snapped toward the living room, where a group of guys were shoving at each other, the knuckles in their hands creating harsh impacts when connected to one another's temples. The tension in the room shifting in an instant. People backed away, some spectating with amused grins, others trying to break it up before it escalated further.

Kaiser clicked his tongue, pulling his phone back. "Of course, someone has to start shit."

But you weren't listening.

The spinning in your head had worsened, the liquor in your system finally taking its toll. Your stomach twisted painfully, and the heat in the room became unbearable.

Served you right for drinking so much like there was no tomorrow because now you were going to vomit.

"I—I need to go," you muttered, your voice slightly slurred before slipping away, your balance uneven as you pushed past the growing crowd.

"What the fuck?! [y/n]?!" He called out to you, but the shouting and now never-ending chaos swallowed his voice.

Your vision blurred, the neon lights and bodies blending together into indistinguishable shapes. Your breathing was uneven as you stumbled through the hallway, looking for the bathroom.

Door after door.

Too many damn doors.

You picked the nearest door you could see, and just hoped that it was the right one because at this point, you could care less if you happened to accidentally vomit in Karasu, Otoya or Yukimiya's room.

That would be tomorrow's problem to sort out.

Your hand slammed against one of them and you continued the same motion again and again and again. "Whoever's in there, hurry the hell up! I need to—"

A few seconds passed before the lock clicked, and the door swung open.

Your breath caught in your throat.

A familiar but completely unexpected face stared back at you.

Standing there, shirtless with a pissed-off expression and a half-finished drink in his hand, was Ryusei Shidou.

Bleached blonde hair, a few loose pink strands falling over his forehead. Striking magenta eyes, sharp and lined with annoyance. His toned frame was on full display, a chain dangling around his neck, and his sweats hung low on his hips and the faint smell of cologne and alcohol clung to him.

His irritation quickly turned into surprise. "Wait... [Y/N]?"

His brows furrowed in disbelief. "Is that you?"

You barely processed his words.

Your stomach lurched.

You pushed past him, barely making it to the toilet before you threw up.

The last thing you remembered before everything went black was the feeling of strong hands catching you before your body could collapse onto the cold bathroom floor.

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Sends Temptation Instead 𓆪

Everything is a blur.

Your body feels heavy, your stomach churns, and your head is pounding. You can faintly hear the muffled chaos of the party still going on around you—yelling, shouting, the distinct sound of something breaking.

Voices filter in, but it's hard to make them out.

"Umm, shouldn't we just stop them?" The voice is distant, familiar—Yukimiya?

Someone else responds, voice cocky yet amused. "Nah, I'm in first." Was that... Karasu?

Then, another voice, light and teasing. "Now here's an image—womp womp womp wompp." Typical Otoya.

Your thoughts swirl in the darkness. What the hell is even happening?

Then, just as suddenly, everything fades into silence.

For a moment, you swear that you saw him. 

That messy blonde and pink streaked hair, sharp golden eyes that you hadn't seen in months to almost a year—Shidou.

Was your mind playing tricks on you?

Your thoughts shift, flashing back to Kaiser—his smirk, the way he whispered against your ear, how he held you so effortlessly in the dim lights of the party. You remember staring up at him, cheeks heating up, and you were seconds away from giving him your number—except... you didn't even finish putting in the last three digits.

And then, everything goes black.

The pounding in your head is the first thing you register when you stir. Your body feels like lead, and your mouth is dry—an unfortunate reminder of the sheer amount of alcohol you consumed last night.

With a groggy groan, you shift slightly, feeling soft sheets beneath you. This... isn't your bed.

Your eyes flutter open, adjusting to the dim lighting of the unfamiliar room. The first thing you notice is how big everything feels—probably because the clothes you're in are three times your size—a baggy T-shirt drapes over your frame, and the faint scent of cologne clings to the fabric.

Your eyes dart around, taking in your surroundings. The room is... surprisingly neat. The walls are decorated with posters of football legends, and there are a few dumbbells scattered on the floor. A half-empty water bottle sits on the bedside table, and—

A deep, familiar voice snaps you out of your daze.

"You finally up, Sleeping Beauty?"

You whip your head to the source of the voice, eyes widening as they land on Ryusei Shidou.

He's sitting at the edge of the bed, tossing a mini soccer ball between his hands, his blonde and pink hair damp from what you assume was a recent shower. The first thing you notice—besides the smug grin plastered on his face, is that he's shirtless, his toned frame on full display.

Your brain short-circuits.

You bolt up immediately, only to groan as nausea hits you like a truck. "What the hell..."

"Careful," Shidou muses, strolling over to sit at the edge of the bed. "Wouldn't want you passing out on me again."

It's then that you do a double take and realise that you're in his oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts that are way too big for her.

You're quick to glare at him immediately. "Did you—?"

Shidou raises his hands in mock defence. "Relax, doll. You threw up on your dress, and I wasn't about to let you sleep in that mess." His smirk deepens. "Not that I minded stripping you down a little."

You groan, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. "You're disgusting."

He laughs, effortlessly dodging. "Hey, you should be thankin' me doll," in one swift motion, he effortlessly twirls the ball on the tip of his index finger. "I carried you out that shitty fight that was going on last night—open invite my ass, more like an open invite to all hell breaking loose."

Your head is still spinning, but there's a growing realization—this isn't just some random encounter. This is Ryusei. The same Ryusei Shidou you used to talk to online for months, the one who used to stay up with you on late-night calls, the one who disappeared and just became distant.

As if sensing your thoughts, his expression softens, just slightly. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

You exhale, running a hand through your curls. "Yeah, no thanks to you."

Shidou tilts his head. "You're mad at me, huh?"

You don't answer, but the silence is enough.

His smirk fades for a moment. "Look... I know I ghosted. That was shitty of me." He leans back against the bed as he looks up at the ceiling. "I was all over the place, training, matches, moving around—didn't think you'd wanna hear from me when I had no time."

You harshly scoff. "You could've at least said something."

"Yeah." His voice is quieter now, more serious. "You're right."

For a moment, there's silence. Your eyes flicked back over to him. You could tell that the guilt was eating him up inside and you'd be lying if you said that you didn't feel bad.

Sure, he made a mistake but you knew Shidou and you were beginning to realise that he most likely didn't mean to hurt you by distancing himself.

"You damn idiot." You murmured out, your hand reaching out to ruffle his damp hair. 

Shidou shakes his head, grinning again. "So, what, you got an offer to move to Japan and study at this university? And not tell me?"

You roll your eyes. "You weren't exactly picking up your phone."

He chuckles. "Fair point."

Then, Shidou tilts his head at you, something unreadable in his gaze. "So... how's your old man doing?"

You blink at the sudden change in topic. "My dad?"

Shidou nods, absentmindedly rolling the ball between his fingers. "Yeah. Haven't talked to him in a minute."

A small smile tugs at your lips. "He's good. Actually..." You hesitate for a moment before continuing, "he misses you."

Shidou raises an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised. "For real?"

You nod, shifting to sit up properly. "Yeah. He was hyping you up when he watched the U-20 match on TV."

His expression flickers with something unreadable. "...Wait. He watched?"

You glance away, suddenly feeling sheepish. "We both did."

His eyes widen slightly. "No way."

You hum in confirmation, running a hand through your strands. "He was talking about your playstyle the entire time—saying how aggressive but effective you were. He really thinks you've got what it takes to go pro."

Shidou stares at you for a moment before a slow, cocky grin spreads across his face. "Hah. Knew I always liked your old man."

You roll your eyes. "Don't let it get to your head."

"Too late," he quickly remarks. Then, after a beat, he tilts his head, watching you curiously. "So? What'd you think?"

You blink. "Think of what?"

"My game, dumbass." His smirk widens. "I know you were watching me real close."

You scoff. "I was watching the match—not just you."

He clicks his tongue. "Tch. Liar."

You groan but eventually give in. "...You did good."

"That all?"

You harshly huff out, looking away. "Despite losing, yeah, you did good."

Shidou leans in slightly, a lazy grin tugging at his lips. "Aww, you care."

You shove him lightly, but he only chuckles. There's something about the moment that feels... real. Comfortable, like slipping back into an old rhythm you didn't realize you missed.

His expression softens, and for a second, it almost looks like he wants to say something else.

But instead, he suddenly hops off the bed, stretching dramatically. "Aight, enough about football. You, my dear, owe me an entire day."

You blink. "What?"

Shidou turns to you with his signature wolfish grin. "We're skipping."

Your gaze is expressionless. "Skipping what?"

"Classes for you and training for me. Just all that boring shit." He grabs a random hoodie from his closet, tossing it over his head. "I'm taking you out."

You snort. "And what makes you think I'll go along with this?"

His vision comes back once he slips on the hoodie his eyes now land back on you. He crosses his arms and leans against the wall with a knowing look since he knows how to play this game of convincing you.

"There's a massive Sanrio store in Tokyo and I'm pretty sure they sell an oversized Cinnamoroll plushie."

He didn't need to tell you twice.

You completely ignored your hammering headache as you jumped right out of his bed with determination and energy.

"Let me quickly get back to my dorm to change because there's absolutely no way I'm wearing your big-ass clothes."

—

And back in your dorm, you waste no time peeling off Shidou's oversized clothes and slipping into something more comfortable—an oversized hoodie of your own, paired with brown flared leggings. Your head is still a little heavy from last night's chaos, but a quick splash of cold water to your face does wonders in waking you up.

Once dressed, you finally reach for your phone, dreading what you might find. The moment the screen lights up, you genuinely think that you've shat yourself.

14 missed calls.

27 unread messages.

Chigiri. Bachira. And... an unknown number?

Your eyebrows furrow as you scroll through the frantic messages. You decide to open Chigiri and Bachira's separate texts and well... they were definitely worried.

Princess🐆: Where the hell are you?

Buzzchira🐝: Answer your damn phone, [y/n]. The monster said that you should be fine so please confirm for me! 

Buzzchira🐝: If you got kidnapped, blink twice 

Princess🐆: This is the last time we're letting you slip away like that.

Your lips press together in guilt. They must've been freaking out all night. You immediately type out a response to Chigiri.

You: CHIGIRI I'M SO SORRY 😭 I'm okay, I promise. I ended up back in Shidou's dorm last night.

It doesn't take long for his reply to come in.

Princess🐆: Oh, I know. Karasu, Otoya, and Yukimiya told us they saw him carrying you bridal style out of the party while the big fight was happening.

Princess🐆: For the love of God, [y/n], please don't tell me you actually—

You: I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WITH HIM. I didn't mention it before to you or Bachira but I know Shidou from being online friends

You: Are Karasu, Otoya, and Yukimiya okay though?

Princess🐆: Hungover as hell. But they just wanted to know if you were okay too.

You: That's really sweet of them 😭 I feel bad now cause I lowkey vomited in their bathroom. 

Princess🐆: Ngl but they put two and two together and knew instantly that it was you girl 🧍🏻

You: Shit... were they mad?

Princess🐆: If it was anybody else then yeah they would but because it was you, they let it slide 

Princess🐆: I gtg but I'll let Bachira know that you're okay and we shall catch up later 🫡

That unknown number catches your attention again, and you hesitate before tapping on it.

Your heart nearly stops when you see the messages.

Unknown: Where the hell did you go?

Unknown: Why aren't you answering?

Unknown: If you don't reply, I swear I'll find you myself.

Unknown: [Y/N].

The texts are persistent, bordering on demanding.

Kaiser?

But what you forgot to input the last three digits?

Your breath hitches as you stare at the messages, your mind racing.

Before you can spiral too much, you hesitantly type out a response.

You: Kaiser? How did you even get my number?

A reply comes almost instantly.

Unknown Number: You gave it to me.

You: Kaiser...

Unknown: Yes?

You: Don't lie now 🙄 me and you know damn well that I didn't finish putting in the last couple of digits in your phone

Unknown Number: Oh? So you remember that but not when you ran off? Oh okay

You: I ran to the bathroom because I needed to vomit... but stop changing the subject

Unknown: You a lightweight? That's pretty cute ngl

Unknown: But fine, I stole it from Chigiri and Bachira. Happy?

You exhale sharply through your nose, trying not to smile at his dramatics. Chigiri and Bachira being drunk, probably just carelessly gave it to him and didn't think much of it.

Unknown: I've got a team talk and training most of the day but I'm tryna see you later

Unknown: I don't like when people slip away from me so easily

You sink your teeth into your bottom lip, unsure of what to say. But a voice from outside your dorm room takes you out of your overthinking.

"No disrespect doll, but could you hurry it up in there? You women take so damn long to get ready..." Shidou grumbled out as his back was leaning against the wall that was directly in front of your door.

There was no way in hell Shidou could find out that you were talking to Kaiser in that way.

You didn't know where you stood with your feelings.

There was Kaiser, who was still trying to get to know you despite you blocking him from the start.

And then there was Shidou, a friend who has just come back into your life and those old feelings for him were slowly flooding back.

You were quick to respond to Kaiser so you could wrap things up:

You: I'll let you know if I'm free later or not but I've really got to go now

Before locking your phone, you made sure to put your phone on 'Do Not Disturb' so you wouldn't be bombarded with any messages or phone calls from anyone.

You headed straight towards the front door, swinging it open to be met with Shidou, who was typing away on his phone. His vibrant pink eyes flickered towards you, and that wolfish grin of his came on full display before chuckling.

"C'mon doll, let's get a move on and head into the city."

—

The moment you and Shidou step out into the crisp morning air, the weight of last night's chaos feels like a distant memory. The city is alive with the usual hum of early commuters, the scent of street food lingering in the air as small shops begin opening their shutters.

Shidou stretches his arms over his head, inhaling deeply before smirking down at you. "Damn, you really can't hold your liquor, huh?"

You shoot him a glare, hugging your hoodie closer to your body. "Shut up."

He snickers, draping an arm lazily over your shoulders as the two of you navigate the busy streets. "Nah, but for real—I've never seen you that messed up before. You were barely standing, man."

You groan, rolling your eyes. "Okay, okay, I get it. You don't have to remind me every five minutes."

Shidou grins, clearly enjoying your misery, but he's at least decent enough to steer you toward a small food stall tucked into the corner of a bustling street. The smell of freshly grilled yakitori and steaming rice fills the air, making your stomach grumble.

"Let's get some food in you before you pass out again," he teases, shoving a menu into your hands.

Despite his constant teasing, you let him order for the both of you, too drained to argue. The warm meal does wonders for your lingering hangover, though Shidou spends half of the breakfast smirking at you over his chopsticks, making sarcastic comments about how pitiful you look.

"You're lucky I like you," you grumble, shoving a piece of rice into your mouth.

His smirk only widens. "I know you like me."

From there, the day unfolds in a whirlwind of chaotic energy that only Shidou can bring.

He takes you through the streets of Shibuya, pointing out his favourite places to eat and shop, shoving you into random stores just to see your reaction to overpriced clothes. Every time you stop to look at something, he has a comment ready—either to hype it up or completely trash it.

"You'd actually wear this?" He holds up a bright neon jacket with a horrified look.

You snatch it from him. "It's fashion. You wouldn't understand."

"I understand that it's ugly."

You roll your eyes and push him toward another aisle.

At some point, he drags you to a Purikura booth, insisting that you both take pictures. It's impossible to keep a straight face when he's making the dumbest expressions, throwing up random gang signs while squishing his cheek against yours. The final result is chaotic—his sharp grin taking up most of the frame while you're caught mid-laugh.

"Damn, I look good," he muses, admiring the printed-out photos.

You snatch them from his hand. "You mean I good."

He only smirks. "Yeah, yeah. I guess I'll let you have that one."

Eventually, the two of you find yourselves in front of the Sanrio store.

The second you step inside, your eyes light up. The entire store is a pastel paradise, filled with plushies, stationery, and merchandise of all your favourite characters. Shidou watches as you gravitate toward the Cinnamoroll section, your fingers delicately tracing over the plush toys displayed on the shelves.

You pick up a large Cinnamoroll plush, hugging it to your chest with a soft smile. It's ridiculously cute, the kind of plush you know you'd cuddle every night.

Shidou watches you for a moment before glancing at the price tag.

"Yo, just get it," he says casually.

You turn the tag over, and your heart sinks a little. It's... definitely out of your budget. Especially with your student loans looming over your head.

You sigh and carefully place it back on the shelf. "Nah, it's fine. I gotta be smart with my money."

Before you can even blink, Shidou snatches the plush off the shelf.

Your eyes widen. "Shidou, don't—"

He's already walking toward the register, completely ignoring you.

"Shidou, I said I'm not getting it." You hurry after him, trying to grab it back.

He holds it above his head, just out of your reach. "Yeah, you're not getting it."

Your jaw drops. "Shidou, no—"

Too late. He slaps some cash onto the counter, ignoring your protests as the cashier rings it up. Within seconds, he's shoving the bag into your arms.

"There," he grins. "Problem solved."

You stare down at the bag in shock. "I—Shidou, I can't just let you buy this for me."

"Why not?" He shrugs. "I got it for you. Just take it."

You purse your lips, shaking your head. "No, I'll pay you back—"

Shidou suddenly cups your face, tilting it up so you're forced to look at him. His fingers are warm against your skin, his grin softening into something almost fond.

"You're not paying me back." His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. "Just shut up and take the damn plush, [Y/N]."

Your breath catches in your throat.

Even more so at the way his thumb brushes over your plump bottom lip.

Was that... by accident?

He's too close—too warm, too sincere.

Your heart stumbles over itself as you clutch the bag tighter.

This is what made Shidou so damn dangerous.

Because despite all his recklessness, his chaos, and his sharp tongue...

He always made you feel like you were the only person in the room.

You swallow hard, forcing yourself to roll your eyes and shove him away. "Yeah, yeah, thank you... you idiot."

He laughs, ruffling your hair before throwing an arm around your shoulders again. "Come on, let's go get some dessert. My treat."

And just like that, you remember exactly why you liked him so much.

—

The soft hum of the dessert café fills the air as you and Shidou step inside, the scent of vanilla and caramelized sugar wrapping around you like a warm hug. The cosy interior is lined with shelves of pastries, delicate cakes, and colourful parfaits, all illuminated under a golden glow.

Shidou nudges you with his elbow, flashing a grin. "Alright, pick whatever you want—my treat, remember?"

You glance at the menu, but before you can decide, he waves a hand dismissively. "Never mind, I already know what you'll like. Sit tight."

And with that, he strides off toward the counter, leaving you alone at the small corner booth.

You sigh, resting your chin in your palm as you pull out your phone. There are a couple of messages from Chigiri, Bachira, and even a missed call from Karasu. Probably checking in on you after last night. You tap through your notifications absentmindedly, scrolling through them until—

Ping.

The sound of a new message makes you glance up.

Except—it wasn't from your phone.

Shidou's phone sits face-up on the table, the bright screen flashing with a notification.

For a second, you consider looking away. It's not like you're the kind of person to snoop.

But then, you catch the name.

Marissa.

The message preview glows under the soft café lights:

Marissa: You still haven't answered my question, Shidou

Your fingers tighten slightly around your phone.

Your mind runs through the possibilities—who is she? A friend? A teammate's girlfriend? Shidou hadn't mentioned if he has a girlfriend or not... right?

You shake your head, pushing the thoughts aside. There's no reason to overthink it.

Delusional at your finest.

But before you can fully convince yourself, another message pops up. And then another.

Marissa: Please tell me if I'll be seeing you tonight! I miss you 😖 and we didn't even get to fuck last night because of your dumb ass friend

Marissa: Hiding in that bathtub with the curtain closed was such a dumb idea 🙃 she literally came at the wrong time with me being half naked and shit 

You feel like you've been punched in the gut.

Your mind reels back to last night—the way Shidou had opened the door, shirtless, looking slightly out of breath. How he seemed surprised but not entirely panicked to see you.

He was never alone in that room.

The whole time, someone—this girl—was hiding.

And suddenly, the warmth from the morning, the laughs, the way he looked at you—it all feels tainted.

Your fingers hover over his phone for a moment before you exhale shakily, flipping it over so the screen is face down.

You shouldn't care this much.

You shouldn't feel this much.

But you do.

And what makes it worse?

The bitter sting of jealousy is curling in your chest, tangled up in the mess of confusion and disappointment.

Because Shidou isn't the only one who's been on your mind lately.

Your thoughts flicker to Kaiser.

To the way, his hands felt on your waist when you danced. The low timber of his voice in your ear. The way he looked at you with a knowing smirk, like he could see right through you.

But before you can unravel your own emotions further, Shidou returns.

"Damn, the line was long as hell," he huffs, sliding into the seat across from you. He places a plate in front of you is a strawberry shortcake, layers of sponge cake and cream stacked beautifully. 

"Just the way you like it."

You force a smile, hoping he doesn't see the way your hands tremble slightly. "Thanks."

He eyes you for a second, tapping his spoon against his plate. "You good?"

Fuck.

No, of course not.

Did he notice?

You shake your head quickly. "Yeah. Just... still tired from last night."

Shidou watches you for a moment longer as if he doesn't quite believe you. But then he shrugs, popping a spoonful of cake into his mouth. "Told you that you can't handle your liquor."

You hum in response, poking at your dessert but not really eating. Your appetite has all but disappeared.

He doesn't know.

He just... doesn't know.

—

The ride back to campus is quiet.

At least, you're quiet.

Shidou, on the other hand, is as casual as ever, leaning into you like it's second nature. His arm drapes around your shoulders, his breath warm against your skin as he occasionally nudges your temple with his. Now and then, he makes a teasing comment about an old man across from you both, snoring with his mouth wide open, or he hums a tune under his breath as the train sways along the tracks.

But you barely respond.

Your shoulders are tense beneath his touch, your answers shorter, clipped. Your eyes remain fixated on the passing scenery outside the train window, the neon lights of the city fading into the night as the train carries you both back to campus.

You feel him notice it.

The way his fingers tighten slightly around your shoulder before loosening. The way he glances down at you, waiting for you to look at him, but you don't.

Still, he doesn't push.

Not yet.

By the time you arrive at campus, the air is heavy with unspoken words.

Shidou stretches his arms over his head, rolling his shoulders as you walk down the pathway leading toward your dorms. The usual cocky smirk is still present, but there's something softer about the way he looks at you now.

Like there's something he's holding back.

"Y'know," he starts, stepping closer to you, too close, "I was thinking—maybe we should do this again. Like, actually plan it next time instead of me dragging your hungover ass around the city."

You swallow thickly, your pace slowing as he inches even nearer.

His hands find your waist—fingers warm against the fabric of your hoodie, thumbs brushing over your skin in a way that makes your breath hitch.

There's something in his gaze.

Something you've seen before in fleeting moments, but never quite like this.

It's raw.

It's real.

And it terrifies you.

Because you want it—you want him. But your mind is still screaming at you, replaying the messages, replaying the truth you weren't supposed to see.

So, before he can pull you any closer—before he can say something that might change everything—you step back.

His hands fall away instantly.

His brows furrow, confusion flashing across his face. "What's up with you?"

You hesitate, biting your lip. You weren't going to bring it up yet—you didn't want to feel like this, to ruin whatever moment he was trying to create.

But it's gnawing at you.

The doubt.

The ache.

And when he looks at you like he actually cares, it only makes it worse.

So you exhale sharply and ask, "Do you think I'm just an option to you?"

Shidou blinks, caught off guard. "What?"

"I'm asking if I'm just another option to you." Your voice trembles slightly, but you hold his gaze.

His confusion deepens, but there's a flicker of frustration in his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about?"

You take a shaky breath, forcing yourself to say it.

"The girl from last night."

His expression shifts immediately. His shoulders tense, his jaw tightening.

Your chest aches, but you push through.

"You were with someone, weren't you?" Your voice isn't accusing—just broken.  "At the party last night, she was hiding in the bathroom while I was right there."

His lips part like he wants to say something, deny something—but he doesn't.

And that silence?

That's all you need to know.

You let out a bitter chuckle, shaking your head. "You're confusing me, Shidou. You're all over me one second—touching me, looking at me like I mean something to you—but then you go off and..."

You trail off, unable to finish the sentence.

Shidou exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "It's not like that."

"Then what is it like?" Your voice rises, the emotion bubbling over. "Because I don't get it! You act like I matter, but then you turn around and—"

"I didn't even do anything with her." His voice is firm, but his tone is off.

You scoff, arms wrapping around you. "So what? That's supposed to make me feel better? Look, I get that we're friends but the way how you've been acting... just made me think that—"

"It's not that deep, [y/n]," his teeth grit, his frustration finally surfacing. "Like, get over yourself. You really gonna blame a guy for wanting to get down and busy, huh?"

And that right there is the breaking point.

Get over yourself?

Not that deep?

Maybe to him, it wasn't.

But to you?

It was everything.

Your throat tightens as you step back. "You know what Shidou? Go fuck yourself." Your voice wavers, but your glare is sharp. "I should've known better."

His lips part, but you don't wait for him to respond.

You turn and walk away.

"Fuck, just... wait," but you don't stop. You don't look back.

