Thursday (01/20/XX), 11:00AM
A month passed which meant that Nikolas’s suspension would come to an end in one month. I spent most of my winter break doing homework and hanging out with Kazu and Nikolas. I wanted to make plans with Ryunosuke and Sen, but both of them went cold and didn’t reply to my text messages.
I impatiently waited for Sen to return to the classroom with his lunch. Ryunosuke was invested in his spellbooks as usual.
“What are you reading, Ryu?” I asked while sipping from my milk.
“Learning how to do an ancient spell.”
I ohed and let him continue to read. I rested my cheek on my hand as I watched his eyes move across the page. I could tell that there was still a distance between him and Sen, but I didn't push Ryunosuke to talk about it. Once I saw the brunette enter the room I swiftly grabbed Sen’s wrist and pulled him out of the room.
“Woah Aki! What’s wrong?”
I stayed silent as we made our way to the soccer field. I let go and crossed my arms. “What’s wrong? I need to know what’s wrong with you! You and Ryunosuke have been acting strange lately.”
“Oh…” Sen scratched his temple. He darted his head around. “You’re not going to believe what I’m going to tell you.”
“I’m listening…”
He inched closer to me, placed his cupped hand over his mouth and my ear, and whispered, “Ryunosuke is a sorcerer!”
I did my best to hold in my laughter. “What makes you say that?”
“He asked me to be his date to a ball and started to make things levitate!” Sen clutched onto both of my shoulders with his hands. “Aki… I think demons are possessing Ryunosuke and now he has demonic powers!”
I bursted out in uncontrollable laughter.
“IT’S NOT FUNNY!” Sen roared. “WHAT IF HE TRIES TO KILL US?”
“Sen,” I patted his shoulder as he put his arms down. “I believe you, but Ryu isn’t a sorcerer, he’s a wizard.”
“THAT’S WHAT I MEAN HE’S– Wait, you knew that?”
I nodded. “I’ve known for a while now.” His jaw dropped as I continued. “Also, Nikolas is a vampire.”
He crouched on the ground with his face in his hands. “Please tell me this is a prank.”
“Nope,” I responded. “Is that why you were avoiding us?”
Sen sat up and looked into the distance. “There’s… Another reason.”
I raised a brow. “That is?”
He ruffled his hair and groaned. “I mean, I’ve always seen Ryunosuke as a friend… Maybe I thought he was attractive because he’s smart and athletic, but isn’t it normal to appreciate your friend?”
“Not unless you like them more than a friend.” I giggled.
He continued to grumble and sat on the floor.
My head started to think about the time Ryunosuke kissed me in the Escape Room, the moments when Ryunosuke would pick on Sen, and the days after school the two would walk home together. I never made the connections before, but now everything was clear. Ryunosuke is slyer than I thought.
I sat down beside Sen. “Did you notice any signs that he liked you?”
He shrugged. “Nope.”
I facepalmed. I forgot how dense Sen can be. “Avoiding Ryunosuke isn't fair for him. Are you afraid of liking him because he's a wizard?”
“The wizard part isn't that scary now I learned you knew about it. I'm scared that I won't be able to reciprocate the same feelings he has for me.”
I leaned back on my arms. “If this reassures you, I'll make sure to be with you when Ryunosuke is around. It'll be less awkward.”
“THANK YOU AKI-CHAN!” Sen beamed.
I held up my index finger. “On the condition that you go to talk to him.”
Sen narrowed his eyes. “Isn't that the whole reason why I'm avoiding you guys? SO I'M NOT ALONE WITH HIM?”
“You're avoiding your problems at this point.” I rolled my eyes and sighed. “You need to stop acting immature and talk to him.”
Sen leaped up. “Fine! I'll do it!” Sen pushed his messy hair back. “I'll talk to him after school.”
I wrapped my arm around his neck and smiled. “You got this!”
Sen nodded hesitantly as we headed back to the classroom.
-
I watched the two talk next to the gymnasium. I could tell that Sen was nervous as he played with his bag and didn't look Ryunosuke in the eye. Ryunosuke seemed a little more relaxed than him as he leaned against the school building, but the way his hands were put into his blazer pockets told me otherwise. It was truly painful to watch, but I was entertained.
I almost screamed when Ryunosuke grabbed Sen’s hand. Sen stood stiffly and stared at Ryunosuke while he spoke. Sen scratched the back of the head and replied to him. It made Ryunosuke chuckle.
As their conversation ended, I approached the two and called out their names.
Ryunosuke let go of his hand and gave me a knowing smile.
“Ready to walk home?” I said.
Ryunosuke and Sen nodded with sheepish smiles on their faces.
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