You don't realize your tears slipping last your eyelids until you're already halfway to your dorm.

The moment you slam your dorm door shut, the tears spill freely.

Your chest is tight, your breathing uneven as you press your back against the door, sliding down to the floor. Everything hurts.

You hate this.

You hate the way Shidou's words keep replaying in your mind, over and over again, like a cruel loop you can't escape.

"It's not that deep."

Like what you felt—what you thought you both felt—was nothing more than a fleeting moment to him. Like you were just somebody to him and not the person who had missed him for so long, who had felt something for him long before this.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

Loud, forceful knocks echo against your door.

Your body tenses immediately.

You know who it has to be.

Shidou.

Coming to say what? That it wasn't a big deal? That you're overreacting?

He could go fuck himself for all you care.

You march toward the door, wiping at your face furiously, your voice sharp and wounded as you snap—

"God, just leave me alone—"

But when you rip the door open, the words die on your tongue.

Because it's not Shidou.

It's Kaiser.

He's leaning against your doorframe, his usual arrogant smirk in place, his sharp blue eyes scanning over you immediately. He's still in his training gear—a sleeveless compression shirt clinging to his toned torso, sweat lingering along his skin like he's just finished an intense workout.

At first, he looks like he's about to throw one of his usual cocky remarks.

But then—

His eyes drop to your face.

And his smirk falters.

His head tilts, gaze darkening just slightly as he exhales through his nose.

He's noticed.

The way your eyes are puffy, your breathing uneven, your lips trembling as you try to process why he's even here.

A beat of silence.

Then, he sighs.

A long, deep sigh, as if this is exactly what he was expecting.

And then—

"I've not heard from you all day, liebling."

He shifts his stance, leaning in closer, his voice dropping just slightly.

"So c'mon, let's go for a walk, hm?"

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can't Reach You… Your Heart Opens The Door For Him 𓆪

"The sky looks pretty tonight, don't you think?"

Is what you wanted to say.

To hide that you had been crying just five minutes ago.

To cut into the awkward silence.

Though, thankfully, Kaiser was the one to say it. His voice is cool and effortless as if the question holds no real weight. He walks beside you, hands stuffed into the pockets of his hoodie that were once hung low around his waist, his gaze lifted toward the night sky.

The moon casts a soft glow over campus, the stars faintly twinkling against the inky darkness. A few students are still wandering around, voices distant, footsteps fading.

But you don't look up at the sky. Instead, you watch him.

You wonder why on earth he asked you to come on a walk when your emotions are still raw, still simmering from the argument with Shidou. 

The weight of the evening presses against your chest—your tear-streaked cheeks, your puffy eyes, and the lingering sting in your throat are evidence enough of how much today has drained you.

Kaiser, seemingly sensing your stare, suddenly glances down at you. His lips curl into a knowing smirk, that signature amusement flickering in his blue eyes.

Caught red-handed.

Crimson creeps onto your cheeks as you shake your head, dismissing his earlier question entirely. Instead, you exhale softly and murmur, "Why did you ask me to come on this walk?"

"Why?"

He tilts his head slightly, studying you. "Did I not state on text that I wanted to see you after I was free, hm?" His tone is light, teasing even, but there's an edge of seriousness beneath it.

"I didn't hear back from you, didn't see you around campus... so it only made sense to come to your dorm."

A sheepish chuckle slips out your lips as you quickly rub the back of your neck. He isn't wrong. You had ignored his messages, too distracted with everything that had unfolded earlier.

Kaiser watches your reaction and casually asks, "So, where have you been all day, then?"

You hesitate.

Was it worth telling him about how your day went?

About Shidou?

For a moment, you consider brushing it off, telling him it's nothing. But the weight of the day lingers in your chest, pressing down like an ache that won't go away. 

And for some reason—maybe it's the way he's watching you, patient and expectant—you open your mouth.

"... I was with Shidou," you finally admit, voice quieter than before.

Kaiser hums at the name, an eyebrow slightly raised. "Shidou, huh?" He lets the name roll off his tongue as if testing the weight of it. "Didn't peg you for the type to be interested in guys like him."

You shake your head quickly. "It's not like that," you murmur, rubbing at your temples. "I mean... it wasn't supposed to be."

Kaiser watches you carefully. "Go on."

You sigh, knowing that if you stop now, he'll only press further. "I've known him for a while—before coming to Japan. We used to be... online friends."

Kaiser's eyebrows lift slightly, intrigue flickering behind his sharp gaze. "Online friends?"

You nod. "Yeah, weirdly enough, we met through Omegle."You let out a small, humourless laugh. "He was loud and kind of annoying, but... we got along. Talked a lot. Played games together. Then we just... fell off."

Kaiser doesn't say anything

Was this a bad idea to have told him this in the first place?

It's worse enough that you blocked him on that damn dating app, but him now hearing you confess that you might've had feelings for Shidou was a low blow.

Despite his silence, you keep going, voice softer now. "I never expected to see him here. And I guess when I did, all those memories came back, and it felt... nice." You swallow, staring at the ground. "Until it didn't."

Silence stretches between you.

Then, Kaiser exhales through his nose, shaking his head. "Y'know," he starts, his voice still light but laced with something sharper, "it's funny. You'd think people would treat someone like you better."

You blink at him, caught off guard.

"You're loyal," he continues. "Stubborn as hell, but loyal. And you're smart—well, most of the time." His smirk returns, but it's softer now, teasing but not unkind. "But letting people pull you around? That's when you have to know your worth, know that you deserve better."

His words hit somewhere deep.

You swallow, glancing away, but he's not finished.

"Listen," he murmurs, voice dropping an octave as he steps slightly closer. "People like that? They don't change overnight. And if they do, it's never for the right reasons." His gaze flickers over you, assessing. "So, you gotta ask yourself—is it worth the headache?"

You don't answer. You're not sure you can.

Kaiser doesn't press for one. Instead, he sighs dramatically and stretches his arms behind his head. "Well, whatever," he muses. "If you wanna waste your time, that's on you." Then, in a quieter tone, he adds, "But if you ask me? You should stop letting people make you feel like you're second place."

Your breath hitches slightly.

He doesn't elaborate. He doesn't need to.

Instead, he steps forward, tapping a gentle finger under your chin, tilting your gaze back to his. His smirk returns, easy and confident, but his eyes hold something deeper—something careful, calculated.

"But hey," he murmurs. "If you ever get tired of feeling like an option, I'm always happy to remind you what being a priority feels like."

Second place.

An option.

Is that how Shidou viewed you? 

His words from earlier came flooding back into your mind and maybe.

Just maybe, Kaiser was right about people changing.

All now, Shidou couldn't even text or ring your phone to try and clear things up.

And here you thought he was the one banging on your door, but really, it was Kaiser.

Kaiser doesn't wait for a response. Instead, he laces his fingers through yours, tugging you forward.

His touch slightly shocks you. It's warm, gentle, and secure, as if he doesn't want to break you.

"Kaiser, I-"

"C'mon," he says, voice lighter now. "Let's keep walking. I promise I won't let you mope the whole night."

The night air is crisp, cool enough to soothe the lingering heat in your cheeks. Kaiser's fingers remain laced with yours as the two of you continue walking.

You shouldn't let him hold your hand.

But yet, It's comforting in a way you weren't expecting.

He's warm. Steady. And after the mess of emotions you'd gone through today, you don't have the energy to pull away from something that feels so easy.

Kaiser doesn't say anything at first, allowing the quiet to settle between you both.

He's quiet but not the suffocating kind of quiet, but the kind that lulls you into a strange sense of peace.

"You're thinking too much again." His voice breaks through your thoughts, smooth and composed. He doesn't look at you when he says it—just keeps his eyes forward, thumb absentmindedly brushing against your knuckles.

You take a deep breath, your voice steady. "I'm not."

He huffs out a soft laugh, squeezing your hand. "Liar."

Damn you, Kaiser.

But you don't argue—because what's the point?

Kaiser sighs as if the mere thought of you overthinking is exhausting. "Do you really want to waste your night thinking about some half-assed, emotionally constipated guy who couldn't even chase after you?"

Your stomach clenches at his words.

You know he's referring to Shidou.

Kaiser tilts his head slightly, eyeing you from the side. "Seriously, if it were me?" He clicks his tongue. "I wouldn't have let you walk away in the first place."

The way he says it—it makes something twist inside you.

Because a part of you had wanted Shidou to stop you. To say something, anything.

But he didn't.

And here was Kaiser. Present. Attentive. Giving you all the things Shidou didn't.

It feels unfair. The comparison. The way you're letting him inch his way further into your mind, into the space where Shidou had been just hours ago.

But Kaiser makes it so damn easy.

He suddenly stops walking, tugging your hand gently so you turn to face him. His blue eyes scan your face, searching for something—though you don't know what.

Then, quietly, he asks, "You liked him, didn't you?"

The question feels like a trap.

You hesitate. "... I don't know."

Kaiser hums, stepping just a little closer, close enough that you can catch the faint scent of his cologne—clean and crisp, with something vaguely sweet beneath it.

"Maybe you did," he muses, lifting a hand to brush a strand of hair away from your face. "Or maybe you just liked the idea of him."

You stiffen slightly.

Because deep down, you know he's not entirely wrong. 

You had held onto the version of Shidou from a year ago—the one who had made you laugh, who had been an escape from reality through late-night gaming sessions and bouncing from topic to topic till early hours of the morning.

But the Shidou from today?

The one who had left you hurt and confused?

Was he really someone worth holding onto?

Kaiser doesn't wait for you to answer. Instead, he leans in slightly, voice dropping to something softer, more intimate.

"You should start thinking about what's best for you," he murmurs, gaze locking onto yours. "Not what's comfortable. Not what's familiar." His fingers gently trail down your arm before pulling away. "People hold onto the past too much and forget to see what's right in front of them."

His words settle over you, heavy and thick, and you hate that they make sense.

That he makes sense.

"Kaiser," you exhale, staring at the ground. "What would you know about holding onto the past too much?"

His lips twitch into a smirk, but it's softer this time. "There's a lot you don't know about me," he says simply. "But I know that you don't need to settle for someone who makes you question your worth."

His fingers brush yours again, gentle and lingering.

Your head lifts slowly, staring into his eyes that are guarded, as if hiding a multitude of secrets behind them. Yet, they're clouded in sincerity.

—

The walk back to your dorm is slower this time.

Not because you're tired—but because neither of you seems to be in a rush. The cool night air wraps gently around your skin, and Kaiser's presence beside you is steady, unrushed, and oddly calming. His hand brushes against yours every so often, sending sparks up your arm that you're trying your best to ignore.

He glances at you from the corner of his eye, and with a faint smirk, he starts reciting something under his breath—soft, rhythmic, and unfamiliar.

You glance up at him, confused. "What did you just say?"

"Ah," he says with a smug lilt, "so you were listening."

"I mean... kind of?" you admit.

Kaiser snorts, nudging your shoulder gently with his. "I said, 'Der Mond ist schön heute Nacht.' The moon is beautiful tonight."

Your eyes flicker toward the sky on instinct, and for a second, you wonder if he's saying that because of the night—or because of you. The thought makes your cheeks burn, and you glance away.

He continues speaking in German, this time slower, with an almost melodic tone. You can't decipher a single word, but the rhythm of his voice settles into your chest, low and velvety.

You're trying to focus.

But he's so damn close.

His arm occasionally brushes against yours as you walk, and every now and then he leans down slightly, murmuring a phrase, and you feel his breath fan across your cheek.

"Did you get that?" his voice breaks through, sudden and close.

You blink up at him, startled. "Sorry, what?"

Kaiser chuckles, slow and smug as ever, and clicks his tongue in exaggerated disapproval. "Tsk. Focus, Miss No-Speak-German."

You groan, your face heating up instantly. "God, can you please stop calling me that?"

"But that's what you told me, no?" he says, widening his eyes in mock innocence. "'I no speak German,' remember? Your exact words on Tinder."

You hide your face in your hands, groaning again. "I hate that app."

"No, you hate getting caught lacking," he teases.

You grumble under your breath but relent when he starts repeating the phrase again, slower this time, encouraging you to repeat it back.

It takes a few tries—your tongue stumbling awkwardly over syllables you aren't used to—but he's patient. He laughs when you butcher the pronunciation, but not unkindly. His hand even comes up once, grazing lightly against your jaw as he adjusts the way your mouth shapes a word.

You hate how that small touch makes your heart skip.

Eventually, the two of you reach your dorm. You lean your back against the door, your arms folded loosely over your chest as you tilt your head up at him.

Kaiser leans against the frame beside you, his hands tucked into his pockets. His expression is casual, but there's something almost thoughtful in his gaze as he studies you.

"This is the second time I've walked you back to your dorm, y'know," he says, smirking faintly.

You raise an eyebrow, lips twitching. "What, you want a medal?"

He leans in, lips quirking. "No. But coming inside wouldn't kill anyone, Liebling."

That word.

Liebling.

You've heard it before. Earlier tonight, when he first appeared at your door. And now, hearing it again, so casually, your curiosity gets the better of you.

"What... does that mean?" you ask, voice quieter than before.

Kaiser's smirk widens slightly, but there's a softness to it now. "Liebling? It means darling. Or sweetheart."

Your breath catches.

You feel the heat crawl up your neck instantly. You try to play it cool, but your voice betrays you with the tiniest waver.

"Oh..."

"Is that cool with you?" he asks suddenly, leaning in just a little more. "If I call you that?"

You can't think straight—not with him this close, not with his voice that low. You nod, just once. "Yeah... it's fine."

Kaiser chuckles quietly, and with a tender flick of his fingers, he brushes a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His knuckles graze your cheek in the process, and you swear your heart skips.

"You're cute when you're flustered," he murmurs.

You're about to reply, something half witty, half defensive. But before the words can form, his phone buzzes in his pocket. He frowns slightly, pulling it out to glance at the screen.

A name flashes across it.

Ness.

Kaiser curses softly under his breath and locks the screen without answering.

You catch the tension in his shoulders; brief but telling.

"It's fine," you murmur, brushing it off even though you can feel your chest sinking a little. "You should take it. I'm tired anyway."

He looks at you for a long second, unreadable.

Then he slips the phone back into his pocket and straightens up. "Alright. But only because you asked me to."

You laugh softly, stepping back and reaching for the door handle.

As you turn it, you feel his gaze still on you.

"Goodnight, Liebling," his voice dipped in something dangerously sweet.

You pause before stepping in, biting your lip.

"...Night, Kaiser."

—

Thought processes.

Schema Theory.

You're sat in the middle row of your psychology lecture, notebook open, pen resting between your fingers as the lecturers words blur into background noise as your eyes flick to your phone for what must be the hundredth time.

And yet, still no message.

No call. No emoji. No smart-ass text from Shidou trying to pretend like yesterday never happened.

Just silence.

And somehow, that silence hurts more than the actual argument did. It's louder than any fight, heavier than any insult.

You shift uncomfortably in your seat, staring down at the lock screen of your phone. It stays blank, no notifications. It shouldn't bother you this much.

But it does.

You're pulled out of your thoughts when the class ends, the scrape of chairs and shuffling footsteps snapping you back to the present. Shoving your phone into your pocket, you sling your bag over your shoulder and head out.

The dining hall buzzes with the low hum of chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter echoing off the high ceilings.

You make your way past rows of tables until the sound of someone calling your name cuts through your thoughts.

"Heyo!" Bachira's voice rings out with his usual bubbly energy, waving you over enthusiastically. Beside him, Chigiri offers a nod and a faint smile. Karasu lounges back in his seat, a cocky smirk already in place, while Otoya greets you with a lazy wave and Yukimiya flashes his calm, polite smile.

You blink, surprised to see all of them gathered at one table.

Your feet falter for a second.

Before you can decide what to do, a low whistle echoes from behind.

You turn and see Kaiser.

He's reclined comfortably at a nearby table with Ness and a couple other members of his team. He catches your gaze and cocks his head, motioning for you to join them with that infuriatingly confident smirk.

Ness offers a small wave and a tight-lipped smile, eyes unreadable.

Two tables. Two different energies.

You haven't seen Bachira or Chigiri since the party. And then there's Karasu, Otoya, and Yukimiya—whose bathroom you desecrated with your stupid drunken regrets. If anyone deserved an apology, it was definitely them.

You glance back at Kaiser's table, your gaze meeting his again. He raises an eyebrow, clearly waiting.

You shoot him a sheepish smile, mouthing, "I'll be right back."

Kaiser chuckles under his breath, leaning back as if to say, 'Sure, take your time.'

You head toward the other table and as soon as you slide into the empty seat between Bachira and Yukimiya, Karasu quirks a brow and drawls.

"So, when are you gonna pay for new flooring after vomiting like that in our bathroom?"

Your eyes widen, mortified. "I—I swear I didn't mean to—"

Karasu cuts you off with a laugh, throwing an arm around Otoya. "I'm joking, relax. You're lucky Otoya didn't mind cleaning that shit or we would've locked the door for good."

Otoya just chuckles. "It wasn't that bad. Plus, Yukimiya sprayed it down with that fancy disinfectant he always carries."

Yukimiya gives a small nod, adjusting his glasses. "You really didn't need to worry. We've had worse. And you weren't exactly... coherent."

Chigiri chimes in next, sipping his drink. "I told you already, no one was mad. You just vanished after that. You good now?"

You nod, heart warming at the easy camaraderie. "Yeah. Just... rough night."

Bachira leans forward. "Didn't seem like Shidou thought it was rough. Apparently he carried you out like a bride."

You blink at him, and everyone stares—except Karasu, who whistles low as he motions his head towards Otoya and Yukimiya.

"We saw it all girl, didn't know you had a man."

"Shut up Karasu, I'm still grieving." Otoya grumbles out as he drags his hand over his face like he's heard the worse news of his life.

Your cheeks are burning, wanting the ground to just swallow you whole as the conversation has shift to Shidou. "Guys, Shidou isn't my man."

"Exactly, they're just friends. Started off as online friends." Chigiri chimes in, raising an eyebrow at Karasu and Otoya.

"Oooh so you guys must be pretty close, right?" Bachira mumbles out as he has food stuffed in his face.

The questioning and the mention of Shidou just makes your stomach turn.

But before you can even defend yourself, a new shadow casts over the table.

Kaiser.

He slides into the empty seat next to you, so casual it almost feels rehearsed. He sets his tray down, places his elbow on the table, and rests his cheek against his palm like he belongs there.

"Hope I'm not interrupting," he says, eyes flicking toward Karasu, who stares back unimpressed.

Silence falls over the group for a moment. The shift in energy is immediate.

Bachira's smile drops a fraction. Chigiri crosses his arms, leaning back slightly. Karasu's jaw ticks once, his smirk replaced by something more calculating.

Kaiser, however, seems unfazed.

"So," Karasu begins, a lazy drawl in his tone, "what brings Kaiser over to our humble little table? Lost your crown somewhere?"

Kaiser doesn't miss a beat. "Thought I'd grace the peasants with my presence. Consider it a gift."

Otoya lets out a low whistle, feigning a wince. "Damn. You must be exhausted from carrying all that ego around."

Kaiser just grins, unbothered. "It builds character."

Yukimiya shifts uncomfortably, giving you a subtle glance. Bachira's smile has all but disappeared now, while Chigiri leans back in his chair with arms crossed, face unreadable but clearly disapproving.

It's not just awkward, it's hostile.

You open your mouth, pulse quickening as the tension begins to weigh too heavily. "Okay, okay. Chill out, seriously. He's good. Kaiser's not trying to start anything."

Your voice cuts through the tension, firm but calm.

Kaiser raises a brow, briefly glancing your way like he's trying to read your expression.

But he doesn't stick around long.

He lets out a breath of a chuckle, sliding his tray slightly away. "No, no, it's cool," he says, tone light but edged with something sharper. "I'm clearly not welcomed here, so I'll be off now."

You watch as he stands from the table, his movements smooth and slow, his smirk still carved onto his lips like a mask. He doesn't wait for anyone to stop him. He simply turns and walks out of the dining hall, not even looking back.

The sound of his footsteps fades into the hum of the room.

You blink, heart sinking. "Seriously?" you mutter, turning toward the rest of the table. "What was that all about?"

Chigiri shrugs, voice flat. "He's arrogant as fuck. On the field, off the field—he just rubs people the wrong way."

Karasu leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. "C'mon. You've seen how he acts. Everything's a damn performance with him."

"And you guys don't think maybe you're judging too hard?" you shoot back, eyes narrowing. "He didn't come here to fight anyone."

"Didn't come to play nice either," Otoya mutters.

You push back your chair with a quiet scrape, the irritation bubbling under your skin. "You know what? I'm gonna go."

You grab your bag and leave before they can respond, weaving between tables and pushing out through the doors of the dining hall.

The hallway is quieter, dim, wide, the sound of your footsteps echoing faintly.

And there he is.

Kaiser walks ahead of you at a leisurely pace, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed. That damn smirk is still playing on his lips, like the entire confrontation was nothing but entertainment to him.

You pick up your pace.

"Kaiser," you call out, voice sharp but not harsh.

He doesn't turn around.

"Kaiser—"

"What are you chasing me for?" he cuts in smoothly, not bothering to look over his shoulder. "Thought you wanted to sit with your friends like you originally intended, hm?"

His voice isn't cold, but it's distant. Detached. There's something different about the way he says it—not angry, but... something that makes your chest tighten.

He finally stops walking, standing in the middle of the corridor as his eyes flick to the side to catch yours. He doesn't turn to face you, not yet.

"I get it," he continues, quieter now, "You've got a good thing going with them. Clean, safe, familiar. No one's gonna side-eye you for sticking close to guys who play nice."

You step closer, your fingers tightening slightly at your sides.

"That's not fair," you murmur. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

Kaiser exhales through his nose and finally turns to face you.

The smirk is gone now.

His expression is unreadable. "It's whatever," he says, voice lower. "I'm used to people not wanting me around. Even when they say otherwise."

His words hit like a quiet gut-punch.

You don't know what to say at first. The hallway feels colder, quieter, like the distance between you has somehow widened, even though you're standing just a few steps apart.

"I didn't ask you to leave," you say softly.

"No," he says. "But you didn't stop them either."

There's no venom in his words. Just truth in his eyes.

Raw and unfiltered.

You swallow hard, stepping closer until you're standing right in front of him.

His eyes meet yours, sharp and piercing, but there's something fragile behind them—something he won't let you see fully.

Not unless you really look.

"I didn't know it was gonna be like that," you whisper. "They don't know you. Not the way I... not the way I'm starting to."

His eyes narrow just a bit. "And what way is that?"

You hesitate.

You're not sure what to call it.

Not when you're still trying to untangle your feelings from last night—from Shidou, from the way Kaiser made you feel like someone worth choosing.

But the words that come out are simple. Honest.

"I like talking to you."

Kaiser stares at you, unmoving.

Then, slowly, something in his expression softens.

"...Then don't let them talk like that about me," he murmurs.

It's not a demand. It's a quiet request. One that means more than he's willing to admit.

You nod once, slowly. "I won't."

There’s a short pause.

And then, just like that, his smirk returns—less sharp now, more genuine. "You're chasing after me now, huh?" he teases, tilting his head.

You roll your eyes. "Don't get used to it."

"No promises, Liebling."

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Whispers Sweet Lies 𓆪

"Kaiser?"

The voice cuts clean through the corridor. You and Kaiser both turn your heads simultaneously and standing at the far end of the hallway is Ness.

His posture is calm but there's something in the sharp line of his jaw, in the way his eyes flick from Kaiser to you, then back again. The look he gives you isn't aggressive but it's like he's assessing you.

Ness begins to approach the both of you, stopping a few feet away as his gaze lingers on you for a heartbeat longer than necessary before finally turning to Kaiser.

"Why did you walk out of the dining hall like that?" He let out softly, his eyes alley glued on him

Kaiser exhales slowly through his nose, not seeming all that concerned. "It's nothing to worry about," he says with a wave of his hand, casual and dismissive. "It's fine now.

But Ness doesn't look convinced. His gaze shifts toward you again, briefly, and then back to Kaiser. "Okay well, we've got practice. So we should be on the pitch soon. The other guys are still in the dining hall but said they'll meet us there soon."

Your lips were slightly agape as the mention of their practice hit you.

Everyone else's lives didn't stop just because you were wrapped up in messy emotions and misread silences. 

You step back slightly, adjusting the strap of your bag. "I should probably get going then–"

But before you can move another inch, Kaiser catches your wrist gently, tugging you back toward him.

"Don't be ridiculous," he says smoothly. "Come sit on the sidelines. It's just practice. Nothing serious."

The way he says it isn't a question. It's an invitation, sure, but with a hidden command layer.

His fingers are still wrapped around your wrist. It's not tight but it's enough to hold you in place.

You glance towards Ness, standing stiffly to the side, arms crossed as he watches the interaction in silence. His gaze is narrowed just slightly, lips pursed.

You begin to clear your throat, hoping that your cheeks will just stop warming up. "Oh, uhh sure. I'll come along then."

You turn to Ness next, offering a small, polite smile. "I don't think I properly introduced myself the last time I saw you. I'm–"

"I already know your name." Ness cuts in, his tone is flat.

Well damn.

He doesn't smile, nor does he soften his tone. He pretty much just stares at you.

Kaiser's jaw tenses. He steps in and his tone is sharp and low. "Sei nicht so verdammt unhöflich, Ness."

"Tut mir leid," Ness murmurs under his breath as he nods.

Ness's posture instantly stiffens the moment Kaiser opens his mouth and yet you don't catch the meaning. The shift in energy is immediate and you're completely shut out of the exchange.

But Kaiser smiles at you like none of it was out of the ordinary. "Shall we?"

You look between him and Ness, unsure of what exactly just happened but you nod.

"Oh, uhh, yeah sure."

Kaiser releases your wrist, but his hand brushes against yours as he does, fingers grazing your skin like he's reluctant to let go entirely. The warmth of his touch lingers even after he pulls away.

He gestures ahead with a slight tilt of his head, and you fall into step beside him.

—

The air outside is brisk as the three of you make your way towards the pitch.  Ness trails behind, a good few steps back, his presence is quiet yet sharp like a thorn you can feel without ever touching it.

You glance at Kaiser, walking beside you with his hands in the pockets of his training jacket, loose and casual like nothing in the world ever bothers him.

You clear your throat lightly. "Is everything... good?"

He glances sideways at you. "With what?"

"With Ness," you answered. "He seemed... I don't know, kind of snappy with me and shit back there."

Kaiser hums, like he's not surprised. "Don't mind him."

He shrugs, the corners of his lips twitching. "He'll warm up to you eventually. Just give him time."

You glance over your shoulder, catching a glimpse of Ness still walking behind, his head lowered slightly as if he's purposely giving you both space.

"How long have you two known each other?"

"Too long," Kaiser replies, stretching his arms behind his head.

"We go way back. Youth leagues. Early camps. He was the quiet kid that followed me around, and I guess he just never stopped."

You snort softly. "Well, you guys seem pretty close."

Kaiser casts you a sideways glance, playful now. "Jealous?"

Your cheeks warm immediately, caught off guard. "What? No."

He clicks his tongue as he playfully rolls his eyes. "Shame. You'd be cute jealous."

You avert your gaze, trying to hide the smile that tugs at your lips. "You're unbearable, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are. Still walking with me."

You don't respond, but he doesn't need you to. The silence between you both stretches comfortably this time.

As you reach the pitch, the open green expanse comes into view. The players are already scattering in from different paths, their laughter and shouts echoing across the field.

Ness silently jogs toward the other players without a word.

Kaiser nudges your arm gently and leads you to an empty bench tucked beneath a low wall that separates the seating area from the field. 

You catch sight of a few other girls walking by, some lingering by the fence. Their eyes are unmistakably locked on the field. Or more specifically, on Kaiser.

You shift uncomfortably.

Maybe this was a bad idea to come in the first place.

"I don't mind heading back to my dorm," you murmur, brushing your hands against your thighs. "I've got notes to catch up on anyway."

Before you can rise to your feet, Kaiser places a firm hand on your shoulder and guides you right back down.

Then, to your surprise, he kneels, dropping to one knee so he's eye-level with you.

"God, you're a stubborn one, aren't you?" he says, voice low with amusement as he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear, his fingers brushing lightly against your skin.

Your breath catches in your throat. And it's only now that you're aware of how close he is. 

Your heart thuds once, twice, and then stumbles entirely.

"You're already here," he murmurs. "No point in leaving now."

You swallow hard, trying to ground yourself. His hand lingers for a second too long before falling away.

"And forget everyone else," he adds, tipping his head toward the fence line where a few girls are still loitering. "Just keep your eyes on me."

You laugh nervously, trying to lighten the mood, trying to distract yourself from the heat crawling up your neck. "Well, that's not exactly easy when you kneel in front of me like this."

"Exactly," he replies like it was all part of the plan.

You huff and push his chest lightly, hoping he'll give you space but instead, he catches your wrist with one hand. His fingers wrap around your palm gently, his thumb brushing over the line of your knuckles before finally letting go.

"I'll be back," he says, jerking his chin toward the pitch.

And just like that, he's jogging off to join the rest of the team, leaving you there on the bench, pulse racing and cheeks warm.

The bench beneath you is cool, the metal biting softly through your clothes as your eyes follow Kaiser onto the pitch.

From the sideline, you watch the way his body flows in sync with the ball, each stride confident, each feint sharp and deliberate. He doesn't move like he's playing with others—he moves like he's performing. Like every motion is for the benefit of an audience.

And occasionally, his eyes flick to you.

Just a glance. Just enough to make sure you're still watching.

It flusters you more than you'd care to admit. You cross one leg over the other and pretend to fix your jacket, hoping it distracts from the way your stomach flutters under his gaze.

You shift your focus, eyes skimming over the field until a new figure approaching in the distance pulls your attention.

At first, he's just a blur against the sunlight, making you do a double take until you realise that it's Shidou.

Shidou of all bloody people.

Of course, he'd show up now of all times.

Your pulse picks up as you sink lower on the bench, subtly adjusting your position so your hair falls just enough to hide your face. You hadn't seen him since that heated argument.

And now he was here.

Your heart pounds as conflicting thoughts run rampant. 

Should you leave? Should you stay?

If you leave now, he'll notice but Kaiser might get the wrong idea... or worse, the right one. But staying will just mean that Shidou will happen to see you.

Your fingers twitch toward your phone, pulling it out as your only way of distraction. You unlock the screen and scroll aimlessly, pretending not to notice the sudden spike in tension as Kaiser's gaze snaps toward the edge of the field.

He sees him too.

From your periphery, you can feel the change in energy on the field, even though no words are exchanged. Shidou's eyes scan the area casually until they land on you.

You feel it immediately. The weight of his stare and your stomach flips.

His expression twists from his eyes widening slightly to averting his gaze elsewhere and that only makes it worse.

You look back down at your screen, even though your eyes can't focus on the text anymore. Anything to not look up.

You have no idea how long you've been like that, hiding in plain sight until you hear the sudden rise of shouting from the field.

Your phone nearly slips from your hands as you lift your head.

"YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!"

On the field, Kaiser and Shidou are at each other's throats and begin swinging at each other.

Kaiser shoves Shidou back, but Shidou lunges again, catching him in the jaw with a hook that sends him stumbling.

Gasps echo across the field as players stop in their tracks.

Then Shidou tackles him.

He slams Kaiser into the turf and pins him down, repeatedly punching his abdomen and jaw again and again and again.

Your face twists in shock and fear, the one thought running through your mind being did they exchange words which led to them fighting?

You leap to your feet, the breath knocked from your lungs as the scene unfolds.

"Shidou, stop!" you scream, heart lurching as you sprint toward the field, the bench clattering behind you. "What the hell is your problem?! Get off him!"

Other players are already running in, trying to pry him off. Ness is being held back by two teammates, his voice hoarse from yelling curses in German as he thrashes in their grip, ready to throw himself into the brawl to defend Kaiser.

But despite getting pinned and hit repeatedly, Kaiser is... laughing. Even as blood drips from the corner of his mouth, even as he coughs against the impact of Shidou's fists.

"Get off him, Ryusei!" You grab at his arm, and when he finally pauses long enough to hear you, his head whips toward you.

"Stay out of it." His voice is low and sharp, his fuchsia-coloured eyes burning with rage.

"This has nothing to do with you."

"Nothing to do with me?! What are you even talking about?!"

You grit your teeth so hard that you don't realise that you're exhaling hard, your fists clenching to the point where your nails dig into the skin of your palms.

Shidou eyes bore into yours, he has this look of wanting to say something that he knows he'll regret.

Just like he did last time and boy you were correct.

"You tryna one-up me or something?" he spits. "Hanging around this arrogant piece of shit like it's gonna get a rise out of me?"

He jerks his head toward Kaiser, who's now coughing into his elbow, still on the ground.

"Like, are you dumb or something? Do better."

Something in you snaps.

"Excuse me?"

You don't even care that people are watching now. You don't care that your voice is shaking nor do you care that you can almost feel your eyes flood with tears. What matters is the way your blood boils at his words.

"You think this is about you?" You retort, feeling the anger rise within you.

"You wouldn't know a fucking thing about doing better even if it hit you in the skull." Your voice cuts through the noise, sharper than you've ever heard it.

"Calling me dumb but I'm sure you're an expert when it comes to that, huh?"

Shidou doesn't respond but his gaze stays glued on you. It's clear that the tension between you both is thick and it's becoming unbearable for you to even be in his presence.

Before another word can be said, a voice booms from the far end of the field.

"ENOUGH!"

"Fucking hell..." Shidou curses under his breath, dragging his hand down his face.

Noel Noa storms across the turf, his expression pissed. His presence alone is enough to make the players fall silent.

He doesn't yell again but the edge in his tone is clear.

"Shidou. Ego's office. Now." His eyes narrow. "And Ness too. Myself and Ego want both sides of this."

Ness looks stunned but nods stiffly, breaking from the group that held him back.

"And you," Noa says, turning to Kaiser, who's now back on his feet, wiping blood from his jaw.

"You're done for the day. Head back to your dorm."

Kaiser doesn't argue. He just dusts himself off, jaw clenched, and turns to leave the field. But not before walking over towards you, grabbing a hold of your hand and dragging you along with him. 

Away from everyone.

Away from Shidou.

—

"Ness's med kit should be in the cabinet," Kaiser says, voice low, gesturing toward the bathroom without looking back.

You offered to patch up Kaiser whilst on the way back to his shared dorm with Ness and after that the walk was mostly silent.

You nod, barely, offering a hum of acknowledgement instead of words. Your throat is tight and your hands feel cold despite how warm the room is. You walk over and find the kit quickly enough, returning with it cradled in your hands.

You step into his bedroom before closing the door and surprisingly, it's clean and arranged. Dark red bed sheets, a navy blue accent wall and a shelf lined with neatly stacked books and a few trophies sit beside his desk.

He's seated on the edge of his bed now, stripped down to just his sweatpants, toned chest his tattoo that spans one side of his ribs, curling along the ridges of muscle. You try not to look. But it's hard not to.

You sit beside him silently and open the kit.

You open the kit, pull out a cotton pad and disinfectant, and begin to clean the split at his brow and bruise on his cheek.

You work slowly, dabbing at the wounds on his cheek with gentle pressure. Surprisingly, he doesn't flinch. If it had been anyone else, you're sure that they would've grunted or winced under their breath.

His eyes never leave you. You can feel them, fixed on your face, studying your every blink and breath like he's trying to read your thoughts just by watching the tremble in your lashes.

Then, finally, he speaks.

"You not surprised that I'm not wincing?"

"Mhm."

Another audible hum that he receives from you is one that Kaiser is now annoyed, sharply exhaling as he rolls his eyes.

"You always go quiet like this when you're overthinking." He mutters, his voice low and snappy.

You pause for half a second, your eyes still on his bruised cheek.

"I don't like it," he continues, eyes locked on yours. "You look like you're a million miles away, and it's always when you're thinking shit you won't say."

"I just..." you trail off, trying to keep your voice steady. "What did you say to Shidou before the fight happened?"

He tenses, his jaw now tightening. "What makes you think I said something first?"

"I didn't mean it like that," you say quickly, still pressing the cotton to his jaw now, avoiding his eyes.

"Yes, you did," he shoots back. "You didn't ask what he said to me. You assumed it was me."

Your lips part but no sound comes out.

"You think I went out there looking for a fight?"

His voice rises a little, his breath sharper now. "That I got something to prove? That I'm lying to you?"

"I didn't say that," you whisper.

"No, but you're thinking it. I can see it all over your face."

"Kaiser–"

"What is it, huh? You don't trust me?" He points at you, his voice more firm now.

"Please, just–"

"You gonna be dumb and believe someone who doesn't even see you as a priority?"

"God, just fucking stop!"

Your hands begin to tremble, and with it, the cotton pad and the disinfectant bottle you're holding tremble too. "Please... just stop."

And he does.

The words barely leave your mouth before your composure crumbles. Your shoulders tremble as tears spill down your cheeks. You screw your eyes shut, chest rising in uneven swells as the sobs try to force their way out, and all you can do is hold on to what's left of yourself.

"I'm sorry," you choke, barely audible. "I didn't mean to– I just– I didn't want today to go like this."

Kaiser stares at you, his breath catching as his eyes widen.

He slowly reaches for your hands, his touch careful. Your grip stays tight on the cotton pad and disinfectant so he gently pries them from your fingers and sets them aside on the nightstand.

And then he leans in.

He presses a soft kiss to your forehead, the faint brush of his lips against your skin.

His hand finds the curve of your shoulder, anchoring you to him.

He stays there, lips brushing your skin, until your breathing begins to slow.

"He said things about you," he finally murmurs, his voice low and steady against your skin. "Bad things."

His other hand finds your back, the contact sending shivers down your spine.

"He called you desperate. Dumb. A distraction." Each word is followed by a kiss, one at your temple, another at your cheekbone. "He said shit I won't even repeat."

"And I wasn't gonna sit there and let him spit that venom like it was normal."

He pulls back just enough so that his face is level with yours again.

"It's not worth the headache to be affected by his words, liebling."

Then, without waiting for you to respond, he presses his lips to yours. It's gentle and slow, contrasting his earlier behaviour from when he was confronting you.

You don't even realize how much you need it until your fingers slide up his bare arms, trembling still. You can feel how firm his muscles are and that alone makes you melt.

His lips brush against yours, a small gasp escaping your lips.

But just as you start to pull back, nerves catching up with you, his hand slides to the back of your neck.

His lips part from yours only briefly. Just long enough to whisper a quiet, husky, "No."

He pulls you back in, nipping gently at your bottom lip before kissing you again, deeper this time. His tongue slips inside your mouth, causing you to grip his shoulder as you tilt your head and occasionally brush your nose against his.

His hand that was once on your lower back travels to the back of your thighs, scooping you up so that you're sitting on his lap.

When he finally breaks the kiss, you're a panting mess, your eyes half-lidded.

"Kaiser, I–"

"Shh, just relax," he slowly spreads your thighs apart, his hand now resting on your inner thigh. "Let me make you feel good."

His hand begins to run up and down your inner thigh, occasionally trailing up to your groin area to tease you.

Your breath becomes hitched, and your cheeks are the same shade as those damn crimson red bed sheets that he has. Your body shivers from his touch, his firm hold that he has on you and you're unable to move.

"Wouldn't you like that, hm?" When he reaches your groin area again, he rests his hand there on your throbbing cunt that's protected by the fabric of your sweatpants. He instantly cups it and soon enough, your panties dampen.

You want to close your thighs shut but you just know that the second you do that he'll pry them right open again.

His voice is so gentle and sweet like honey that it makes you melt at his words. His lips brush against your neck, smirking at the way your body trembles on top of him.

Your lack of response to his earlier question makes him place a soft on the flesh of your neck before sinking his teeth and nibbling, earning him a whimper from you.

"Focus now, you still with me?" His hand moves from your lower region to the hem of your skirt, slowly slipping inside to locate your panties.

"S-Shit, yeah." You groan out in a breathy whisper, your head now thrown back.

"Good."

And just like that, he shoves your panties to the side with the flick of his index and middle finger before fiddling with your puffy folds.

His lips curve even more into a grin, feeling just how wet you were from his simple touches. To start with, he slides in just his middle finger, curling it each time he slides in and out slowly.

God, his fingers are so long and slender. He's only put in one digit and you were already whining and shuffling slightly on his lap. You bit down on your bottom lip to try and silence your moans.

You definitely didn't want anyone to hear you, especially Ness since he and Kaiser both share a dorm together and didn't want him to hear you when walking by Kaisers' bedroom door.

"You're holding back, aren't you? C'mon now, be vocal with me." He then shoves the second digit inside your slick gummy walls, going at a rough and rapid pace to the point where squelching noises are heard alongside the noises you're making.

You can't hold back any longer. Whimpers and whines slip out your trembling lips and that's exactly what Kaiser wanted all along.

"Oh my God, f-fuck, fuck!" You croak out, becoming nothing but a babbling mess now.

His eyes are on you. Watching the way your eyes rolled to the back of your head, your chest rising nonstop and your sweet cries made him get hard instantly.

You begin to feel something hard and bulging poke you from below, realising soon enough that it was his dick getting hard. You can feel how fat his cock is in his sweatpants and that makes you shift around to turn you on even more.

One hand is still at work on your sensitive pussy while his other travelled to your waist, holding a firm grip there as he began to rut his hips into you. It's slow yet rough and that's what makes you moan even more.

He's groaning to himself, his eyes sealed tight as he's trying to imagine himself being inside you as you take his length.

"You feel that, don't you?" His hips snap up into your plush ass, his lips travelling to your ear to whisper huskily. "You feel how much I fuckin' want you? How much I need you?"

It's at this moment that your mind switches away from being lustful to focusing on those exact words of his. You open your eyes, tilting your head to face him and his eyes bore into yours.

To feel needed.

To feel wanted.

That's what you've craved this whole time.

You thought that you were just thinking too far deep into things, into his words since everything is happening in the heat of the moment. 

But you're proven wrong when his hand that was on your waist releases and moves again to grip your chin, your attention solely on him now.

"And I don't just mean what's happening now. I need to know everything about you– fuck, I want to know everything about you [y/n]."

It's like he could read your mind, read the doubts that you were having on whether his words were genuine or not.

And he confirmed it for you.

He was the one that you needed to give a chance, not Shidou.

You still couldn't make out a full coherent sentence with the way his fingers still fiddled your insides, making you a squirming mess so you leaned forward and smashed your lips on his.

You gripped onto his bicep, digging your nails there and that earned you a groan from him as tongue swirled with yours. The kiss is messy, hungry, and needy, pulling each other closer as if one was going to get away from the other.

He sped up his pumping, his fingers coated in nothing but your slick, his thumb gliding over to press down on your clit. Your stomach begins to bubble up and you're sure you're about to reach your high.

"Hnghh! F-Fuck, Kaiser!" You mumble against his lips, huffing air in and out.

"Mhm, you gonna–?"

Three loud knocks pound into the door and that immediately makes you mutter out "Fuck."

"Kaiser, you in your bedroom?"

Ness of all people.

Why did he have to ruin a time like this? And you hadn't even cummed yet.

You can read the irritation on Kaiser's face. His face is scrunched in annoyance, brows furrowed as he rolls his eyes.

"For fucks sake." He mumbles out, his hand still on your chin. His fingers that are inside your pussy have now stopped moving but he keeps it placed there.

"What is it, Ness?"

"Oh! I just wanted to know if you were in your bedroom so I could patch you. But the med kit doesn't seem to be in the bathroom."

While Ness was speaking, Kaiser slipped his fingers out your sopping pussy and out your pants which made you bite down on your bottom lip.

He brings his glistening fingers close to his face, a smirk plastered on his lips as he spreads them apart, analysing them carefully.

You're still trying to catch your breath, staying quiet as ever since you didn't want Ness to know that you were in Kaiser's bedroom. Then, without warning, Kaiser shoves his digits in your mouth.

Your eyes go wide, your breath becomes hitched since it was so sudden and unexpected from him. You have no choice but to swirl your slick tongue around his fingers, getting a taste of your juices.

"Be good for me and have a taste." He whispers in your ear, quiet enough so Ness can't hear. He nips on your earlobe before pulling away and turning his attention back to the door.

"Uhh, Kaiser?"

"The med kit is in here."

"Oh, that's good. Let me patch you up then."

"No need," he grunts out, getting turned on again with the way your tongue slithered around his fingers. "[y/n] already did that."

Kaiser finally removes his slender fingers from your mouth, a string of saliva being formed before quickly snapping off. "She's here right now, say hi liebling."

This damn idiot.

Why would he say that you're here? 

Your cheeks are flushed, lips trembling as you still feel overstimulated with everything that went on with you two. "H-Hey Ness."

"Hi," his tone is low and snappy, contrasting to how he sounded before when speaking to Kaiser. "Look Kaiser, just let me double check to see if it's been done properly."

Done properly? How rude.

Kaiser harshly scoffs, turning his head to look back towards you and whispers, "Should probably get up now, huh?"

Your panties are now soaked and can still feel his hard-on digging into your ass which makes you shift slightly. Reluctantly, you rise from his lap, running your hand through your hair as you look at the ground.

Before heading over to open the door, Kaiser adjusts his hard cock in his sweatpants so that it wasn't obvious. When he reaches the door and swings it open, he crosses his arms over his chest with an annoyed facial expression.

Ness enters inside, eyes straight away on Kaiser but they soon lingered on you. He looks you up and down before walking straight over to Kaiser and analyses his body.

"Sie hat dich nicht einmal richtig geflickt." Ness spits out, looking closely at the bruise on his jaw and the split on his eyebrow.

Kaiser looks like he was about to reply something back to Ness, most likely in German but you're quick to chime in.

"Sorry Ness, what was that?"

Who cared if you didn't know what he was saying in his language? If he has a concern with the way you patched up Kaiser then he should say it to you.

Ness looks too stunned to speak, taken aback with your eyes glued onto him and the smallest smile that you displayed on your face. Kaiser on the other hand looks impressed, now crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah Ness, what'd you say?"

Ness tries to stand his ground but crumbles in defeat, sighing sharply as he sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "I said... that you didn't do it properly but... it's not a bad attempt."

You quirk your eyebrow at him, debating in your mind on whether he was telling the truth or not but you simply shrugged your shoulders. "That's fair enough to be honest. I kinda need the bathroom so where is it?"

"To the left." Ness mentions, tilting his head slightly. You nodded at his words, despite already knowing where the bathroom was. You just needed to quickly head in there to gather yourself together, collect yourself.

And to fix the now sopping mess in your underwear.

BONUS SCENE

Shidou's steps are heavy as he's marching straight down the dorm hallway. His eyes are narrowed, his lips completely in a straight line. He didn't care who saw. He was on a mission.

"Oi, slow the hell down!" Charles's voice echoed down the corridor as he jogged up behind him, his lean frame catching up with little effort, arms swinging lazily like this was a casual stroll.

Charles tilted his head, brushing a few strands of blonde hair out of his face since it was bouncing with each step. "So?" he pressed, curiosity lacing his tone. "What happened when you went to Daddy Ego's office with Ness?"

Shidou gritted his teeth, still walking. "Fucker switched the whole story up. Made it sound like I started everything for no reason." His voice was a low growl. "Swear to god, if Ego wasn't in that room I would've slammed Ness's face into the desk."

Charles burst out laughing. "Damn, should've invited me. I'd have made sure he left with fewer teeth."

"You weren't even at practice," Shidou snapped, shooting him a look. "Maybe if your dumbass showed up, you'd have gotten the chance."

Charles shrugged dramatically, unbothered. "Eh. I overslept. Again." He grinned, his fang glinting. "So, come on then. What really happened? Why'd you go feral on Kaiser?"

Shidou finally slowed down, fists still twitching at his sides. He didn't look at Charles, just stared straight ahead.

"He muttered some shit when I walked past him," he said through gritted teeth. "Said to stop staring at her. Said she doesn't give a fuck about me, that she's just using him to get back at me."

Charles blinked, then gave a low whistle.

Shidou's voice dropped lower and rougher. "Then he said she looks easy. Easy to control. To manipulate. That she'd kneel for him if he asked."

That stopped Charles in his tracks.

"Well, shit," he muttered. "I can't say that I'm surprised when it comes to that arrogant ass German prodigy"

Charles scratched the back of his neck. "She does seem kinda dumb, though. I mean—"

"Don't fucking call her that," Shidou snapped, eyes blazing now as he turned toward him. "She's not dumb. She just doesn't know any better. Doesn't know what he's like."

Charles raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Damn."

They turned the corner, arriving at your dorm. Shidou did not give a fuck, he's straight to pounding his fist against the door, sharp and loud like he was trying to break it down.

"Open up," he shouted. "We need to talk!"

Charles leaned against the wall nearby, arms folded behind his head, completely unfazed. "This is better than TV."

"Shut the fuck up Charles, you're not helping."

"Hey, I'm also here for moral support and not just entertainment y'know?"

Shidou didn't stop banging and he wasn't going to let up until you opened the door. "Come on. Open the fucking door!"

Charles yawned. "You got a game plan here, or are you just gonna rage at her like a fucking madman?"

"I need to fix this," Shidou muttered, still hitting the door. "I need her to know that I didn't mean any of that shit I said. About the fight. About Marissa. All of it."

Charles raised a brow. "Marissa? What's there to apologise for?" He gave a lopsided grin. "Been meaning to fuck her anyways."

Shidou shot him a glare. "It was a mistake. Just... lust. It didn't mean anything. I didn't know she was at that party. But when I saw her again–"

His voice dropped. "–when I saw her at this uni, it all came back. Everything. Every fucking feeling I buried."

He banged again, harder than before. "Just open the door!"

Charles glanced around the hallway, half amused, half bored. "She's not in, man. If she was, she'd have opened by now."

Shidou shook his head. "No. No, she's gotta be–"

"Maybe she's at Kaiser's place," Charles offered casually.

"No," he muttered. "Don't fucking say that."

Before Charles could respond, the door next to your dorm slammed open.

A girl stepped out, clearly pissed off, her hair messy and her eyes wide. "Are you both fucking serious right now?!" she shouted. "I don't care if you football fucks are known around campus but you're being loud as hell! People are trying to sleep!"

Charles tilted his head with an unfazed look. "Then maybe you should try sleeping with earplugs, princess. You look like shit.”

She gawked at him. "I'm calling campus security—"

"Bitch, go back inside before I start knocking on your door next."

Her jaw dropped and she slammed her door shut with a huff.

Shidou let out a guttural noise and slammed your door one last time, hard enough to rattle the frame.

Then he turned and stormed off, eyes burning with rage and veins popping at his temple.

Charles chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. He turned and caught up behind Shidou, hands in his pockets, a smile tugging at his lips.

"That girl was feisty as fuck. She's cute though."

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Sends Someone Who Worships and Ruins You 𓆪

Three weeks.

That’s how long it had been since the fight between Kaiser and Shidou. Since the kiss. Since everything.

It's expected that people will talk on campus. Of course, they do. They went from talking about why Kaiser and Shidou were beefing to “Since when does Kaiser have a girl?”

In those three weeks, something shifted between you and Kaiser.

Need and want.

The words that left Kaiser’s lips were becoming a reality.

Because you both become inseparable.

It started with him waiting outside your dorm to walk you to your morning classes.

“You’re late,” he had teased you that morning when he showed up outside your dorm with a cup of iced latte, one hand stuffed in his jacket pocket.

“You’re early,” you retorted, grabbing hold of the latte that he stretched out towards you. His lips curled into a grin, the smugness always stitched into his expression. “Well, of course, I had to get your daily dose of matcha iced latte to get you through the day.”

You bumped your shoulder against him with a huff, pressing your lips against the lid. “Thank you, you didn’t have–”

“I didn't have to, sure, but I wanted to.”

He even waited for you after classes, slouched against the wall with one AirPod in and his eyes closed, only to crack them open the second you stepped outside.

“Missed me?” he’d say without fail.

“You saw me two hours ago, idiot.”

“So? That’s two hours too long, liebling.”

And that, right there, is where your heart would melt. You tried to pretend you weren’t affected, but it was hard when he looked at you like you were important in his life.

Other times, you walk him to his practices and wait for him, sit on the grass with a book, or text Bachira and Chigiri while sneaking glances at him through the fence.

"You’re staring," he calls out once during a water break, sweat glinting off his brow as he leans against the railing, bottle in hand.

"I am not."

"You are," he smirks. "I ain’t complaining though."

There are nights when you hang out in his dorm. Or he’s in yours. Sprawled out on the bed, music low, talking about topics from psychological perspectives to what your likes and dislikes are.When it’s quiet and just the two of you.

He’s kissed you more times than you can count now.

Soft kisses when you walk into the room. Lazy kisses when you’re half-asleep and curled up against him. Needy kisses that made you a moaning mess, feeling the way his fingers would fiddle with the waistband of your panties. But you’d quickly pull back with a sheepish smile and whisper.

“Not yet.”

Despite letting this man finger you so good last time, you wanted to take things slow and he was understanding of that.

At some point, he started telling you to call him Mihya—not Kaiser, but Mihya—a softness no one else gets to see.

"Just you," he told you one night, his voice barely above a whisper as he brushed his lips along the curve of your jaw. "Only you can call me that."

Nothing has been made official. No labels of that sort are being discussed yet. Just the both of you orbiting around each other and you didn’t mind that.

You still see Shidou now and then but you would turn a blind eye, acting as if he didn’t exist when you would walk past him or happen to see him at practice whilst you wait for Kaiser.

From the corner of your eye, you knew that he was constantly staring at you but you couldn’t care less.

Kaiser was your main focus now.

And now it’s Friday. The sun dips low in the sky as Kaiser is walking by your side again. Arm draped over your shoulders as his hand played lazily with the edge of your sleeve.

"You’ve got one class left, right?" he asks, glancing down at you, the sunlight catching in his golden hair.

"Yeah," you nod, and he grins.

“Good, let’s go out tonight.”

You glance up at him, seeing the glint in his eye. But before you can answer, you remember something.

“Actually… Yukimiya told me about an event his modelling agency is hosting at the club tonight. Kind of like an after-party for this new campaign they’re doing. It's an open invite, so I thought… we could go?”

Kaiser doesn’t say anything right away. His jaw ticks subtly, and his grip around your shoulders shifts slightly.

“I’m down,” he says eventually, his voice quiet.

You tilted your head, catching the shift in his energy. “Mihya.” Your fingers slide up to hook behind his neck, coaxing him to look at you.

His lips twitch. “It just sounds like he only invited you.”

You blink, now raising a brow. “No, it’s an open invite. Bachira and Chigiri are going to be there. Karasu and Otoya. Word has been going around about it so everyone will be there.”

Kaiser doesn’t respond at first. He just studies you for a second too long. But then, his lips curl upward into that cocky smirk you’ve come to both love and be wary of.

"Get in class," he says, leaning close until his breath ghosts over your lips. "I’ll pick you up after."

You nod slowly, backing toward the door, eyes locked on his before turning your head towards the lecture hall. You can feel the weight of his gaze on your back the whole way.

And even from the doorway, you heard him call after you.

“Wear something short.”

—

Your projector casts diagrams on cognitive dissonance and social biases across the whiteboard. Your pen moved across the page, scribbling down terms you’d probably forget the second the test came around.

You're half-focused, mind slightly drifting, when your phone buzzes quietly beside your notebook. You glance down and see a notification banner pop up.

@Yukimiya mentioned you in the “NOT LOCKED OFF” group chat.

You swipe open the message, and the blue iMessage bubble pops up:

You roll your eyes, chuckling under your breath as you finally lock your phone and slide it into your lap.

Yuki 👓: @You Are you still coming tonight? just wanna double check before I pass your name to my agent so they can let the organisers put you on the guest list 

You: I thought it was open invite?

Princess 🐆:  It is, technically. But unless you know someone from the inside, you're gonna have to pay at the door and it ain’t cheap Imao

Otoya 🥷🏻: Yo Yuki is your modelling agency scouting for any new models?? 👀 

Tabi 🐦‍⬛:  ‘Otoya’ and ‘model’ in the same sentence 💔 we’re so cooked

Otoya 🥷🏻: Shut your bitch ass up you crow 🙄you won't be hating when you see me modelling for Calvin Klien

Otoya 🥷🏻: Who needs enemies when there's mfs like you 😔

Buzzchira 🐝: I heard McDonalds is hiring 🍟

Otoya 🥷🏻: @Yukimiya @You HELP BACK ME UP 😭 

Yuki 👓: Anyways…

You: Anyways… I’ll 100% be there TRUST 😌 also is it cool if I bring a plus one?

Yuki 👓: Sure! Just tell me the name ☺️

Buzzchira 🐝: Oh brother

Princess 🐆: Please tell me it’s not who I think it is 🤨

You: It’s Kaiser

Otoya 🥷🏻: Bruh not him 🕳️ 🚶🏻

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Don’t piss me off

You: Guys, be nice he’s not a problem I swear

He's actually been… really sweet lately

Just let me breathe man, I just wanna have a good night 😞

Yuki 👓: Leave her be guys, if she’s sure then I’ll tell my agent to add him to the guest list

You: Tysm Yuki!! I can’t wait for tonight 🤭

Otoya 🥷🏻: Same, I’m tryna see some baddies 👀

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Bro we known DAMN WELL no baddies want you 🤣 fuck outta here

Princess 🐆: Bros gonna scare them off smhh 🤣

Otoya 🥷🏻: @You DEFEND ME PLEASE 🙏🏻

You: Boy I am not helping you out you’re on your own 😭 this is my cue to leave and focus in this damn lecture

Thank you again Yuki and see you guys later tonight!!

Yuki 👓: Don’t mention it and see you then 😊

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Later 🫡 

Buzzchira 🐝: Don’t forget to come looking prettyyy

Princess 🐆: She already is you idiot 😑

You: Thank you Chigiri 🥹

Otoya 🥷🏻: I better not see your man eyeing me like I stole his girl 🙄

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Trust me bro when I say that he is NOT concerned about you 💀

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: But you’re fucked if he starts swinging on you

Otoya 🥷🏻: 🏃🏻💨

Despite the jokes, you couldn’t help but feel 

slightly irritated.

Why does everyone act like he’s this shitty person?

Yes, Kaiser had his ego. He had his smug smirks and sharp comebacks. But he’d also been soft with you and attentive. He didn’t snap at you like the last time. And the way he looked at you, touched you, wanted you, it wasn’t the kind of thing someone could fake for this long. Not without slipping up.

He didn't seem arrogant to you. He seemed like someone who gave a damn.

You exhaled slowly, pushing your phone to the corner of your desk and picking your pen back up.

Everyone else’s opinions didn’t matter.

For now, all you could think about was tonight, having a nice time and having him by your side.

—

The soft hum of SZA’s voice plays from your speaker as you do the final touches of your makeup in front of your mirror. Your lashes curl just right, your eyeliner is sharp and your lips are glossed.

You glance at yourself in the mirror, doing a once-over.

Your dress tightly hugs your frame, a black satin bodycon dress that falls mid-thigh. The thin straps cross at your shoulders and the dip at the neckline frames your collarbones perfectly with your gold necklace. 

And to top it all off, you decided to wear some black stilettos that you had kept away, telling yourself that when you moved to Japan you would save them for a special occasion.

You reach for your drink that sits at your desk. A tall glass of vodka mixed with Sprite, taking a long, steady sip. It burns just slightly, but the sweetness of the Sprite masks most of it. The alcohol takes the edge off the nerves you didn’t realize you were holding in your chest.

You check the time on your phone and the moment it switches to 9:00 PM, there's a knock at the door. 

Your gaze flicks to it, a small smile curling at your lips. You already know who it is. The same man who had picked you up after your last class walked you back to your dorm and promised to come pick you up right on time.

You take one last sip, placing the glass down and smoothing your dress once more before walking over. The moment you pull the door open, you swear that you melted in that moment.

Kaiser stands there with that same cocky grin, dressed in an all-black button-up, the top few buttons undone just enough to tease a glimpse of the chain resting against his collarbone. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, revealing his tattoo curling around his forearm. Fitted black trousers, dark boots, and silver rings glistening on his fingers.

He’s smirking. “Didn't anyone tell you that it’s rude to stare?”

The blush is crawling up your cheeks and you hate that he’s making you this flustered.

God, did he look so fine as fuck.

He steps forward, using his foot to gently kick the door shut behind him as you take a step back. But he doesn’t let you go far, his arms snake around your waist, yanking you against him in one smooth pull.

“God,” he murmurs, voice low. “You look so good right now.” His lips press to yours, slow and soft. You hum against him, your hands lightly gripping his shirt as his palms travel downward until it settles on your ass and grips so tightly.

“Mihya,” you mumble against his lips. “Behave.”

He chuckles, his mouth still near yours. “You taste like vodka.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He pulls back just enough to flash that damn smile before glancing over your shoulder, spotting the vodka bottle and Sprite on your desk.

“Already started drinking, huh? We’re not even at this damn event yet.”

You fold your arms across your chest as he strolls over to your desk, grabbing the vodka bottle and pouring himself a glass. You’re expecting him to pull himself a shot but no, he’s gone in pouring himself a glass like it’s water.

And he doesn't even bother reaching for the Sprite.

“Wait–” your eyes widen, “you’re not gonna mix it?”

Kaiser glances at you from over his glass, eyes narrowing just slightly. He tilts the glass back and downs the vodka in one go, no chaser, no wince.

You just stare in disbelief.

He sets the glass down and licks his lips, his gaze never leaving yours.

“What?” he says, cocky now. “Worried you can’t keep up?”

You shake your head, jaw-dropping just a little. “You’re insane.”

He shrugs. “Nah. I’m German.”

You narrow your eyes, but you’re laughing under your breath. “Just don’t get too drunk, alright?”

He raises a brow. “Shouldn’t I be saying the same thing to you? You couldn’t hold your liquor last time. Ran straight to the toilet like you needed to shit at that damn party.”

Your face is burning more than ever, now averting your gaze. “I did not! I was just… y’know, drunk?”

He’s already laughing, walking over and hands grabbing your waist again as he pulls you in.

“Oh shut up.”

“Still adorable, though,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

He grabs your handbag off the desk and hands it to you, throwing it over your shoulder as you both head out the door. As you lock up behind you, he pulls his phone out, calling the ride.

He glances down at you with a grin. “You ready?”

“Ready when you are, Miyha.”

—

The taxi slows to a stop just outside the club, and the second you step out, it feels like everything hits you at once. Swimming Pools by Kendrick Lamar is blasting from inside the club, lights are flashing in a rhythm that makes your heart beat just a little faster.

The line outside is long, a mixture of people in designer fits, girls fixing their makeup and guys trying to charm their way to the front.

But Kaiser’s hand is already on the small of your back, guiding you past everyone like none of it matters.

“Is that–?”

“Wait, that’s Kaiser, right?”

“No way…”

The attention doesn’t faze him since he’s eating it up. But you on the other hand?

You’re shitting bricks.

His fingers lace with yours, warm and firm as he leans toward you just as you approach the entrance.

“You good?” he asks, low in your ear, lips brushing just enough to send a shiver down your spine.

You nod once, heart thumping louder than the bass inside the club.

The bouncer who’s built like The Rock, dressed in all black doesn’t even ask for your names. The second his eyes meet Kaiser’s, he just gives him a nod and steps aside.

“Wait, what?”

Kaiser just smirks at you. “It’s just the perks of being a German Prodigy, y’know how it is.”

“Damn show off.” 

You roll your eyes but follow him in, slipping past the velvet rope. The music gets louder the moment you walk through the doors. The interior is sleek with warm-toned lights bouncing off glassware and gold fixtures. Yukimiya’s agency clearly went all out.

You scan the crowd for familiar faces and it's there where you see Yukimiya waving you down from the VIP section.

Chigiri is at his side, Bachira grinning wide, Karasu already drinking, and Otoya with a girl leaning on him. The section is roped off and elevated slightly above the dance floor.

You can’t help but grin to see a girl actually by Otoya’s side where he looks like he’s trying to rizz her up.

So much for Karasu saying that no baddies would want Otoya tonight.

You tug Kaiser’s hand as you lead him over, feeling his body practically glued to your side. But the second you approach, his grip shifts slightly, loosening as if sensing something.

When you step into the VIP area, the greetings come quickly.

“Damn, you look hot,” Bachira grins, pulling you into a hug.

Karasu leans in, giving you a one-armed hug. “Gorgeous as always.”

“Looking good,” Yukimiya says with a smile, nodding in approval. “Glad you made it.”

Otoya leans up in his seat, raising his glass while the girl is speaking over his shoulder. “Definition of dress to impress right over here.”

“You really went all out, huh?” Chigiri adds, brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear like an older brother would.

You laugh through it all, returning the compliments and appreciating their affection. But the moment Chigiri brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, Kaiser was quick to pull you away by your arm, your back hitting his chest.

“Das reicht.” He says sharp and snappy with a forced smile as you glance up at him.

From the time you’ve spent with Kaiser, he’s taught you a couple of phrases in German so when he said that you sheepishly rubbed the back of your neck.

Just like Chigiri, the others were taken aback and there's a shift in energy after that moment.

You shoot the guys a look over your shoulder, the one that clearly says: Be nice, hi or at least pretend to be normal.

There’s silence. Then, begrudgingly, Yukimiya takes the lead.

“Kaiser,” he says, holding out a hand. “Thanks for coming.”

Kaiser daps him up, his tone smooth. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Chigiri follows with a quick, reluctant fist bump. Bachira hesitates before offering his hand. Karasu barely looks at him when they clasp hands, and Otoya mutters something under his breath that you don’t catch.

Karasu doesn’t even try to hide his disinterest. “Wow. Thought you’d dress better.”

“Thought you’d be funnier,” Kaiser shoots back smoothly, flashing another fake smile.

Chigiri raises a brow. “Are you always like this or just when you’re in public?”

Kaiser tilts his head. “Depends. Are you always this boring or just when you meet someone better looking?”

You press your lips together, barely resisting the urge to groan. 

“Okay,” you cut in with a bright, fake smile. “Next topic please.”

You look at Yukimiya, voice lighter. “Thanks for the invite. This place is… honestly insane. Your agency did a good job.”

Yukimiya smiles politely, eyes flicking between you and Kaiser. “Thanks, really glad you made it. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Kaiser hums under his breath. “And yet here we are,” he mutters out.

Karasu scoffs under his breath. “Jesus.”

Bachira hums low under his breath. “God forbid someone doesn’t cater to a smartass.”

“Okay, okay y’know what? I think I need a drink. We’ll be right back guys.” You chime in, turning to Kaiser and touching his wrist gently.

Kaiser raises a brow at you but doesn’t protest. You lace your fingers with his and pull him along, weaving back through the crowd as you feel the eyes of the others lingering on your back.

“Seriously?” you mutter, glancing back up at him as you weave through people to get to the bar. “Couldn’t even try to make an effort?”

“They don’t like me anyway,” Kaiser says smoothly. “Might as well give them a reason.”

—

Everyone seemed to have forgotten about the awkward tension by the time you and Kaiser came back to the VIP section.

It’s a lot more crowded than it was before. You can see Chigiri, Bachira, Yukimiya and Otoya are still there, drinks in hand as they’re talking to a couple of girls.

Kaiser is the first to notice his teammates. They nod at Kaiser when they see him and he nods back before strolling over with his hand still laced with yours. Within seconds he’s deep into conversation, sipping his drink as you stay by his side.

You’re tipsy now, the drink from earlier settling in your chest. Your cheeks are flushed and your movements are looser. You sway a little to the music without even realizing it, hips catching the rhythm as you lean into it.

Eventually, the beat of the music pulls you away. A couple of girls near the edge of the section compliment your dress which leads to conversation and constant giggling. They’re sweet and before long you’re dancing with them to the next song being played. 

But from across the room, Kaiser is watching.

His drink rests in one hand while the other hangs loosely at his side. He’s still talking, nodding, laughing at something one of his teammates says but his eyes never leave you. You can feel it from here, 

You glance over your shoulder, your eyes meeting his for a brief moment which makes his lips curl at the corners.

It's like he’s memorising every inch of you. The curves of your body, the sway of your hips and every flick of your hair are what's making him get extremely hard at this moment. His pants are tightening and quickly turns his head to pay attention to his teammates who are yapping his ear off.

But then your smile drops. The music keeps playing, but everything feels muted when your eyes snap to the entrance and you see two figures step through the doors.

Shidou.

He walks in with his hands stuffed in his pockets, his eyes narrowed and his lips in a single straight line. And someone else you don’t recognize at first glance.

The second guy is tall, lean, blond and gives off the same energy as what Shidou would normally be like. He’s grinning, his tongue running along his fanged teeth as he pats the bouncer on the shoulder and glides past the entrance like they were expected.

Without thinking, you hand your glass to one of the girls and quietly slip away as you push through the crowd. You don’t stop until you find the corridor leading to the restrooms, heart pounding as the music thins out behind you.

You step into the bathroom, grateful to find an empty stall and lock yourself in. You reach into your handbag, pull out your phone and quickly type into the group chat:

You:  GUES 😭

GUS

Princess 🐆: English??

Buzzchira 🐝:  Ooo we playing guess who whilst drunk? 😼 I’m downnn

You: NO FFS I MEAN GUYS 😭

Why the hell is Shidou here?? 🙄

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: The real question you need to be asking is WHY is Kaiser here? 🤨

You: Stfu Karasu 😞

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Yes ma'am 🫡 

You: YUKIMIYA EXPLAIN YOURSELF PLEASE DID YOU PUT HIM ON THE GUESTLIST??

Yuki 👓: Sorry dear, I have no idea how he got in and I didn't put him on the guestlist

Princess 🐆: He probs knows the bouncer and slipped in through that way 🤷🏻‍♂️ 

Princess 🐆: Anyways you're worried about the wrong thing, where the hell are you?

You: I'm in the toilets

Buzzchira 🐝: Ooo you shitting??

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Or you vomiting like last time? 🤣

You: Neither 😐

Just needed to catch my breath since it was getting too stuffy

Buzzchira 🐝: Catch your breath in the toilet where there's dew dew particles in the air?

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: LMAOO 😭💀

You: I HATE YOU BOTH

Otoya 🥷🏻: CAN YOU GUYS STOP MESSAGING THIS DAMN GC IM TRYNA SPIT GAME AT THIS GIRL MAN 🙄

Princess 🐆: Bro you're literally right next to us and we see you on the couch 🚶🏻 

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: And she don't even look interested 🫥

Yuki 👓: [y/n] If you're okay just let us know and get back okay?

Buzzchira 🐝: Yeah your man looks like he's about to crash 🤸🏻

It's then you stop typing, your ears catch something outside the stall. Voices, not club noise, actual voices, just outside the bathroom.

It sounds like a guy and a girl talking.

You freeze, leaning forward slightly as you try to hear better.

“Oh my God, are you this desperate? How the fuck did you even get into this event anyways? Did you suck dick to get your way in or something?”

“Don’t worry about how I got in Charles. C’mon, just speak to him already for me,” she says, her voice low but urgent. “I’ve already tried to and he’s been ignoring my texts and calls and even ignoring me on campus. I just–”

“Well then that sounds like a you problem. He’s not interested in you anymore so quit bothering me, you whore.”

His words sting and it wasn’t even directed at you. But you also weren't going to just stay put and listen to him speak like that to this girl.

You push open the stall door and step out of the restroom. Your voice cuts through before anyone can get their next word in.

“Hey, what’s your fucking problem?! Don’t speak to her like that.”

Both heads snap in your direction.

“Holy shit, it’s you,” they say in unison.

You quirk your brow, directing your index finger towards yourself. “Me?”

Their reactions were the complete opposite. Charles had a huge grin plastered on his face, showcasing his fanged teeth. But the girl? The one that you were literally defending? Her eyes are narrowed, fists clenched as she steps towards you.

“Yes, you. You’re the reason why Shidou wants nothing to do with me. You ruined everything the second you came into that damn bathroom at that dorm party.”

Even in your tipsy state, it didn’t take long for you to realise that this was Marissa.

Her breasts were practically spilling out of her pink corset dress, her hair slicked in a high ponytail and her crimson red lips were extremely glossy.

Your brows furrow. “Now, wait a minute–”

“He was finally giving me attention,” she spits. “But you just had to come stumbling, vomiting and shit while he carried you out like a damn damsel in distress!”

“Back up.” Your voice sharpens. “That’s not my fault. If he dropped you that fast, that’s on him.”

Before she can spout out any more delusions, a hand grabs her arm and yanks her back, slamming her against the wall.

Your breath falters, realising that it's Shidou.

He stands there, hair tousled, sleeves rolled to his elbows, black t-shirt stretched across broad shoulders and veins flexing along his biceps. He’s breathing hard, not from exertion, but from rage.

“Shidou–?”

“Shut. Up,” his voice is cold. “Don’t you dare get in her fucking face like that.”

You can see the tears building in her eyes as she screams in his face. “Why her and not me?”

Shidou doesn’t hesitate, not one bit. “She’s not you. That's the point. You were just a drunk mistake that I wanted to fuck in that moment but… everything changed when I saw her in my life again. I lost her once so I didn’t want to lose her again the moment I realised she had finally moved abroad here.”

Your stomach twists at his words, shivers now running down your spine. Marissa is staring at him with wide eyes as the tears fall freely down her cheeks all the while Charles is just standing there grinning, hands in his pockets like he’s watching a Jerry Springer show.

You don't say anything. What could you say? He may have told the truth then and there about his true feelings but for him to take this long?

Shidou finally releases her and steps back before looking at you, but you don’t let him speak.

“I’m done here. You’re so shit at communication and it's only now that you want to say all of this?”

You turn around without another word, your heels clicking sharply against the floor as you walk away. You can still hear Marissa yelling behind you and staff telling them to disperse from each other or they’ll have to be escorted out of the club. But you’re not looking back.

Because you’ve moved on.

And as you disappear into the crowd once again, you remind yourself of that again and again.

Even if your chest feels a little heavier than before.

—

“Where the hell did you go?” Kaiser asks, his voice low and sharp.

He’s leaning against the velvet couch, one hand wrapped around his glass, gripping so tightly that it looks like it’s about to break at any moment now.

“Bathroom,” you say simply, trying to brush it off, though your voice is breathy, your tipsy haze still lingering.

He tilts his head slightly, a vein now appearing on his temple. “That long?”

You hum in response but he doesn’t buy it.

His eyes stay locked on you, scanning every inch of your face like he’s trying to read between the lines of your expression and that’s when the worry begins to rise.

He pushes off from the edge of the couch and takes a step towards you until he’s towering over you, his chest brushing yours.

His hand slips around your waist, pulling you tightly against him, his drink now abandoned on the nearest table. You can feel his breath against your cheek, warm and sweetened by the dark rum.

“Do you know,” he murmurs low, voice dangerously calm, “how many people have been staring at you tonight?”

You blink up at him, throat now dry.

“How many people have been staring at you in this tight little dress? Watching you shake your ass like you don't belong to someone?”

You glance around, nerves rising, but no one’s paying attention. It’s just him now.

“Miyha–” you start, but his hands travel to your ass, his grip tightening as he palms it aggressively and that makes you clench your thighs together.

“Fuck, do you even know what you look like right now?”

With one swift movement, his hand comes up and cups your chin, fingers curling tightly beneath it, tilting your head so you’re forced to look him in the eye.

“And the worst part? You didn’t even notice and that pisses me off.”

You don’t get a chance to answer because his mouth smashes into yours.

The kiss isn’t gentle nor slow. It's possessive and needy, pulling you closer like he doesn’t want you to slip away like you did before.

His tongue slips past your lips, twirling and clashing with yours. Thank God no one can hear you with the music blasting because it's then you moan into his mouth, earning you a groan from him.

He finally breaks the kiss to look at you, his lips slick with a dark gaze.

“We’re leaving.”

He doesn’t wait for a response. Just grabs your hand again, weaving you through the crowd as he guides you away.

You don't look back.

But if you did, you would’ve seen Bachira with his mouth hanging open, Chigiri shaking his head with a faint smirk, Karasu muttering “Jesus Christ” under his breath and Otoya kissing a random girl against a wall.

But you also would’ve seen Shidou.

Pushing past the crowd like he was on a mission.

A mission to get to you.

But it was too late by the time you slipped out of the club, Kaiser right by your side.

His mouth parted like he was about to call your name. But the words die in his throat.

The only words he’s able to mutter out instead are, “Fuck, not again.”

—

“Miyha! S-Slow down–“

“Fuck no.”

The second you stepped foot into the hallway of Kaiser and Ness’s dorm, he wasted no time in lifting you and pinning you against the wall. Not even bothering to take you to his bedroom yet.

Your legs are wrapped around his waist, your dress hiked up so you’re able to feel his hard boner rubbing against your now damp panties.

You can’t help but grind against him, your arms wrapped around his neck as you try your best to silence your moans slipping out your lips since Ness’s bedroom is close to where the both of you are.

“For God’s sake, Ness is probably sleeping…” You groan out against his mouth.

His lips trail from your swollen bitten lips to your neck, now grinning against it. “Then stay quiet, hübsche.”

His calloused hands have a firm hold under the plush of your thighs, keeping it secure there as he carries you to his bedroom.

He kicks the door to his room open and barely waits for it to close before tossing you onto the bed.

You land with a soft thud against the mattress, propping yourself up on your elbows, and staring at him.

Kaiser doesn’t give you time to adjust your hazy mind, his hands grab at your ankles before yanking you down at the foot of the bed.

He’s already unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes glued onto you as he slurs out,  “Take the dress off now before I rip it off you,”

He didn't need to tell you twice.

You’re rushing to slip off the dress, accidentally snapping the strap off in the process. But seeing you in nothing but your black bra and panties wasn’t enough for him.

He crawls over the bed, in nothing but his boxers with his growing bulge on display. Effortlessly, he reaches for your bra strap before snapping it off, causing you to gasp out loud.

“Mi-Miyha? Why would you–?”

But he doesn’t stop there.

His breathing is heavy, ignoring a word you've just said while his next target is your panties and does the same thing.

A broken bra strap and loose panties were the least of his worries, flinging them away to the other side of the room to leave you completely bare in front of him.

His half-lidded eyes are on you, roaming all over from your perky tits to your slick puffy folds. You’re quick to avert your gaze elsewhere, your cheeks brightening the more you watch him and the more you could notice how his cock is throbbing profusely, just begging to be freed out of his boxers.

A raspy chuckle escaped his lips, instantly grabbing your face as he leaned closer to you. “Shy already, liebling? We’ve not even got to the good part yet.”

Even in a time like this, he still finds a way to act so cocky yet, it's attractive. He keeps your face smooshed around his hand while his other trails to your throbbing pussy. 

“Want this pretty pussy to swallow my dick whole just like they swallowed my fingers that day,” his fingers now fiddle with your folds, causing you to gasp out. “You remember, right?”

Air gets caught in your throat, lips tremble while your eyes roll to the back of your head.

Of course, you remembered, how could you forget? He was so knuckle deep inside of you that day you were sure that you would’ve cummed all off his fingers if Ness didn’t interrupt the moment.

He lets go of your face, leaning further down your trembling body until he settles between your thighs. He slips his fingers out your pussy, sucking on each digit to savour the taste before yanking your thighs open wide.

“You have no idea,” his voice is low and raspy, his face mere inches from your glistening folds as he inhales the scent. “How long I've been thinkin’ about this”

He leans forward and flicks his tongue against your clit, circling the sensitive bundle of nerves. His tongue dips inside you

“Thinkin’ about eating this sweet cunt out, thinkin’ about stretching you out till you cry.”

He growls against your folds, the vibrations of his deep voice sending shivers through your body.

You desperately tug at his hair, the tips of his deep blue hair intertwining your fingers as you urge him to keep going and not stop. “Shit, Mi-Miyha, feels t-to good!”

The grip he has on your thighs tightens, his groans becoming muffled against your sopping pussy. His tongue never slows down with the way it plunges in and out of your tight walls, making your back arch on the bed.

He lets go of one of your thighs, reaching down with one hand towards his boxers. He tugs them down, just enough to free his large, throbbing dick that's been profusely oozing with pre-cum.

He wrapped his fingers around his thick length, pumping it slowly as he continued nipping at your bruised clit. “You gonna be good for me? You gonna let me use this pussy however I want?”

Your mind is spiralling, you’re trying to find the right words to say but you’re far too busy squeezing your thighs around him, rutting your cunt on his face.

“S-Shit! Right there–!”

“Focus, you needy little thing.”

You just earned yourself a firm slap on your clit. You hadn’t noticed when he pulled away from sucking your pussy since the impact of the slap was so quick. The slight sting he left caused you to cry out in pain and pleasure.

He continues to stroke himself, his narrow deep ocean eyes on you and decides to slap your pussy hard once again. The impact can be heard throughout the room alongside your groans and cries.

“Miyha! That hurts…” You trailed off, sniffling softly as you tried to scoot away on the bed.

But he doesn’t let you get far. He grips your inner thigh to stop you from moving. You swear that you can see him faintly smirking, like he’s getting off to the fact that he’s slapped your clit. 

He tilts his head back, his hips bucking into his fist, trying to imagine your walls clamping down on him. “Just… answer me the first time and I won’t do that again, fuck.”

“Y-Yes! I’ll be good for you.” You trembled out, now breathing hard.

“Yeah?” He could feel his release building fast the more he jerked himself, his head leaning towards your pussy again to take your clit in his mouth once more. “And you’re gonna let me use your pussy however I want?” 

You were too embarrassed to say the words so you frantically nodded your head instead. Kaiser could tell you were coming close with the way you gripped harshly at the bed sheets and your plush thighs trembling nonstop.

But he wasn’t about to let you cum, not yet anyways.

His tongue slips out your hole, his head leaning back to watch your face twist in frustration and that makes his lips curve upwards.

He grabs your hips and flips you over onto your stomach. Kaiser pressed his hands into the small of your back, pushing you down so your chest was flat against the mattress. 

A yelp escaped out of you when he kicked your legs apart, exposing your dripping pussy to his hungry gaze.

It was taking everything within him to not cum at just the sight of your back being arched for him and him only.

His tall lean frame towers over your arched frame, giving your ass a sharp smack. He grounds his girthy cock against the cleft of your ass, letting you feel what was to come.

“Miyha!” You muttered out, grinding your ass against him to get more of a feel. “Please don’t tease–“

Kaiser gives you no warning at all. He notched his swollen tip at your folds, coating it with your slick before burying himself inside in one forceful thrust.

The pain is unbearable, stretching you out inch by inch that it forces you to stifle your cries. His head falls back, curses and loud grunts slipping out his mouth with him now fully inside you.

“T-Too big, fuck!”

“Heh, tell me somethin’ I don’t know.” He flicks his head back up to look at your trembling body since you’re nothing but a sniffling mess, digging your nails right into his bed sheets. 

But his gaze lingers on your puffy folds swallowing him whole. And that's when he begins to start moving.

You still hadn’t adjusted to his size. He rocks his hips into your sensitive cunt again and again, setting a brutal pace that creates the sound of skin slapping filling the room.

You try to scramble away and that only pisses him off.

“Don’t you run away from me,” he growls out, tugging at your ankle before pulling you straight back to where you were before.

Kaiser leans over your back, blanketing you with his tall muscular frame. He grabbed a fistful of your locks and tugged your head back, forcing you to arch your spine even more. “Thought you said I could use this pussy however I want?”

The pain you were once feeling in your sopping cunt soon turned into pleasure but your voice was still trembling. “Y-You can! But–“

“But what? This pussy belongs to me. It’s mine and I’m gonna fuckin’ ruin it.” He snarls against your skin, his teeth sinking into your tender flesh, leaving nothing but bite marks.

His thrusts are unforgiving, punctuating his words with every harsh slam in your fluttering walls. His lips curve into a wicked smile, ogling at the recoil of your ass jiggling on his pelvis and your tight hole gets stretched, clearly still struggling to accommodate his girth.

Kaiser reached around and found your swollen clit, rubbing the sensitive nub in tight, fast circles. He pinched and rolled it between his fingers, causing you to whimper beneath him. The added stimulation was enough to push you over the edge.

He can feel your walls flutter around him profusely and that only makes him let out a breathy chuckle. “Fuckin’ take it liebe, can feel your greedy cunt tellin’ me just how close you are.”

Your body shudders at his words. Why did he have to be so right?

The bed creaks and beneath you, the headboard slams against the wall with each powerful thrust.

Your voice is raw and ragged as your orgasm finally came. Your pussy clenches down hard, your puffy folds rippling and grasping at Kaiser's cock as streams of your juices shot out of you, creating wet squelching noises.

Your body shook and convulsed, your nails digging into the sheets as you came completely undone. His orgasm was soon approaching, causing him to curse under his breath. “Fuck, gonna fill you up, gonna make you take every last drop of it.”

He buries himself to the hilt inside your spasming pussy. His cock jerked and throbbed as he emptied himself deep inside you, flooding you with spurt after spurt of his hot, thick cum.

He grinds his pelvis against your ass as he pumps you full, making sure that not even a drop of cum escapes out of you.

His cock still stays inside of you, twitching slightly but you’ve already collapsed on the bed. You're exhausted, your body aching due to the long position that you’ve been in and your eyelids flutter before they shut.

The only thing you hear before you completely pass out is Kaiser’s raspy chuckle, letting out a deep exhale before saying–

“You're so good to me liebe. You're mine, this pussy is mine, everything about you is mine.”

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can’t Reach You… He Sends Someone Who Hates Losing You 𓆪

Aftercare.

A necessity for when you’ve been fucked so senseless the night before.

Wasn't even given to you.

The pain that flows through your body causes you to awake from your slumber. Your limbs are sore, your pussy is aching and your head is throbbing nonstop.

You’re completely bare, with no comforting arm draped over your waist, and no blankets tucked around your body.

No type of warmth to help with your shivering state.

Just cold air and tangled sheets.

You groan softly, shifting with effort as dull pain flashes through your thighs. You instinctively pull the blanket over your chest, blinking until your gaze catches on the tall figure across the room.

Kaiser, sitting by the window, one leg lazily hooked over the other, shirtless in nothing but his joggers, and puffing slowly on a half-burned joint. His posture is relaxed and casual, but his eyes are glued to you.

You’re caught off guard yet waiting for something, a greeting, a smirk, a lazy “good morning, liebling”. But all he says is:

“You kinda look like shit.”

“...Excuse me?”

He has to be joking, he must be joking… right?

He lets the smoke curl between his lips, tapping ash into a glass tray on the sill. Then, with a lazy shrug, he doubles down.

“Let me rephrase that, you look like shit.”

He has no shame when spitting that out, he just simply jerks his chin toward the full-length mirror across the room. “Take a look.”

You sit up with effort, clutching the blanket closer as your eyes flick toward the reflection. Your hair is tousled, faint marks litter your skin, your lips are swollen, and mascara and eyeliner are smudged under your eyes. It’s a mess. 

You’re a mess.

A mess that was created by him and him only.

“It ain’t that surprising though,” he says, voice low, almost smug. “After the state, I put you through last night.”

You swallow the lump rising in your throat. “You know, most guys would’ve at least tucked me in,” you mutter under your breath.

He hums, unfazed, as he takes another drag. “Not most guys.”

You’re about to say something, anything, to push back, when your phone buzzes from the nightstand. You lean over to quickly grab it, blinking at the screen.

Incoming Call: Dad ❤️

You haven’t spoken to him properly since your first day of moving to Japan and that guilt hits you right away as you swipe to answer.

You have no idea why Kaiser is acting so differently, but a quick catch-up with your dad should be able to distract you from the tension.

“There’s my girl!” your dad’s voice rings out through the line, filled with warmth, and relief but also a hint of sadness.

“Hey, Dad…” you say softly, voice suddenly fragile but also trying to make your voice sound less raw.

“Hey, sweetheart! I was just wondering how you were doing. I… haven’t heard from you in a while. Everything okay?”

You can’t help the smile that curves your lips. “Yeah, yeah, I’m really sorry, I've just been busy. Classes have been hectic but I'm getting used to living here.”

“Still doing that psychology stuff, huh?”

You laugh. “Still doing that psychology stuff. How’s things been with you?”

You smile even more as he starts rambling. He tells you that he’s proud of you, that he’s still working from home, how his clients have been spilling tea to him and that he’s considering getting either a sphinx cat or a shar pei dog to keep him company. 

Both options make you groan in disgust but that earns you a loud chuckle from him and that right there makes you realise how refreshing it is to catch up with him and just hear his voice.

But of course, something has to disturb the wholesome moment because you feel a sharp gaze directly on you.

Kaiser’s stare is so sharp, jaw tight as he drags the joint one last time before stubbing it out beside him. His fingers twitch slightly, arms folding over his chest.

You finish up the call with soft promises to call more often. “I miss you too, Dad. And I will, I promise.”

The moment you hang up, you shift to look at Kaiser.

“Everything okay?”

He shrugs, offering nothing but a low hum. “Uh-huh.”

You brush it off at first, stretching your arms as you speak again.

“Y’know... I was thinking of telling him about you. My dad, I mean.”

You look up at him with a small faint smile. “Even though he’s always going on about how I should focus on my studies and not guys–“

“Well, good.” He cuts in. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

You stare at him. “…Oh?”

“What part of that was unclear?” he says casually, flicking his fingers.

“You don’t need to tell him shit. Especially not about me.”

You sit in stunned silence for a moment.

Have you done something wrong? Did you say something earlier that pissed him off? A million thoughts are running through your mind on what could be his issue.

Until one thought that instantly hits you.

Kaiser has never told you about his family.

He’s told you everything else from his relationship with Ness to what he likes and dislikes.

But never about his upbringing.

So you shift slightly on the bed, eyes narrowing as you carefully ask.

“You’ve never told me anything about your family? What’s your–“

“What’s your family like?” He deflects.

You didn’t expect him to cut in like that, let alone flip the question on you.

“Oh, well,” you start, a sheepish smile appears on your face as you run a hand through your already messy locks. “It’s just me and my dad. I never met my mum. She died giving birth to me, not that it upsets me or anything.”

A small chuckle leaves your lips but his face doesn’t soften.

You keep going, continuing to speak so honestly.

“I don’t have any siblings. It's always just been me and my dad, raising me on his own. He can be an idiot at times but he means no harm.”

You’re expecting him to ask more about your dad, maybe even make a small joke about how much you seem like a daddy’s girl.

Or maybe show some sympathy towards your mother.

Or maybe, just maybe, him finally opening up about his family you still have no idea about.

But instead, he leans back, his head tilting slightly, his attention fully on you now.

“Do you think your mother was selfish… for leaving you in a shitty world like this?”

The emphasis of his words feels like a knife that's stabbed you twice before being twisted and letting it stay right there.

Your voice begins to crack. “What did you just–?”

“Don’t get so defensive now. You’re a big girl, no?” He looks you dead in the eye as he shrugs. “It’s nothing personal, just stating facts.”

“Kaiser… do you even know what you’re saying right now?”

“If I didn’t then I wouldn’t be saying it in the first place, would I? She got the easy way out, liebling. Left you with all the hard shit. No support. Just you and your old man.”

You really weren’t lying when you said that it doesn’t upset you when you talk about your mother or accept the truth that she’s passed away.

But Kaiser made it so easy for you to crumble at this very moment. Speaking so casually about his thoughts to someone who he just made love with last night.

Your hands tremble under the covers, slowly pulling the blanket around you, clutching it to your chest as a form of comfort. For a moment, you wish you could call your dad back, get out of his dorm and pretend none of this ever happened.

And it's then you believe your prayers have been answered.

There’s a knock outside the door, followed by Ness’s voice that's muffled through the door.

“Kaiser? You got a second? I need help with this spreadsheet thing.”

Kaiser scoffs under his breath, clearly irritated, but stands up anyway. He rolls his neck, dragging a hand through his messy hair before glancing back at you.

“I’ll be back. Don’t go anywhere.”

You don’t respond. You just watch him walk out the door and the moment it shuts behind him, you already begin to move.

You grab your phone and unlock it with shaky fingers, opening the group chat with the guys.

Otoya 🥷🏻: Yo crow bitch, you said no baddies wanted me right?

Otoya 🥷🏻: Then tell me why l've got one by my side? 🤣

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Bruh she only let you hit cause she felt sorry for you 💀

Princess 🐆: Otoya, do you even remember her name??

Otoya 🥷🏻: I remember that she's a model 🫡

Yuki 👓: I can't believe you've slept with one of my colleagues 🫥

You: Guys ik this is dumb but can one of you pls pretend to be a girl from my psyche class and call me?

Like right now??

Otoya 🥷🏻: Say less I can ask my girl to do it She's breathing but not exactly conscious so gimme 5 mins

You: No I need it like now. It's urgent, he's gonna come back in any second and I just need to leave

Princess 🐆: He's gonna come back in?

Princess 🐆: What's going on?? Is it Kaiser?

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Of course it's Kaiser, who else would it be?

Yuki 👓: Did he do something to you?

You: He's being off with me. I feel really uncomfortable and I know that he'll flip if I just say that I'm leaving

Buzzchira 🐝: I've gotchu just give me 10 seconds 🫡 

Buzzchira 🐝: Refer to me as Miku 😋

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Honestly out of all of us Bachira has got the most cartoony ahh voice so it's perfect 🙂‍↕️

Buzzchira 🐝: I'll take that as a complement hehe 😁

Princess 🐆: Just try to make it believable

Yuki 👓: We need the full story of what's happened once you've left Kaiser's dorm

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Word

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Head straight to our dorm asap

You rush into your contacts, scroll to Bachira’s name, and quickly change it to the name he came up with on the spot.

You barely finish updating it before you hear Kaiser’s footsteps in the hallway. You throw off the blankets and start dressing in the spare clothes you left at his dorm the last time you stayed over.

You certainly had no intention of wearing the clothes you wore from last night.

The door swings open just as your phone buzzes in your hand.

Incoming Call: Mika 🐝 

You swipe to answer, keeping the speaker on just enough for him to hear.

“Hey girl!!” Bachira says in a pitch so high it sounds like he’s used auto-tune. “Okay I know this is super last minute but can we please meet up like, right now? At the library? I just had a panic attack looking at the assignment brief and we are so behind.”

You make your eyes widen a little, playing along. “Oh shit, yeah, sure, I can come now—”

Kaiser, still shirtless, moves behind you and peers over your shoulder, eyes narrowing at the name on your phone.

“Mika? Who the hell is that?”

“She’s new. Recently joined my course and just started talking more this week.”

You tug your hoodie over your head and shove your phone between your shoulder and ear, still on the line with Bachira, who hasn’t broken character once.

“You’re a lifesaver, babe. Seriously. We can grab those matcha lattes you like on the way, y’know the ones with the oat milk and those weird jelly cube things—”

“Okay, okay, I’ll be there in ten,” you say quickly, grabbing your bag.

“I’ll walk you,” Kaiser offers casually.

“N-No! It’s okay,” you say too quickly. You force a smile. “She sounds... stressed, so I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

There’s a long pause. 

Then, you freeze slightly when he cups your cheek, lowering his lips to press a kiss to your forehead.

The worst part is that you want to lean into it. But you don’t.

He doesn’t deserve that kind of affection from you.

You murmur a soft “bye” and slip out the door.

Once you’re a few corridors down and around the corner, your pace slows, then halts. The phone is still pressed to your ear, Bachira humming lightly in his fake voice on the other end.

“Oh my God, girl, have you seen this really cute guy? He’s so fine, I need him like so badly, like–“

“Bachira, you can stop the act now.” You finally let out a choked breath.

His tone drops immediately, the tremble in your voice is what concerns him now. “H-Hey… are you okay?”

You try to answer but your voice catches, and the tears start falling before you can stop them. Your shoulders are shaking, you press your back against the cold wall outside the dorm complex.

“I slept with him, Bachira,” you breathe out. “And this morning he was just… so cruel. He acted like it meant nothing…”

You feel your throat getting tight the more you speak, cheeks completely flushed as your eyes are blinded by your streaming tears.

“He… said shit about my mom, after I opened up to him about her not being in this world anymore… And I feel so stupid, I don’t even know if I said something wrong for him to act like this–“

“Don’t say that,” Bachira cuts in. His voice is gentle yet stern, one that catches you off guard.

“You didn’t do anything wrong and you’re certainly not stupid. Me and the others have been saying it for a while now but… something is off about him and he’s a dick for making you feel like this.”

You wipe your face with your sleeve, sniffling. “I-I just don’t know… maybe he was just having a bad day? Maybe he received some bad news and that’s why his mood–.”

“The day has just started, it's still morning and he’s acting like this? Please don’t make excuses for him.” You can hear Bachira exhaling sharply on the other line.

Whether your next reply is to make another excuse for Kaiser or finally accept the harsh truth of his actions, you’re interrupted when a tall figure looms over your frame.

“C’mon, y’know I can’t bear to see you crying, let alone hear you make excuses for that golden prick.”

Your hand quite literally tightens around your phone.

You know that voice and you hate that you know that voice.

When you finally lift your head, blinking through tears, you’re met with Shidou who stands before you.

His eyes lock with yours, his hand crawling to the back of his neck as he scratches it. He’s dressed like he hadn’t planned to see anyone. A black hoodie hung loosely around his broad frame, sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and his sweatpants clinging to his hips.

You told yourself that you were done with Shidou.

So out of all people, why did it have to be him to show up, witnessing your most vulnerable state?

“Yo,” Bachira’s voice chimes through. “Is that Shidou?”

You look down at the screen. You can't see it but on the other end, Bachira’s face is lit with a wide, knowing grin.

“This is perfect timing. I’ll leave you two to it.”

“Wait, what? Bachira–“

“Just talk to him. Both of you have things to resolve. When you’re done, come to Karasu, Yukimiya, and Otoya’s dorm.”

You blink. “What are you talking about? It seems like you all know something?”

“We’ll explain later,” he says. “Promise.” Then, the line cuts.

You lower the phone slowly, heart hammering in your chest. You don't dare look back up at Shidou again. 

Instead, you turn and start walking in the opposite direction, your boots hitting the pavement harder than necessary. Maybe if you walk fast enough, you can outrun the confusion, the pain, the way your chest aches from too many emotions stacking on top of each other.

But of course, he follows.

His steps are lazy but quick, matching your pace with annoying ease. 

“How much did you hear?” You ask, not looking back.

“Enough to know that little fuck needs to bite the fucking curb while I bash his head in,” Shidou replies, voice low, teeth clenched.

“Look, I don’t want to talk to you,” you say, your voice cracking slightly. “I told you last night that you’re–”

“Shit at communication?” he cuts in, voice quieter now. “Yeah. I know.”

It's then that you stop in your tracks.

Shidou stops behind you but doesn’t speak. For a second, 

And when you turn to him slowly, it’s so clear to you now.

He isn’t smiling, not in the cocky, wolfish way he usually does. There’s no smirk, no sarcasm dripping from his voice. He looks at you like he’s trying to read something in your eyes.

He steps forward slowly until he’s close enough for you to smell the faint trace of his dark spice cologne.

He tilts his head, eyes searching yours.

“I know I fucked up,” he says, voice barely above a whisper. “And I hate that it’s gotten to the point where you don’t even want to look at me anymore.”

You swallow hard, the words caught in your throat.

“You’ve got to hear me out, [y/n]…” he says, and there’s a crack in his voice this time, a kind of desperation that doesn’t suit him which makes it all the more real.

He leans in just slightly, not enough to invade, just enough to make you feel it.

“…because I’m getting tired of you slipping away from me.”

There’s a double meaning in those very words of his. 

This was his opportunity to speak to you properly after almost a month so he wasn’t going to let you get away again.

But you hate how his words hit you, how sincere he sounds, how some part of you wants to believe him.

You're trying to form a response, anything to just respond back to him but then your phone buzzes again.

Incoming FaceTime Call: Dad ❤️

You furrow your eyebrows as you look at the screen, confused as to why he’s calling you again but through FaceTime.

But when you look back up at Shidou, his face stays the same but you can see that glimmer in his eyes when he glances at the name flashing across the screen.

Oh, that’s right.

How could you forget that?

Shidou has always been fond of your dad. He knows it’s not the right time to be getting excited when seeing a FaceTime call from your dad, so he stays quiet.

And when you walk over to the nearest bench, and sit down to answer the call, he sits a bit further away from you so he’s not on the screen.

You accept the FaceTime call and he’s there, framed against the pale light of the kitchen back home. His face is flushed, his eyes red-rimmed and watery. The second he sees your face, his bottom lip trembles and a choked breath slips from his mouth.

“Oh, sweetheart…”

Your heart breaks just by hearing the tone of his voice crack.

“I know, I know,” he says, already sniffling, voice thick. “I already called earlier. I just–I don’t know. I felt like I needed to see your face.”

You open your mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. You weren’t prepared for this, for the familiar ache in your chest to tighten even more than it already was.

He chuckles softly, wiping under his nose with the back of his hand. “I was actually looking up sphinx cats earlier. Or maybe a shar pei. Thought it’d be nice to have a little wrinkly creature waddling around to keep me company.”

You sit in silence for a second, pressing your lips together as your vision starts to blur again. Your dad’s voice, warm and familiar, just makes everything hurt worse. Your chest tightens. You don’t even know what to say.

A sudden movement next to you catches your attention. Shidou leans in and without asking or warning, he takes the phone gently from your hands and angles the camera toward himself as he settles in closer to your side.

“C’mon, Pops,” Shidou drawls, voice slipping into that familiar cocky rhythm. “A Sphinx cat or a Shar Pei dog? They’re a lil’ ugly, don’t ya think?”

There's a pause on the other end and then–

“RYUSEI?! Boy, is that really you?” your dad exclaims, almost leaping out of his seat on screen. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”

Shidou’s grin widens, the kind that shows his canine teeth on display.

A real smile that you haven’t seen since you both were out in the city together, one that almost felt like a date to you.

“It’s been a while, huh? A lil birdie told me that you really liked my bicycle kick at the U-20 match, old man?” He teases, tossing an arm casually along the back of the bench behind you.

“You should’ve seen my reaction when you pulled off that stunt, you’re gonna need to show me how to do that one day,” your dad waves his index finger at him, chuckling softly. “You’ve grown even cockier, haven’t you?”

“Apologies, sir, I thought I’d hop on and talk some sense into you before you went ahead and adopted a wrinkly dog or naked cat.”

There’s lighthearted banter, it’s back and forth between the two and it's the kind you hadn’t realized you’d missed. 

You glance at Shidou and something is comforting in the way he’s handling this.

He’s helping your dad feel better. But he’s helping you, too.

And just as your father begins wiping his nose again with a tissue, Shidou does something so gentle it disarms you completely.

Still watching the screen, he reaches out and with the backs of his fingers, he wipes a tear that had escaped down your cheek. 

You turn your face, slightly startled, but he doesn’t look at you. He keeps his gaze on the screen like his fingers didn't just graze your soft skin like he didn't just try to find a subtle way to touch you.

“Don’t worry about her too much, Pops,” Shidou says to your dad, voice a little lower now, more sincere. “She’s in good hands. I’m keeping an eye on her. Making sure she’s not getting into trouble.”

There’s a weight behind his words like he’s speaking to both of you at once.

“I’m not letting anything happen to her.”

Your dad, now mostly calmed down, exhales a long breath and gives a soft nod. “You may be crazy at times, Ryusei, but… it means a lot. I know I can count on you.”

You can see Shidou’s smile die down, fading away since he knows that he hasn't been able to stick by your side.

It's always been Kaiser.

You finally take the phone back, just in time for your dad to give you a wobbly smile.

“As I told you earlier, I’m proud of you, sweetheart,” he says. “No matter how far you go.”

You nod, voice hoarse. “Thank you, Dad. Promise I’ll reach out to you more, I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Then, the screen goes dark when your dad ends the call.

You lower the phone into your lap, suddenly aware of how close Shidou still is, his thigh brushing against yours, the warmth of his body invading your space.

You don't want to be the one to look at him first

But you don’t have to.

He’s already looking at you.

His body is relaxed but his jaw is tense. His eyes flicker to you like he’s debating something.

“He really loves you, huh?” he asks, voice softer, almost hesitant.

You nod slowly, barely. “Yeah.”

“He hasn’t changed one bit, still loud as fuck like me.”

You glance over at him. His head is tilted back slightly, eyes squinting at the skyline, but his voice is clear.

His lips twitch into a faint smirk. “Kinda reminded me of how he’d yell at you when we were on call every time we stayed up talking ‘til 3am.”

How he remembered that was beyond you. With everything that’s happened between you two, you would’ve never expected him to hold that memory so close to him.

And the fact that he does, makes your stomach twist slightly.

“I miss that–“

“That day, when you fought with Miyha, ” You interrupt, cutting into the nostalgic memory that he’s trying to delve into. “Why did you say those things about me, Shidou?”

“Why did you call me desperate, a distraction, dumb–?”

A low chuckle slips out of his lips before his head instantly snaps toward you. 

You can see the way his eyes darken, like he has murder on his mind and you calling him by his last name doesn’t make it any better.  

“Miyha? Is that what he makes you call him?” he questions, his jaw now tight, “I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he’s filled your head with bullshit, he’s got you calling you some shitty nickname or that you’ve downgraded me back to my last name.”

“I-It’s not bullshit!”

“Yeah? So then why did he tell me that you were only talking to him to get under my skin? To one-up me?

“But I…” you stutter over your words slightly. “… I never said that.”

“Exactly, the same thing I had to tell myself later on because… I just knew that you would never do that.”

And it's then the memory that immediately slips into your mind, replaying the moment where despite Shidou brutally slamming his fists into his jaw.

His laugh echoes through your mind, laughing since he knew that he had stirred the pot.

And it worked in his favour.

You feel your head about to malfunction with the amount of thoughts filling up, one of them being… why?

What was the need for Kaiser to lie?

Him lashing out at you clearly struck a nerve when you questioned him on why the fight happened.

Because he knew that he was the cause of it and that makes you feel even more dumb for letting him fuck you.

“You heard me call you dumb, so that isn’t necessarily a lie but…” he sharply exhales and you can see the way his entire body coils, like he’s just been hit in the stomach. “I should’ve never called you that and I’m sorry but I didn’t call you those other things. Like Jesus–[y/n], I’d never even think that about you.”

“Everything doesn’t make sense, everything is just so… confusing.”

“I know.” His voice softens again. “That’s on me, too.”

You turn to face him fully now. “And Marissa?” You ask. “Last night at the club, you told her that she was just a drunk mistake. So, why didn’t you tell me earlier? Why didn’t you just tell her the truth instead of letting her cling to the idea of a one-night stand?”

He looks away briefly, running a hand through his blonde-pink-dyed strands.

“Before you arrived here in this country, before I knew you were even going to be studying here… I just wanted to get my dick wet,” he admits with a frustrated shake of his head. “That girl was so fucking persistent. Thought if I ignored her long enough then she would get the message… that it was you I wanted and not her.”

“You should’ve been honest with her… and with me.”

“I know.” His tone isn’t defensive. He knows that he’s messed up but deep down, what worries him more is if you’re willing to forgive him or not.

You’re unsure of what you’re feeling.

Anger, grief, relief? All of it just blends in one.

You sit with your hands in your lap, eyes focused ahead. Shidou leans back beside you, arms draped loosely on the bench behind his shoulders.

Then you feel it.

The subtle weight of his fingers brushing yours. He doesn’t push it or grab it, he just offers.

And that makes you hesitate.

The feelings you had for him are beginning to come back.

But it doesn’t help when the thought of Kaiser keeps lingering back. The thought of him fucking you last night playing in your mind.

The thought of his demeanour changing that's got you questioning if he’s the one for you.

So you pull your hand away gently.

Shidou doesn’t react, doesn’t frown or scowl at you. His eyes just stay on you, like he understands yet wishes that you hadn’t moved it.

The silence is interrupted when your phone vibrates. You’re quick to lift your phone and there you receive a message from Karasu.

Tabi 🐦‍⬛: Yo, Bachira said you managed to get out of Kaiser’s dorm. The guys are at our dorm so come through 🫡 

Shidou’s eyes for a brief moment linger on the text message but immediately looks at you when he sees you standing up, brushing off your hoodie.

“I’ll walk you,” Shidou offers casually, standing too.

You pause. “It’s okay. I’ll go on my own.”

He tilts his head, studying you. “Don’t be like that. I told your dad I’d keep an eye on you.”

You fall quiet, unsure how to argue with that.

Then he says, low and unfiltered, “I didn't expect to miss you this much.” 

Your eyes snap up.

And a faint smirk is plastered on his lips and it's not cocky, it’s genuinely warm yet you can hear the sad tone playing in his voice. 

“God, why don’t you just understand? I… I miss my friend.”

If it were anyone else, those words would’ve made him cringed but when it's you, he doesn’t care.

Not when it’s the truth, not when he genuinely means it.

“And I know you still have feelings for me.” He says, plain and simple, causing your eyes to widen.

“Because if you didn’t,” he says, stepping slightly closer, “you would've told me to back off when I wiped your tears for you earlier.”

Your lips fall open but nothing comes out.

Because deep down, you know he’s right.

“I gotta get going,” you murmur quickly. “I don’t want to leave the others waiting. I’ll see you around, Ryusei.”

And with that, you turn on your heel, walking away as Shidou watches you, hands in his pockets, a slow exhale ghosting through his lips.

—

“There she is,” Karasu grins from the sofa, nudging his chin in greeting. “You good?”

The minute you step inside Karasu, Yukimiya and Otoya’s dorm, the strong smell of bleach travels in your nose.

Before you can investigate what the smell is, you lock the door behind you, finally answering. “Yeah, I think I am.”

You can see Bachira who's sitting cross-legged on the floor, a towel draped over his shoulders, and a plastic mixing bowl filled with bleach beside him. He glares at the dull fading yellow at the tips of his hair like it personally offended him through his phone.

Chigiri is leaning against the kitchen counter as he drinks a bottle of water, while Yukimiya quietly pours tea into a cup. 

And as for Otoya, he’s slumped on the couch like a corpse next to Karasu, one arm flopped over his eyes.

“I’m dying,” Otoya groans, causing Yukimiya to roll his eyes. “I’m pretty sure that girl took my soul.”

“And I'm pretty sure she’s not seeing you again.” Chigiri claps back, shaking his head as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“Public service announcement!” Bachira chimes in, grabbing your attention. “My poor, luscious ends are fading and these bums don’t want to help me re-dye it.”

Karasu rolls his eyes, tutting his teeth. “Listen Bumble-shit, no one told you to bring your damn hair dye equipment over here. Our dorm isn’t a damn hair salon.”

“I’ll help,” you offer, walking over to him. “As a thank you… for earlier.”

Bachira’s grin lights up. “Really? Seriously, I owe you.” 

“Consider it a thank you. For helping me earlier. You didn’t have to… but you did.”

“Aww, don’t mention it, hehe.”

You settle on the floor behind him, sectioning off his hair with gloved hands. Yukimiya sets a cup of tea down next to you, his voice gentle. “Green tea. It helps with nerves.”

“Thanks,” you whisper, your voice almost lost beneath the rustle of plastic gloves.

You dip the brush into the bowl of bleach and begin applying it to the ends of Bachira’s hair with ease. 

Then Chigiri clears his throat deliberately. “Hey, uhh… before you get too far into that, there’s something we all wanted to say.”

You blink, the brush pausing mid-stroke. When you glance up, you see all of them standing.

Yes, even Otoya who’s stumbled to his feet, hair sticking up like he’s been electrocuted and Bachira who still has a quarter of his hair dipped in bleach.

They’re standing side by side in a stiff, lined formation.

And then they all bow, hands pressed to their sides.

Your mouth opens slightly, your heart pumping in your chest.

Chigiri speaks first, voice steady. “Bachira told us about your mum. And… we’re really sorry for your loss..”

Yukimiya adds quietly, “And for how insensitive Kaiser acted.”

Your lips part in surprise. A laugh bubbles in your throat, soft and fragile. “Thank you guys… it means a lot.”

Karasu hums in agreement, tilting his head to look over at Otoya and Bachira. Otoya’s face is screwed, like he’s about to vomit if he keeps staying in the same position and the bleach that’s on Bachira’s ends looks like it’s about to drip onto the floor.

“If one of you stains this floor, I promise you that you’re getting your shit rocked,” Karasu whispers, bluntly.

“Don’t ruin the moment,” Bachira whispers back.

The guys settle back into place, you now returning to Bachira’s hair quietly when he sits back down on the floor.

He’s completely still, letting you work as if sensing you need the silence for a moment.

But then, because of course, he breaks it.

“So, how did the convo go with Shidou?” he asks casually, like he’s asking about the weather.

You keep brushing the bleach through, your gaze focused on the strands in your hands. “It wasn’t… bad.”

“Well, was it good?” Chigiri questions, his eyebrow now raised.

You hesitate, eyes still focused on the strands in front of you. “It just felt weird to speak to him for the first time properly in weeks.”

“You’ve missed him.”

“W-What?”

“I said that you’ve missed him,” Bachira blurts out again, shrugging his shoulders. “There’s no denying it and I assume he told you that he missed you?”

“…Yeah,” you admit quietly.

“You know he tried to catch up with you when you left the club last night, right?” Chigiri says softly.

You freeze. “Huh?”

“When you left with Kaiser,” Yukimiya chimes in from the sofa. “He was pushing through the crowd to get to you but he was too late by the time he got outside.”

“But he didn’t mention that to me,” you whisper, brows furrowing.

Karasu shrugs. “It’s a pride thing. He probably felt dumb or didn’t want to make it about him.”

Shidou’s face flashes in your mind. The way his voice cracked, the way he reached for you without forcing it, the way he said, I miss my friend.

It makes you wonder if that was the first time he’s tried to reach out to you.

“He’s still bat-shit crazy,” Chigiri says, smirking, “but honestly? He cares about you.”

“Agreed,” Otoya grumbles, his head now pressed on the armrest of the sofa. “I genuinely think he’s the better option.”

You lift your gaze. “Better than Kaiser?”

Karasu answers this time. “After the shit that dickhead pulled? For sure.”

You don’t reply, letting the thought float in your mind as you’re finishing the last section of bleach.

“Well, whether I have bleach in my hair or not,” Bachira giggles, even while half-bleached. “We ride out at dawn.”

That causes you to playfully smack his arm, where the others are shaking their heads and laughing. 

You can’t help but chuckle too but it quickly dies down when you feel your phone vibrate beside you. You reach for it, still in gloves, careful not to smudge anything.

Miyha 🥀: Let me know when you’re free, liebling. It's pretty lonely here so come over and we can chill

You stare at your phone for a moment longer, watching the message bubble hover beside Kaiser’s name.

You: I think I’d rather have some space. I just need to be on my own for a bit.

Kaiser is quick to read your message. Then the “read” receipt appears.

No reply.

He’s left you on read.

Your shoulders relax slightly. It's almost a relief.

He’s made the decision easy for you, even if he didn’t realise it.

You set your phone face down on the floor beside you. When you glance up, Yukimiya is watching you from his place on the sofa, gentle as ever. “Kaiser?”

You nod, wiping your gloved fingers on a towel. “I told him I wanted space.”

“Good,” Chigiri mutters under his breath, and Otoya makes a low sound of approval from his horizontal slump on the couch.

Yukimiya clears his throat. “Anyway. Once Bachira washes this out, maybe we should just… get out of here for a bit.”

“Go where?” you ask.

“The city,” he replies simply. “Get food. Breathe. Relax.”

Chigiri nods in agreement. “We should hang out. One last time before the Neo Egoist League starts hammering us with matches and training.”

Karasu groans from the sofa. “Feels like the U-20 match all over again, being televised and all.”

You sit cross-legged again behind Bachira, the ends of his hair almost fully saturated with bleach now, the scent hanging heavy in the air. “Well, I actually like the sound of that,” you say quietly. “I’ve got two psychology assignments and exams coming up too. After tonight, I need to focus.”

“Exactly,” Yukimiya says, sipping his tea. “We all need a breather.”

Bachira starts humming under his breath again, swaying slightly as you apply the last few strokes of bleach. Chigiri’s scrolling on his phone. Otoya has somehow folded himself into a foetal position, Karasu making fun of him as per usual. 

A lot is going on but to you, it’s peaceful when you're with them. In a way, their presence alone distracts you from your conflicting feelings with Kaiser.

And now Shidou.

But just when you thought everything was going so smoothly.

The sound of harsh knocking on the front door causes everyone plus you to flinch, the brush slipping from your fingers and clattering into the bowl. Even Karasu sits upright now. Yukimiya’s brows knit together.

“The fuck?” Otoya grumbles, dragging himself to his feet.

The second he unlocks it, the door bursts open, hitting Otoya right in the chest, and knocking him backwards with a shocked grunt. 

He hits the floor, groaning and this causes you to shoot up to your feet.

Standing there, in the doorway, is Kaiser.

And just behind him, is Ness, holding his phone and staring at everyone with wide, glassy eyes.

It's so obvious that Kaiser is fuming. His jaw is clenched tight, his ice-blue eyes are darkening, and his nostrils flaring.

His eyes are darting around the room until they land on you.

“I knew you’d be here,” he says, voice laced with venom. He takes a slow step forward, his voice dropping. “Y'know, what I find so funny?”

He’s walking towards you now.

“I had my way with you last night,” he mutters. “Treat you like a queen. Look out for you. And somehow… somehow, you still find a way to be a whore.”

“Watch your fucking mouth,” Karasu growls, standing up now, jaw tight. “Barging in here and shit like I won't beat the dog-shit out of you.”

“Don’t,” you snap, stepping slightly in front of him, voice shaking but firm. “You don’t get to say that to me.”

“Oh? I don’t?”

Kaiser scoffs, turning slightly before snatching Ness’s phone from his hand.

“You wanna try to explain yourself or are you gonna continue putting on this innocent act bullshit?”

He plays the video and… it’s you.

It's a hidden angle, capturing the moment from earlier, sitting outside on the bench… with Shidou.

And on perfect timing, he’s managed to capture the part where Shidou wipes a tear from your face as he’s still yapping away to your dad.

He’s caught both of you in 4K.

You look at Ness. “You recorded that?” Your voice is barely audible. “Why would you record that? Why didn’t you just–?”

Ness opens his mouth, but Kaiser speaks over him. “Don’t fucking question him.”

“Do you know why I had to lie my way out of your fucking dorm this morning?” you hiss, fists clenched at your sides.

Something flickers in his expression but he keeps going.

“You made me so uncomfortable,” you continue. “You acted like such a dick when I was speaking to my dad, the way you acted like what happened between us meant nothing. The way you talked about my mum—”

“Don’t twist this around,” he snaps.

“No, you twisted it! You want to talk about betrayal? Let’s talk about yours. You lied. You told me that Shidou talked shit about me. You told him that I was using you to make him jealous.”

Kaiser’s lips twitch into a cruel smile. “And you believe him over me? 

You inhale sharply.

“You really are stupid,” he sneers. “Are you forgetting he saw you as a second option?.”

He steps closer, crowding your space. “Maybe I should start seeing you as a second option, too. Makes you wonder why I haven’t asked you to be my girlfriend yet, huh?”

“Alright. I’ve heard enough.” Bachira stands up, hair still drenched in bleach.

He begins to crack his knuckles. “You wanna take this outside or what?” he says, smiling, but there’s no warmth in it.

“Bachira, sit your ass down!” You snap at him, trying to get in between them but you’re already being pulled away by Chigiri.

Kaiser looks him up and down, making a look of ‘I know he isn’t talking to me right now.’ But Ness steps forward. “Bleach still in your hair but you want to fight? You’re definitely going to end up bald.”

“Yeah, yeah, well,” Karasu is already on his feet, stepping forward. “You’re definitely going to end up being benched for the next couple of days after I'm done with you.”

Otoya, despite barely standing, is beside them, wanting to stand on business too. “Swear to God, I’ve never wanted to fuck someone up with a migraine this bad.”

“Enough!” Yukimiya snaps but it’s far too late.

Yukimiya and Chigiri have to grab your arms, pulling you away just as Bachira pounces on Kaiser. Their fists collide with each other, and specks of bleach flick into the air, landing in Kaiser’s eye, causing him to curse out loud.

Ness throws a punch towards Karasu’s jaw and that results in Otoya shoving Ness into the wall. Kaiser also shoves Karasu into the table, resulting in someone’s tea smashing to the floor.

And then loud footsteps down the hall. And it's not long before the doors swing open, security charging right in.

“Break it up! Get off of each other, NOW!”

They start restraining everyone. Karasu is cursing under his breath, Otoya falls in one of the security guards’ arms and Bachira begs one of the guards to let him go.

“Let me rinse my damn head,” he wails. “I’m gonna go BALD!”

You’re in the corner, trying to gather your thoughts as Yukimiya and Chigiri surround you.

And then, someone new walks in.

And it's Noel Noa.

His eyes scan the room. He sees Bachira and Kaiser still being held apart. He sees Ness, Karasu, Otoya.

Then he sees you.

“Take them,” he tells the guards. “All of them. To Ego’s office.”

As they’re being dragged away, you catch a glimpse of Kaiser. One of his eyes is bloodshot red due to the bleach but his eyes never leave yours.

You don't dare to look away from him but your eyes don’t soften, clearly telling him that you don’t want anything to do with him again.

“I remember you,” Noa says coldly, snapping you from your gaze. “From the last time those two idiots fought on the pitch.”

He’s clearly referring to Kaiser and Shidou.

He takes one step closer, causing Yukimiya and Chigiri to step aside.

“You’re coming with me,” he says, firmly. “Right now. Because you’re becoming a problem, a distraction, especially for one of my top players.”

Chapter Text

𓆩 When The Devil Can't Reach You… He Makes Sure You Don’t Miss Him 𓆪

“You’re becoming a problem, a distraction, especially for one of my top players.”

You’re delusional if you thought that those words would’ve died down in your mind by now.

Because surprise, surprise, they haven’t. But what makes it worse is knowing that it’s a lie.

But of course, Noel Noa of all people doesn’t care for the facts at this given moment. Not when he ordered you to follow him like a damn soldier. And now you’re here, a desk dividing space between yourself and him who’s hunched over his computer, typing away.

He’s not glanced your way once since he exchanged words with you. His golden eyes stay fixed on the bright screen, unmoving as ever whilst his fingers dig into each key with force.

The silence is killing you slowly, so for once, being deep in your thoughts seems to be your only comfort and way to escape reality.

But not everything works in your favour since he’s pulled you back into it.

“Student ID.”

“Sorry?”

He doesn’t need to look at you to know that he’s caught you off guard, his focus is still on the screen.

But just by lowering his voice, he’s losing patience. “I’m not going to ask you again. Give it here.”

You hesitate for a second too long before reaching into your handbag, your ID almost slipping out of your grasp from how much your fingers tremble. You pass it to him across the desk, scraping harshly against the metal surface.

He snatches it without a word, eyes scanning the information as he resumes typing. And it’s not long before he’s searched for information about you on the university system.

“Majoring in psychology…” he mutters, more to himself than to you. The corners of his mouth don’t move, his expression remaining unreadable.

You have no clue where to look when stuck in an office just as cold as him. So you fixate on your hands, fingers dimpling into your palms the more you remember the person responsible for the current position you’re in now.

Can you really blame your thoughts for spiralling about Kaiser? All those times spent together, the deep conversations and finally sleeping with him now feels like a waste.

You can’t seem to catch a break, not when it comes to him.

He’s the problem–

“You’re the problem.”

How dare he cut into your thoughts and say otherwise?

Your head snaps back to Noa and for once, his eyes are finally on you. He’s no longer typing. He leans forward, elbows pressing into the steel desk, fingers lacing as he fixates on your eyes widening.

“I knew you’d be a problem the first time I saw you,” his voice is steady, too calm for your liking. “I didn’t think much of it at the time because I thought those two idiots would’ve had the sense to focus on more important matters, not fight on a pitch over a girl who can’t benefit them in any way.”

His referring to Kaiser and Shidou’s past fight once again was beginning to aggravate you. But it quickly dies down when his sharp exhale, laced with annoyance, cuts through you.

“And now? We’ve got five players involved in a damn fight inside the dormitories, all of them in Ego’s office, two of them from my team and you happen to be there once again.”

You want your voice to be heard, feeling compelled to defend yourself, to prove him wrong. But each time your lips agape, he’s not giving you the chance to do so.

“Neo Egoist League is happening in a week. We have journalists, cameramen and sponsorship reps arriving and I know Ego would agree with me when I say the last thing we need is low-quality performances and petty fights to be televised. “

“I didn’t start any of this,” you finally blurt out, your voice faltering but holding. “I didn’t even ask for the fights to happen, I’ve tried to stop it twice now–“

“And yet, it’s happened again.”

“Then it’s Kaiser you need to be questioning.”

“Don’t try and put this on him.”

Trying to communicate with him is like talking to a brick wall. Nothing you say is getting through to him. His mind is so tunnel vision that he genuinely believes you’re the issue.

“I don’t care if he’s the cause of it all. I don’t care who said what. I don’t even care what Kaiser does in his free time. What I do care about,” he continues, tapping the desk once for emphasis. “Is outcomes and results. Kaiser is an asset, a top player who doesn’t need to get distracted.” 

“So is this all you wanted to say?” You question him, finally deciding to stand your ground, cutting in before he can get a word in. “Ordering me to come in this office so you can give me an earful about how I’m a ‘problem’ for one of your ‘valued’ top players who doesn’t know how to act right?”

The emphasis of your words, the way you spat them out struck a nerve in him. Rightly so since you’re standing on business.

His fingers clasp together so tightly that his hands could’ve moulded into one. But despite your mocking, he’s composed as ever. He sharply exhales once more, his jaw tightening and his eyes narrowing when he speaks again.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he states, voice low and unforgiving. “I’ve already sent an email to your university liaison. You've been reported.”

So much for standing on business, the business clearly stood on you.

“What?”

“It’s merely a warning,” he says flatly. “But if you care about your future here, I suggest you start acting like it.”

Merely a warning? Bullshit.

You don’t know what that email entails, not yet anyway but you know that it can’t be anything good. The more you stare at him, the more the realisation occurs that he’s not bluffing.

His expression doesn’t change, it never did since you first saw him. You’re not sure if he’s waiting for your response or if you’re waiting for him to utter more nonsense. But with no words exchanged, you let the silence dismiss you.

Rising to your feet now, your hand snatches your student ID off the desk, your eyes avoiding the gaze. He doesn’t try to stop you, not that he needs to since your actions speak for themselves.

Pushing your chair back, the legs scrape against the tile floor and as you’re close to storming out of this dreaded office of his, that's when he finally wants to give you his final parting words.

“I know you’re smart. So don’t make this situation worse for yourself.”

You knew better than to respond to his condescending words, it just wouldn’t change anything. So with force, you swing open the door before it slams right behind you.

To hell with him and Kaiser.

You hate this. But you hate yourself more, for letting Kaiser get to you, falling into his trap over and over again. None of this would’ve happened if he had just left you alone from the start.

Yet, none of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t given him a chance.

It’s such a humiliating reminder that keeps ringing in your mind the further you head straight back to your dorm. And even by the time you reach back, you’re still fuming.

You can’t even bother to place your bag on the hanging rack, it’s carelessly plopped on the ground, heading straight to your bed and dropping it with a sharp exhale.

Sleep is calling your name but blocking that bastard is screaming at you more.

You toss on your side, dragging your phone out of your back pocket and with barely a pause, you’re quick to search for every social media, every messaging app that links to Kaiser. His Instagram, iMessage, phone number, it’s all been blocked and quite honestly? You couldn’t give a fuck.

Strangely enough, it feels familiar. The first time you blocked him on Tinder, before everything went downhill. The only difference between then and now is that he’s something much worse, willing to hurt you despite giving a part of yourself to him.

You’re still staring at your phone screen, your reflection exposing a range of emotions. Confusion, anger, and hurt keep hitting you in your chest. But the feeling is temporary when your phone is ringing with a FaceTime call from Chigiri.

Incoming FaceTime Call: Princess 🐆

His cherry locks are tied back loosely but you take note of him being back in his dorm after the fight that took place earlier. He’s casually sitting cross-legged on his bed in contrast to you lying on your side and half your face smooshed into your pillow.

“Hey,” he greets, voice gentle as ever.

Your greeting is barely audible. “Hey.”

He picks up on your energy instantly. His brows furrow as he leans in closer to the camera, resting his chin in his palm. “I take it that the conversation didn’t go so well?”

You force a humourless chuckle. “If you can even call it a conversation. He literally put me on blast. I could barely get a word in because apparently, I’m the problem. And he’s reported me to the university.”

Chigiri jolts upright. “Wait… he what?”

“Yeah, I know,” you mutter, pressing your fingers to your temples. “Apparently, that’s enough for Noa to treat me like I’m some kind of threat.”

Chigiri exhales, running a hand through his hair. He looks conflicted, like he doesn’t want to believe it either but knows better than to question Noa’s authority. 

“Have you heard anything from the others?” you ask, needing to pivot away from your own frustrations. “How did their meeting go?”

“Well, you see…”

“Chigiri, c’mon. Spit it out.”

“None of them got in trouble.”

You blink. “What?”

“That’s what Karasu told me. Not even Kaiser or Ness,” Chigiri rolls his eyes, annoyed with the fact that they didn’t even get in trouble for starting the fight. “It was just another one of Ego’s ‘my diamonds in the rough’ bullshit speeches while Bachira was spending the whole time washing the bleach out of his hair with like, five bottles.”

As humorous as it sounds with Bachira trying to save his hair, it doesn’t change the pit in your stomach that keeps growing. You’re the only one who got the full interrogation and a warning.

And if that wasn’t worse enough, before you can even voice out your frustration any further, a notification slides down your screen.

Not just any notification, an email with the subject titled in bold: Official Notice Regarding Conduct Review in Relation to Blue Lock Program

You sit upright immediately which has Chigiri furrowing his brow at you. Despite your shaky fingers, you open and as your eyes move down the page, line by line, your breath shallows. 

Words can’t describe how cooked you are. You don’t know what’s worse, the restrictions that’s being thrown at you or how low Kaiser would go to lie in your name.

“What’s up?” Chigiri prompts, noticing the change in your expression. “You look like you’ve just shit yourself.”

Still speechless, you take a shaky screenshot of the email and send it to him via iMessage.

He’s quick to tap the message the same way his eyes scan. His jaw tightens.

“Psychological distress?” he reads aloud, incredulous. “Impacted his mental health? Prohibited from attending all of Blue Lock’s Neo Egoist League matches? There’s actually no way.”

You finally find your voice, strained and barely audible. “Why… would he lie? Why the fuck would Kaiser–?”

“Hold up,” Chigiri interrupts you, shaking his head. “Now hear me out… I don’t fuck with Kaiser at all. But even I don’t think he’d go out of his way to lie to Noa and say that you’re messing with his mental health.”

“Then what about me apparently being the sole reason why the fights happened? He–?”

“Again, it’s not him who lied about that either.”

You fall silent, staring at him with no more rebuttals because you already know the truth he’s about to say is enough for you to contemplate everything.

“Noa’s pulling the strings here,” he cuts in firmly. “His thing is all about strategy so he probably exaggerated the situation to keep Kaiser focused for the tournament.”

“Well, he didn’t need to do all that,” you finally mutter, your voice on the edge of exhaustion as you sink further into your bed. “Because I was already planning on keeping my distance from Kaiser… and everyone else.”

Chigiri’s brows pull together. “What do you mean?”

You inhale slowly, carefully wording what you’re about to say. “I think it’s just best if I focus on myself. I don’t want to risk being an issue or a distraction for you or the others, especially now. I know how important this tournament is.”

Chigiri’s expression softens. “You’re not a distraction,” he says, voice low but steady. “Not to me or the guys either. They would say the same thing.”

You give him a look, not convinced, but he pushes on.

“You want my opinion? This email is bullshit so it doesn’t change how we see you. We’ll still come by and hang out as usual.”

You offer a weak smile but you shake your head quickly. “Don’t risk it. The last thing I need is another screw up, especially when I’m already on thin ice with the university.”

While there’s a short silence, Chigiri looks like he wants to keep on pushing. But he reconsiders, eventually sighing and falling into defeat.

“Alright,” he finally gives in. “I’ll tell the guys what’s going on. So they know to give you space, for now.”

You nod, gratitude pooling behind your tired eyes. But the moment doesn’t last when he slightly narrows his eyes. 

“So… what about Shidou?”

“Yeah, so that’s the thing…”

“Don’t tell me,” he tilts his head at you, the look of disapproval glued to his face. “You want me to tell him?”

“C’mon, Chigiri,” you groan, pressing a palm over your eyes. “You and I both know that he’ll just pull up to my place the second I tell him. He’s too damn spontaneous.”

“You’re not wrong,” he admits with a light laugh, “but… things aren’t awkward between the two of you anymore. You don’t have to keep pushing him away.”

“I know, I know.” You mumble, your voice trailing is enough for Chigiri to know why he won’t press any further. Your silence answers for you, the truth that you don’t want to tread on, how the damn feelings keep lingering back.

So he exhales softly, giving you a small nod. “Alright. I’ll tell him in person when I see him at practice.”

Your head snaps up, your shoulders sagging with relief. “You’re literally a lifesaver, thank you.”

“I’m only doing it because there’s already a lot on your plate as it is.” 

The corners of your lips twitch into a smirk. “So not because you care?”

He gives you the most unamused look possible. “Don’t push it.”

For a fleeting second, you let out a quiet laugh and Chigiri cracks a small grin whilst shaking his head. As the call comes to an end, his voice softens again. 

“Look, I know it’s easier said than done but please don’t let this situation get to you more than it already has. We’ve got you so try to get some rest tonight, yeah?”

“Yeah… I’ll try.”

But with the predicament that you were in, how could one be able to have a good night's rest?

Even after you said your goodbyes to Chigiri, after dragging yourself to the shower, getting rid of the dreaded clothes you’ve been in all day and after changing into fresh clothes and slipping beneath the duvet covers.

Sleep didn’t come easily.

You genuinely tried not to let your emotions tangle with the memory of him, but you kept replaying the same possibilities. What if he reached out to you again? What if this warning turns into something more?

You don’t remember when you fell asleep, but you definitely slept longer than you anticipated. Monday morning rolls through and you groggily open your eyes, sunlight comes beaming through your blinds.

Struggling to muster up some energy, you glance over at the wall clock, squinting to make out that it's currently noon.

You’ve missed your morning lecture. Not that you care of course but you stare up at your ceiling, contemplating what to do.

You could still get dressed and go to your afternoon seminars but your limbs feel heavy and your mind is drained. Everything feels too much and you’re more content with just bedrotting.

So you turn over and pull the covers up, choosing sleep again. But as always, someone is always trying to disturb your peace since your ringtone is blaring nonstop.

Whoever it is, you don’t have the energy to hold a conversation right now. They’ll have to wait. But they’re not giving up, not when they call for a second time and annoyingly enough, you snatch your phone from your bedside.

Incoming Phone Call: Ryu

And just like that, you’re awake.

Your thumb hovers over the screen, debating your options. You know Shidou too well to know that if you don’t pick up, he’ll just come straight to your dorm. So it’s enough to make you sigh and give in.

“Uhh… hello?”

On the other end of the line, Shidou leans casually against the railing on the outer deck of campus, his lips in a single line. The wind tosses strands of his locks across his forehead as he listens.

“You sound like you just woke up,” he replies bluntly.

You clear your throat awkwardly, forcing yourself to sit up. “I’ve literally been up since eight.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah…”

“Who the fuck are you lying to right now?”

You groan into your palm, dragging your hand down your face. “Aren’t you supposed to be training or something?”

Shidou glances off across the pitch. In the distance, his eyes narrow as he spots Kaiser walking with his hood up. He’s completely ignoring everyone who’s trying to greet him or ask if everything is good while he keeps walking into one of the campus buildings.

Shidou didn’t realise how pale his knuckles were from clenching his fists tight, not when you snapped him back to focus. “Hello? Are you gonna answer me or just let me talk to myself?”

“Why didn’t you go to your lecture this morning?”

“Why are you answering my question with a question?”

“Why are you avoiding mine?” he snaps back, voice playful but sharper. “Stop beating around the bush, it’s annoying.”

You pause for a moment before softly sighing and finally admitting. “I woke up late, was struggling to sleep last night...”

“Is that so?” He murmurs, there’s a knowing tilt to his voice, like he already knows why without needing to ask you. “Tell me why the hell you made that damn princess deliver the news to me that you’re distancing yourself from me, again?”

You sheepishly rub the back of your neck. “It’s not like that.”

“Oh, I know, he told me everything.” He lets out a dry and humourless laugh. “He even talked me out of fucking up that blonde dickhead and his lapdog. But you could’ve just told me yourself. You wanted space? Fine, I’d’ve respected that. Still do.”

The blunt honesty in his tone startles you, but it makes sense. He made a promise to your dad to look out for you but he also wants to atone for his mistakes. 

It’s clear that he wants to be in your life again yet he knows that your trust isn't something you’ll give away loosely.

“You gotta trust me,” he says, gentler now. “How am I supposed to be there for you if you can’t even tell me what’s going on?”

Your throat tightens, unable to make a response but Shidou doesn’t press you for one. With everything that’s gone on, especially between you two, he doesn’t blame you for putting up a barrier.

“I get it,” he continues, “I still need to earn back your trust. So, I’ll give you space. I won’t pull up to your dorm or anything like that.”

But he exhales before firmly speaking again. “But I’m still gonna call you, still gonna message, still gonna annoy the hell out of you if I think something’s up.”

You’re caught off guard with how… calm he’s being with your situation. You hate that he’s right, that you need to put your guard down when it comes to him, even if you think it’s the better option to do.

“You’re so damn persistent, y’know that?”

“God forbid a man gives a shit about you.”

You roll your eyes despite the corner of your mouth twitching upwards. In the background, you hear another voice which sounds like Charles shouting at Shidou from afar. “Yo, hurry up man! I’m two seconds away from bunking again.

“You gotta go?” You ask with a slight grin.

“Y’know how it is, tournament’s right around the corner.”

Before either of you can say goodbye, his voice slightly softens. “I’ll call you later, yeah? Until then, get the hell out of bed. I like my type to be productive, not bedrotting.”

“I wasn’t even bedrotting–!”

“Later, doll.”

And just like that he hangs up on perfect timing before you could even nag at him. 

And before you can kick yourself in the foot by getting easily flustered.

—𓆩❦𓆪

With one week left before the NEL tournament, your assignment and exams approaching, you don’t waste time by sulking.

This time you made the effort this time to attend your morning lecture. Filling up your psychology notes with everything you need for exam prep and your assignments.

In between your studying, you still get messages from the group chat. It’s mostly updates on how their training is going to checking in to see how you’re doing. It stings a little, a constant reminder that you won’t be able to support them up close when the time comes.

Regardless, you always replied, letting them know you were okay and you’d be rooting for them from afar.

Now, as for Shidou?

True to his word, he called you back that same day. At first, he kept it simple. The calls he made didn’t stretch past five minutes. He kept it casual, too casual one might say.

“You good?”
“Yeah, yeah. I just got in not too long ago.”
“Cool, make sure to eat something. I’ll call you again tomorrow.”

He didn’t demand your time like you thought he initially would. It was strange at first. You were grateful for the space and the “how’s your old man doing?” check-ins, sure. 

And maybe it was because he also needed to focus on the tournament but slowly, you started missing what used to be. Back when the two of you were just online friends, talking until 3AM about everything and nothing.

But your stubbornness wouldn’t let you admit it. 

So you found subtle excuses. Started dropping vague “ugh, I hate this assignment” texts that practically begged a response from him.

Yet, Shidou caught on fast.

He didn’t complain nor did he say anything about it. Not when your tactics worked in his favour. So he played along.

Five-minute check-ins turned into fifteen-minute conversations. Fifteen minutes grew into thirty. Then eventually, you found yourself on FaceTime with him every night.

Sometimes he’d call just to see your face, even if you looked exhausted. But there are times when he makes your eyes light up by asking you out of the blue questions.

“You still got that damn plushie I brought for you a while back?”

“Yeah?” You replied, your lips gaped the more you glanced over to the Cinnamoroll plushie sitting in the corner of your bed. “Yeah… I still have it.”

He grinned like he hadn’t expected it. “Even after we–?”

“Fell out?” You finished his sentence, averting your gaze so he couldn’t see the warmth in your expression. “Yeah, I still kept it.”

It was quiet for a moment. But that comfortable silence said everything.

Meanwhile, Kaiser?

You hadn’t seen him since everything went down. Not on campus, not in passing so it almost felt like a relief.

Until the packages started showing up.

Every morning when you left for lectures or came back from seminars in the late afternoon, there it was again. A neatly wrapped parcel left at your door, accompanied by a small card. You never opened the notes nor did you unwrap the parcel.

‘Miyha’, you once loved to say but now despised, was always engraved somewhere on the packaging. You couldn't care less about whatever it was that he got you. 

So, each one was tossed away. Lousy presents weren't going to win you back nor erase what he ruined.

And besides, you had something better now.

Shidou offering to help with your assignments and even quiz you for your exams was not on your bingo card.

Even if it was in his way and even if he didn’t have a clue about the key terms.

“Okay, so dumbbell’s number?”

“Dunbar’s number,” you corrected, failing miserably to hold in your laughter. “It’s a cognitive limit. It suggests that humans can only maintain 150 stable relationships. So, anything past that is meaningless.”

At this point, he’d leaned closer to his screen to watch your reaction. “So, what does that mean for us?”

“I mean… I guess we’re pretty close.”

“How close are we talking?”

“Next question.”

Some nights, when the calls went on late, he stayed on FaceTime with you as you drifted off, his voice the last thing you heard before sleep took you.

On more than one occasion, he’d just watch you quietly, the camera pointed right at you while snoring softly in the background.

You didn’t even realise how quickly you’d fallen back into rhythm until you’re laughing at his dumb jokes, flustered at any little thing he does and even found yourselves holding each other's gaze for far too long.

Your walls were thinning, bit by bit.

But it was hard to resist temptation, even at this particular moment.

“So… what if I came over tonight?”

His voice dipped so low that your brain short-circuited and your heart sputtered uncontrollably.

“… You being for real?”

“You don’t want me to? I don’t hear you saying no.”

It should’ve been a quick answer but you hesitated, shaking your head to pull yourself back to your senses. “Behave yourself, Ryu.”

He’d chuckle darkly at your flustered state, throwing his head back. “Alright, alright. Don’t go all shy on me now.”

He knows what you want but he didn’t push.

For now, it was enough.

—𓆩❦𓆪

You didn’t realise how quickly the week went. It might’ve been the banners displayed all over campus promoting the NEL tournament, the various teams’ flags posted up and staff scurrying about to tape off areas for press coverage and sponsorships.

For everyone else, it’s the final countdown for them to do their last final prep for tomorrow. But for you, the day has felt unusually quiet.

It’s a late afternoon on a Sunday and you’ve just left the library, your mind feeling lighter after submitting two assignments and finishing up the last bit of revision for one of your exams tomorrow.

You should feel relief and to some degree, you do. But as you glance at your phone for a nth time and see the lack of notifications from Shidou, something unsettles you.

You texted him this morning and yet still no reply back to you asking him when he’s free to call. But you’re brushing it off since he’s probably doing last-minute training since the tournament is tomorrow after all.

Well, you thought wrong.

Because as you turn the corner down towards the hallway dorms, two figures are standing right in front of your door.

Even from a distance, you recognise them instantly. Shidou with his towering lean frame with his arms behind his damn head and beside him, Charles who’s leaning against your door frame like it’s his place.

You'd be lying if you said that you weren’t happy to see Shidou but what the hell is he doing here with Charles?

They’re not supposed to be here.

You quicken your pace, scanning around the hallway instinctively, paranoid about the security cameras mounted on the walls.

Shidou spots you first, his grin widening but you’ve stopped him. Because before he can even utter a word or properly greet you, you unlock your door in one swift motion and get a fistful of his compression shirt clutched in your hand as you yank him into your dorm.

He stumbles with a laugh, clearly not resisting. You certainly didn’t forget about Charles so you give him the same treatment, dragging him in by the sleeve as he lets out a surprised but amused, “Whoa, hello to you too.”

Charles doesn’t waste a second when the door slams shut. “Damn, Shidou. You didn’t tell me she was the dominant type.”

“Shut up, Charles.” You hiss at him before directing your attention towards Shidou, who's standing just a little too pleased with himself with his hands raised he’s surrendering. “And you, what happened to not pulling up to my dorm?! You know I can get in serious trouble if I’m caught with either of you.”

Shidou cocks his head. “Don’t tell me you’re still falling for their little scare tactic? The higher-ups are too damn busy losing their shit over this tournament to care about campus cameras.”

“I don’t care. That’s not the point–“

“God, you need to stand on business more and stop being a pussy,” Charles chimes in with a playful tone, a smirk tugging on his lips as he waves something in your face. “Anyways, here.”

You shoot him a glare, the constant motion of a paper being waved in your face makes you instantly snatch it out of his hand.

“What is this?”

“Maybe if you used your big ass eyes, you’d know what it is.”

“Yo, chill out,” Shidou mutters, flicking Charles right on the forehead, causing Charles to curse under his breath and rub the spot.

You ignore them for a moment, concentrating on what's in your hands. 

It’s a ticket but not just any ticket. One that’s to the NEL tournament, a digital pass with a custom QR code for all access entry to the matches, valid all week yet with your name nowhere in sight.

“How did you–?”

“You’re welcome,” Charles smoothly interrupts, swinging his arms over his neck and already walking towards the door like he’s done his good deed for the day. “Just make sure you go through Gate C. I know a guy on scanner duty, he won’t ask for ID so you’ll be fine.”

You’re caught between gratitude and shock while Shidou is just standing there with the biggest smirk like he knew you would react like this.

“Anyways, I did my part. You two better not be late tonight.”

You furrow your brows. “Late for what?”

Charles doesn’t give you a response, he just looks back over his shoulder with a devilish grin before opening and slamming the door shut.

Leaving you alone with Shidou, who’s now moved to sit on your desk, eyes focused on you.

“You know,” Shidou drawls with a cheeky smirk. “You should really be thanking me. I asked that damn blondie to pull a couple strings just so you could watch me play.”

You raise your brows, crossing your arms with that familiar look that shuts him up immediately.

You’re grateful that he went out of his way to do this for you but he knows full well that he’s not the only one that you’ve been wishing to see play on the field.

He huffs out loud, dragging his hand through his hair like it’s painful to admit. “Tch, fine. I guess you’ll get to see the others too. Chigiri, Bachira, whoever else.”

You don’t hide the amused smirk tugging at the corner of your lips. But it doesn’t last long, not when your earlier question still lingers.

“Look, whatever is happening tonight, I’m not interested.“

Shidou’s still perched on your desk, a slight gleam in his fuchsia eyes when he leans forward, spreading his knees apart just enough to gesture with his hands for you to come closer.

And despite yourself, you take the unspoken invitation.

Your feet slowly carry you across the room, until you’re standing right in front of him, close enough to smell the sharp scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of sweat, that post-practice musk that lingers on his skin.

“You’re always so on edge,” he murmurs, voice low, raspy and almost teasing. “Just relax for me, doll.”

You do. Against your will or not, your body responds instinctively to his hands gliding over your shoulders, the smooth cadence of his voice lulling your shoulders into easing under his touch.

He massages his thumbs along the curve of your shoulder blades, and it sends a shiver cascading down your spine.

“Listen,” he leans in closer, eyes tracking every twitch of emotion on your face. “It’s good and all that you’ve been locked in. Assignments, exam prep, being a perfect little student…”

His hands drift lower, slow and deliberate, settling on your waist as his thumbs begin brushing slow, lazy strokes over the fabric of your crimson bandeau long-sleeve top. You look away instinctively, heat crawling up your neck, but he’s not having it.

He lifts one hand to gently take your chin between his fingers and angles your face back toward his.

“But you need a break. You’ve been working too hard.”

His voice is soft and sincere, like all the other times he’s been on call when you’re close to falling asleep, when the FaceTimes shifted to a deep conversation.

“So we’re going to the club tonight.”

“… And you thought now was the best time to tell me this? I have an exam tomorrow, and the tournament starts for you too–”

He cuts you off with a scoff. “You think I give a fuck?”

His hand glides to your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushes your cheek which almost makes you melt into his touch.

“Besides, I’ll make sure we’re not getting wasted. You’re too much of a damn lightweight so I’m making sure you don’t overdo it.”

“Excuse me?”

“Am I wrong?”

You almost argue, but you accept your defeat. But that doesn’t change the tiny flicker of hesitation in your expression that he can still see. The way your defences falter just slightly. His grip on you softens again, coaxing, patient.

“Come on,” he says, voice dropping again to that low register that makes your stomach flip. “It won’t be a whole night. Charles’ll be there, sure, but he’ll be off chasing something.”

“I want it to just be us tonight,” Shidou says quietly. “I’ve got you.”

You hadn’t even noticed how close his face had gotten again, his gaze flicking down to your lips, his breath warm against yours, eyes locked on you with a softness that stuns you into silence.

You don’t even breathe until he suddenly leans back, the moment cut just short, like he’s teasing you on purpose.

“I’m waiting,” he drawls, arms folded again.

Damn you, Shidou.

You cross your arms and stare at him, but eventually, you relent with a quiet sigh. “…Fine. I’ll come.”

The grin that spreads across his face is blinding.

“Good, not like you had a choice anyway. If you said no, I was gonna throw you over my shoulder and take you with me.”

You scoff at that, turning away to avoid him seeing the smile forming on your lips.

“I’ll pick you up at 9:30,” he adds, stretching out before heading toward the door. “Wear something cute.”

“Don’t tell me what to wear,” you mutter under your breath.

He pauses just as the door swings open, shooting you a wink over his shoulder. “Then just wear what you wore last time. Couldn't stop thinking about you in that little black dress at that modelling party.”

“Ryusei!”

He winks before the door closes behind him, with you now alone, the ticket in your hand almost crumpled due to your tight grip and your mind all muddled.

It’s a stupid idea to be going out a day before your exam and the start of the tournament for Shidou.

But he wasn’t wrong. It has been a while since you’ve given yourself a break. But you weren’t going to wear the same outfit you wore the last time you went to Yukimiya’s event party.

So later on in the evening, you slipped into a strapless denim corset top and a denim mini skirt that hugged your figure perfectly. To top it all off, you flung your tiny denim handbag over your shoulder and black kitten heels to give you a bit of height.

By the time you heard a knock at your dorm door at 9:30 sharp, you were finishing up your lip gloss, checking yourself out in the mirror for the third time.

Shidou stood on the other side and the look on his face when you revealed yourself to him?

His eyes drag over you the second you open the door. You were looking at your phone, adjusting your hair through the selfie cam, so you didn’t even notice how he had gone completely still, hand half-raised like he forgot what he was about to say.

“Is this too much?” you asked casually, still not making eye contact, lips pouting slightly as you glance at yourself through your phone screen, smoothing your top without even looking at him.

Shidou couldn't answer. He was covering his mouth with the back of his hand like he was trying to stop himself from saying something. Which is out of character for him since he’s never been one to back away from saying what’s on his mind. 

You finally looked up and frowned. “Oh my God, it is too much. I’ll quickly go change–”

“Hold up.” His voice dropped low as he reached for you, grabbing your wrist and gently pulling you close, your chest bumping against his as he brought his other hand to the small of your back.

“Damn, woman,” he murmured, eyes drinking you in. “Can’t you get the damn hint? You look sexy.”

Your breath caught a little in your throat. Yet, he couldn’t stop staring, his gaze bouncing from your lips to your neckline to the curve of your hips, not even trying to be subtle as he licked his lips on the way out.

And here you are, at the club and his hand still hasn’t left your lower back, taking the lead as he guides you inside.

Lights strobe above your head in hues of magenta and violet, fanning out across the club’s ceiling. The overhead beams match the rhythm of the music that’s blasting from EDM to early 2000s R&B. 

You’re taking everything in as it hits you but more importantly, you’re scanning the room, eyes darting from one person to another.

“Where is Charles?” you ask, standing on your toes slightly to peek over the crowd.

“Speak of the devil,” Shidou muttered with a crooked grin.

Sure enough, Charles was near the back corner of the club in the middle of an argument with some girl. From the tiniest stain of alcohol on his shirt that she was trying to wipe off with a napkin, it's obvious that he clearly made a big commotion over it.

But their expressions kept from flipping from annoyed to flirty. If anything, they looked like they were seconds away from either fighting or making out.

That is, until you and Shidou show up.

“Look who finally showed up,” Charles greeted, giving Shidou a dap and then glancing over at you with a toothy grin. “Hey, looking good, chérie. Last time I saw you dress up, I thought you were headed to a funeral.”

You squint your eyes, lips parting for a snappy comeback. But as always, Shidou beats you to it, chuckling as he smacks the back of Charles’ head with zero hesitation.

“Go back to French kissing,” he doesn’t even look at him, already turning to guide you toward the bar. “We’re going to the bar.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll catch up with you guys in a bit.”

You definitely needed something to calm your nerves.

Because now that you were here, now that the crowd and the lights and the music surrounded you, you couldn’t ignore the fact that this wasn’t just a night out.

This was with him.

And the last time you two went out, that was when you both fell out and separated even further when you got tangled up with Kaiser.

Your thoughts must’ve shown on your face, because when Shidou handed you a drink, he didn’t let go right away.

He raised a brow. “What’s on your mind?”

You blinked, taking the drink and quickly turning your gaze away to sip it.

“Nothing at all,” you mumbled. “What makes you think there’s something on my mind?”

“You always have this cute concentrated look,” he said, leaning against the bar, one arm flexed casually as he watched you. “Like when you’re doing assignments. Kinda looks like you’re constipated, but it’s still cute.”

You nearly choked on your drink and punched his chest lightly, which only made him laugh harder.

“Like I said,” you muttered, cheeks warming. “There’s nothing wrong. I’m good.”

He hums in response, like he doesn’t believe you, that much was obvious. “So you don’t wanna tell me? I’ll find out soon enough.”

Whatever that means, you brush it off as you continue sipping your drink. Shidou pushes himself off the bar and straightens up before holding his hand out again.

“C’mon, let’s go.”

—𓆩❦𓆪

The rest of the night follows with you and Shidou falling into an easy rhythm on the dance floor. You’re in your third hour at the club and the third time Shidou has pulled you against him as you dance.

But it doesn’t bother you. Your skin glows under the purple neon lights as your hips roll and he moves with you, hands still snug on your waist but never wandering. It’s all about the flow between you two. It’s synced, not too fast, not too slow. It’s like you’ve done this before with him, even though you haven’t.

He never lets another guy get close. Every time someone steps too close, Shidou swiftly adjusts, his hand pressing to your back, pulling you into him further until your spine meets the hard line of his chest.

It felt almost too intentional, maybe protective. Either way, it’s driving you insane.

Now and then, his breath ghosts over your ear every time he leans in to check on you, lips brushing just barely against your skin.

“You good?” he murmurs once, low enough that you feel it in your neck more than you hear it. You nod, not trusting your voice. Your voice is lodged somewhere between your throat and your stomach.

It doesn't help when he shifts behind you and your body follows without thinking, your hips rolling back, brushing against him in time with the beat.

His grip on your waist tightens, nails faintly digging into your denim. You can feel every flex of his torso behind you, the slope of his abs against your back, the restraint in his hands as you keep grinding, close enough that it feels deliberate.

“Fuck,” he mutters once, barely audible, and you pretend not to hear it.

It doesn’t help that across the floor, Charles appears in the middle of a circle, busting out his footwork and getting sturdy. He’s completely unfazed when everyone breaks into drunken cheers.

You and Shidou watch, laughing so hard your stomach hurts, both of you leaning into each other as Charles nearly trips trying to do a spin.

You definitely weren’t drunk. You still had your mind about you, your lips looser, giggling coming more easily and just slightly wavy.

And maybe that’s why you don’t see it coming when Shidou snatches your third glass of gin and tonic from your hand just as it nears your lips.

“No more.” He lifts the drink out of your reach with one hand, the other still resting casually on your waist. “I don’t need you getting drunk.”

“I’m not drunk.” You stretch to grab it again, only for him to arch a brow and hold it higher.

“I don’t remember asking,” he replies smoothly, cocking his head. “I already told you no.”

You groan and throw your head back. “Don’t be like that. I just want a sip.”

Instead of responding, he looks you dead in the eyes and chugs the entire drink right in front of you. The ice clinks as he finishes it off in seconds, only the tiniest drop left at the bottom. Then, he hands you the near-empty cup with a smug grin.

“Bon appétit.”

You glare at the glass, then at him. “God, you’re so annoying.”

Without waiting for his response, you shove the glass in his chest and turn on your heel. “I’m going to the balcony to get some fresh air.”

You brush past Charles mid-kiss with the same girl he’d been arguing with earlier, ignoring his muffled, “Damn, where’re going?” 

Of course, you barely make it to the balcony before you hear heavy steps behind you. It’s quieter up there, save for the faint rumble of the music seeping through the walls and Tokyo's nightlife in the distance.

You exhale sharply. “I said I was getting fresh air. You didn’t need to follow me.”

Shidou’s voice is calm, hands shoved into his pockets as he strolls closer. “You really think I’m letting you go off on your own in that skirt?”

You cross your arms, the night wind brushing cool against your skin. “Ugh. I hate that you’re so persistent.”

He chuckles dryly. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

That tips something over.

The liquor on your tongue, the month of unspoken tension, the week you’ve had. And something about his voice made you want to say it, all of it.

“I hate the way you talk to me,” you snap, facing him now. “With that damn cocky tone, it’s so smooth and it bugs me out whenever you talk so sincerely.”

Shidou’s head tilts, the smirk still playing on his lips. “Yeah? Don’t be shy. Tell me more.”

And that’s your problem, isn’t it? Your mouth is too loose now and words pour out before you can stop them.

“Don’t hold back now.”

“I hate that you’re always watching out for me, even after everything that happened and I don’t deserve it.”

You don’t even notice you’re walking backwards until your back hits the railing. He keeps inching closer until he’s towering over you, that usual smirk nowhere in sight, his jaw tight, his eyes narrowing. 

“I hate that I spent so much time with Kaiser and not you. I hate that I trusted him,” you continue, quieter now. “I hate that I slept with him…”

Shidou leans in slowly, just enough for you to feel his breath, like he wanted to give you a chance to stop him.

“And not with me?”

Your lips part, but no words come out. You turn your head away, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

But instead of pushing further, he exhales through his nose before letting out a low chuckle. Then, he slings off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders, catching you off guard.

“Yeah, well,” he mutters, adjusting it on your frame. “I was pretty pissed too. For letting us fall out.”

“Ryusei…”

“But here’s the thing,” he cuts in, eyes locked on yours. “Y'know all that shit was in the past. So why're you getting yourself so worked up about it? It doesn’t change how I see you.”

Your lips are agape again but whatever you were going to say vanishes when his calloused hands find your waist.

“Y’know what I see?” he asks, his fingers digging into the denim fabric as he tugs you forward until your body is flush against his. “I see the same girl who told me I was irritating and was close to skipping me on Omegle the first time we met.”

His fingers curl into your sides. You’re practically chest-to-chest now.

“I see the same girl who’s stubborn as hell but she’s just misunderstood. She’s smart and deserves a whole lot better.”

You let him continue, not that you can find the words yet to respond.

“I couldn’t give a fuck if Kaiser kissed you or fucked you,” his voice is low and rough. “It couldn’t’ve been that good if you’re not running back to him.”

“Ryu…” you whisper, your palm pressing against his chest as a means to balance yourself with your mind going hazy rather than to push him away.

His heart’s racing, thumping against your palm the closer he leans close to your face again, his lips hovering just over yours.

“Tell me to stop.” He murmurs.

You didn’t need to nor did you want to. And he takes this as a sign to finally press his lips against yours.

It’s not rough like you imagined it would be with him. It's patient, lingering and surprisingly soft, tasting of rum, restraint and a month of tension slipping away.

One hand stays at your waist. The other comes up to cradle the back of your head, angling your mouth to his like he’s anchoring himself to you.

His tongue glides against your bottom lip, edging for you to open wide and you press yourself against him. Your arms slowly wind around his neck and he groans softly against your mouth, the kind of sound that makes your knees weak.

When you finally part, you’re breathless.

His forehead rests against yours. Your arms are still around his neck. And that’s when you feel his hard-on digging into your stomach.

You glance down, his eyes following yours and his imprint is so large you don’t realise your eyes are going wide. Your gaze eventually snaps up to his and that's when you realise he’s shamelessly locked on your cleavage.

“My eyes are up here.” You mutter, raising a brow.

“Yeah,” he grins lazily, his fuchsia orbs darkening by the second. “But you already know I ain’t subtle.”

He emphasises his point by driving his clothed boner into your stomach again, a moan now leaking from your lips.

“Keep looking at me like that,” he flicks back down to your cleavage and then back at you. “And my mouth’s gonna be there in five minutes.”

You swallow hard. “You’re drunk.”

“Not even close.”

The look in his eyes, the longing he’s had for you makes it clear that the night isn’t ending here.

—𓆩❦𓆪

You barely remember the cab ride back from the club. Only that Shidou’s hand never left your bare thigh, edging towards your inner thigh. And that at some point you caught his phone in his hand as he sent Charles a lazy text: Taking her back to mine. Don’t wait up.

You knew you should’ve just gone back to your own dorm, gone straight to bed and tried to get enough sleep for your exam tomorrow.

But the second his hand slips under the front of your corset top, you know this is tomorrow’s problem.

The door barely clicks shut before your back hits it. His frame is crowding you in, towering over you. His hands are rough, tugging down your denim strapless corset until your breasts are spilling free into his hands.

“Fuuck…” he groans, his head dipping instantly, sucking at one nipple, teeth catching before his tongue soothes it. He’s devouring every inch and his fingers keep pushing your top lower until it’s useless around your waist.

He pulls back just long enough to glance up at you, his fuchsia eyes burning. “You have any idea how long I’ve wanted this? How long I’ve been picturing you like this?”

You’re trying to catch your breath, gasping nonstop as your head tips back when he moves to your other breast, mouth hot and wet, his chain brushing your skin as he sucks harder, as if he’s trying to leave a claim there.

“Always been you… always.”

Just when you thought you could finally make out a response, he scoops you up, throwing you over his shoulder like you weigh nothing. You’re squealing, swatting at his back but he just laughs, carrying you across the room and tossing you onto his bed.

The sight of him standing over you has your thighs clenching. His black tank top clinging to his torso, silver chain glinting at his collarbone, his beefy hands unbuckling his dark cargos that hang low on his hips.

The outline in his boxers is obscene, straining against the material, but before you can even reach for him, he’s hooking his hands into your skirt and yanking it down, underwear and all, in one smooth pull.

He’s on the bed before you can second-guess anything, lying back and patting his chest. “C’mere, pretty girl. Right here.”

Your knees sink into the mattress but you hesitate when you realise where this is going. “Wait–!”

“I’ll make it easy for you.” He hauls you up, positioning you over him until you’re straddling his broad chest, your knees planted on either side of his head. “Shy now? After grinding your sweet little ass on me all night? Sit for me.”

When you hover uncertainly, his hands shoot up to your hips, yanking you down so your cunt presses against his mouth. The first flick of his tongue is disgusting, devastatingly slow with slicks of saliva splattering on your plush folds. 

He’s dragging from your entrance up to your clit before sucking it between his lips. “Sh-Shit! Ryu!”

“Yeah… that’s it, doll,” he groans between licks, his voice vibrating through you. “You taste better than I imagined,”

He’s eating you like he’s starving, tongue curling against your clit while his hands grip your ass to keep you there. You bite down on a moan, your hips twitching at the relentless pressure.

Your hips rock involuntarily against his mouth, and he only tightens his hold on your ass, tongue parting your folds before plunging in deep repeatedly.

Your eyes drop and catch his boxers. His bulge is painfully obvious, the dark fabric damp where precum has soaked through. Without thinking, you tug them down enough to free him and he’s flushed, leaking, pulsing in your hand.

You wrap your fingers around him, feeling the heavy cock in your hand and he lets out a rough moan when your lips wrap around his bulging tip. 

“Yeah, baby. Play with it,” he praises, his tongue never slowing. “Mmm, just like that.”

The reaction is instant, his hips jerking upwards, low guttural curses spilling from him as your slick tongue swirls around the base.

His index and middle finger nudges at your sopping hole before sliding into you mid-lick, curling until you whimper around his cock. The vibrations make him hiss before chuckling low in his throat. 

He’s talking you through every second, filthy as always while your hips are rocking into his face, his hold on you firm but encouraging.

“Gonna have you drippin’ all over for me before I even fuck you… Bet you’ll still be tight for me.”

For a while, there’s nothing but the sound of sucking, moans, and deepthroating. You mouth on him, his tongue on you, fingers spreading you open so he can fuck you with them while his mouth keeps working your clit.

You’re getting close, too close and maybe he knows, hence why he suddenly shifts, manhandling you once again and flipping you on your back. The bed creaks the more he stalks over your bare, trembling body which makes your eyes flutter shut.

He dips his head down, catching your lips, kissing you hard enough that you taste your juices on his lips. He presses your wrists into the mattress with one hand while the other guides himself to your entrance.

“Look at me while I fuck you,” he hooks your legs over his shoulders. “Wanna see your pretty face when I split you open.”

The blunt head of his cock slides against you before pushing in slow and deep. The first thrust steals the air from your lungs, your eyes opening wider. His eyes are glued to your face, watching the way it changes when he bottoms out, your nails biting into his forearms.

“Fuck, you feel…” he groans, unable to finish his sentence, his pace building rapidly, the bed creaking under his weight, every stroke angled to hit deep.

Your back arches, a loud moan breaking free, and he smirks down at you, sweat starting to bead along his temple.

“Look at you,” he grits between thrusts, voice almost mocking but still dripping with heat. “This is where you belong, doll. Not with him. With me.”

Halfway through, he changes position again, pressing your knees down toward your chest so your legs are nearly folded beside your head. The pressure has you screaming, the deep, relentless strokes hitting a spot inside you that makes your vision blur.

“Talk to me,” he demands, his chain swinging with each thrust. “Still thinking about Kaiser now?”

“N-No, fuck, fuck!” You cry out, the sound spilling from you without restraint.

One of his hands releases to grip your face, fingers pressing your cheeks until your lips pucker fully. “There she is, my pretty fuckin’ girl.”

Your mind is disoriented, the sounds filling the room to the max are the sound of your cries tangled with his grunts, his forehead resting against yours as he keeps you pinned beneath him.

His rhythm is brutal but controlled, and every few thrusts he gives a low chuckle, like he’s savouring how wrecked you’re becoming.

You finally feel it, your gummy walls clamping down on him so hard that he curses out loud as you spasm uncontrollably, squirting to the point that it gets on his bed sheets.

You’re still pulsing around him, thighs trembling, the aftermath of your orgasm making your cunt flutter around him. But that doesn’t mean anything to Shidou, not when he’s still buried deep inside you, breathing hard, sweat dripping from his temple to your collarbone.

He hasn’t stopped nor has he thought about stopping.

You’re just starting to catch your breath, your chest rising and falling. But before you can register what’s happening, his chiselled arms hook under your thighs with terrifying ease.

“H-Hold on–!”

“Nah, fuck that.”

Your back leaves the mattress, your legs automatically locking around his waist as he stands to his full height. His cock never slips out of you, buried deep as he adjusts his grip and starts walking, carrying you like you weigh nothing, the muscles in his arms flexing against your trembling thighs.

You’re still full of him, the stretch almost dizzying now that he’s got you off the bed and standing in the middle of his room.

The position forces your body to cling to him, your hands tangled in his sweat-damp hair, your cheek brushing his temple as his hands anchor you in place.

“Can’t stop now, doll,” he murmurs, voice low and wrecked, his breath fanning against your neck. “Not when you’ve got me feelin’ this fuckin’ good.”

You can hear how ruined he is, that rasp in his voice, the way his hips grind in slow circles like he’s trying to draw out every last reaction.

You’re overstimulated, your walls fluttering helplessly around him, but he doesn’t just pound into you immediately. Instead, he rolls his hips slowly, savouring the way you whimper against him.

“Mmm, still so tight,” he drawls, one hand sliding up your back to press between your shoulder blades, holding you close. “Thought that pretty little pussy would’ve loosened up by now.” He bounces you slightly on his cock, letting gravity sink you all the way down onto him until you’re stuffed full again. “Guess not.”

“T-Too big, hnngh, I can’t–!”

“Tell me,” he interrupts, pulling back just enough to look at you, nails digging further into your glistening thighs. “Tell me how good I’m making you feel.”

You shake your head at first, refusing to give him the satisfaction, but then he gives a sharp snap of his hips that breaks a gasp from you. His smirk deepens. “Yeah… that’s what I thought.”

The pace builds, no longer measured, your body rising and falling in his grip. Your breasts bounce freely, jiggling with every slam of his hips and his eyes drop to watch like he’s hypnotised as your head drops back.

“Ryu!” Your voice cracks. “S-So good!”

“That’s it. Say it like you fuckin’ mean it,” he mutters through gritted teeth, watching the way your tits bounce with every slam of his hips. “Look at you… so fuckin’ good for me.”

Your breath hitches when he changes the angle, his cock hitting deep enough to make your legs twitch around him.

He’s so far gone now, every sound you make just pulls him deeper into this haze. The slow control from earlier is gone. He’s drunk on the way you feel, the way you squeeze around him, muttering under his breath like he’s talking to himself more than you.

The sound of your slick, the slap of skin, and your soft cries fill the room as he pounds into you with your body jostling in his hold, your chest bouncing with every thrust. 

His mouth finds your neck, biting down just enough to make you gasp. One hickey after another, his canine-like teeth graze your skin so deeply that it’s for sure going to leave marks by sunrise.

Then, as quickly as it started, he stops moving, setting you down on trembling legs, spinning you toward his desk. He’s shoving everything to the floor in one sweep before bending you over the surface, your cheek pressed against the cool metal.

His hands grip your waist hard enough to bruise, and then the first thrust is unforgiving, forcing a strangled moan from you.

“You look better like this,” he growls, grabbing a fistful of your locks to yank your head back. His hips slam into you from behind, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the small dorm room. “Bent over, takin’ me like you were made for it.”

His other hand lets go of your hips and comes up around your throat, not just holding but squeezing, making your breath catch. He leans over you until his chest is pressed to your back, his lips brushing your ear with each ragged breath.

“Say it,” he growls, his hips smacking against your ass with every thrust. “Say you need me. Not him. Me.”

You’re already gasping, eyes rolling from the tight grip on your throat and the way his cock is slamming into you. Your mouth opens, but all that comes out is a choked cry.

His hand tightens to the max. “Say. It.”

“I–need you,” you finally manage, the words breaking into a whimper. “You, Ryu, fuck–only you–!”

“That’s my girl,” he grunts, picking up the pace until the sound of skin slapping fills the room. “Fuckin’ mine.”

Without warning, he pulls you back enough to face him, his free hand cupping your jaw. “Open your mouth.”

You obey instantly, lips parting. He spits directly into your mouth, warm and heavy, his eyes locked on yours. Before you can even react, his mouth is on yours, sloppy, greedy, your tongues tangling while saliva pools at the corner of your lips.

When he breaks the kiss, a string of spit connects you, and his hand snakes down between your thighs. Two fingers rub at your clit with messy, urgent circles, the sensation white-hot on your overstimulated nerves.

Your knuckles go white gripping the edge of the desk, your knees almost buckling as his pace turns merciless. He’s deep, so deep that every push makes you feel like he’s claiming every inch of you.

“Cum with me,” he grits out, hips snapping against you hard enough to rock the desk under you. “I know you’ve got one more in you. Gimme it, doll.”

Your vision goes white when it hits you, your entire body clenching, legs buckling, your cunt spasming around him as you cum with a cry that’s half-moan, half-sob.

“Fuck, I’m gonna–!” 

He follows almost instantly, hips pressing flush to yours, cock throbbing as he spills inside you with a deep, guttural groan. The sound of him panting in your ear mixes with the sticky, wet mess between your legs.

His rhythm falters and then he’s spilling into you,  flooding your walls white deep inside as he groans your name. Shidou stays inside you for a beat longer, breathing hard, before pulling out slowly, watching the way his cum spills from you down your thighs.

You’re too weak to stand, your knees almost giving in that you slump forward onto the desk, but he’s already catching you, lifting you into his arms again.

“Uh-uh. Don’t move,” he murmurs, voice softer now but still rough from strain. He carries you back to his bed bridal-style, laying you gently on the mattress.

He disappears for a moment, the faint sound of water running and the shuffle of him moving around in his bathroom is temporary when he returns with a towel, crouching to your level.

“You need to rest too–“

“Shut up,” a faint grin plays on his lips, his hand brushing a strand of your damp lock from your face. “Don’t worry about me. Just rest.”

He knows he needs to get some sleep, and he knows that the tournament starts tomorrow. Yet, that doesn’t stop him from wiping you down from your waist to your sore cunt.

You’re too drowsy to argue but not too far gone to feel the press of his lips against your glistening forehead before you finally drift off.

And the thought of your exam at 9 AM? Plus, successfully getting past the gates to watch the first match?

You already knew this is tomorrow’s problem.