ʙʟᴏᴏᴅsʜᴇᴅ • ᴍ!ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ x ғ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

sᴇᴠᴇɴ.

The bell rung and class ended. Instead of exploding into conversation like regular high school students, everyone quickly gathered their things and walked out of the room. Including Remi. She was in a haste to shove her books into her bag. You sped towards her desk before she could leave. Mieko told you he'd pack his stuff and be with you in a moment. You don't know when Mieko decided he was involved in any of this, but apparently, he is now.

You put a hand on her wrist as she was reaching for her binder. She flinched. Her eyes widened as she looked at you. "What the hell happened, Remi?" You asked, raising your eyebrows. She ignored you and took a quick glance at Mieko. When seeing he was still at his desk, she grabbed your shoulder and pulled you in. You were close enough to feel her raggedy breathing against your face.

"It's Mieko, he.. he—," She started. "He what? Last time I checked, Mieko was the only one in here that didn't believe that stupid rumor about m—" Remi put a finger to your lips, shushing you. You were practically shouting. She looked over at Mieko again. "Wanna know why Yuuma isn't here?!" Her voice was hoarse, raw. You gave her a puzzled look and her eyes began watering.

Uh.. did I yell too loud?

"He isn't here becau—" She suddenly stopped. You feel another presence behind you. You give him a quick glance. Mieko. "Well, finish your sentence, Remi. Why isn't he here? Huh?" Mieko said and leaned towards Remi, eyeing her. His demeanor was intense. He was hunched over you, and it annoyed you a little. You nod but push him back a little. He was too close to her. Even you would be uncomfortable answering questions with someone that close. Remi harshly wiped the fresh tears off her face.

Remi looked as if she'd just been shot. She lets go of your shoulders and her eyes shoot to her lap. She's trembling. "He came down with.. the flu. That's why he isn't here," She croaked, as if she didn't believe it herself. "Ah, that's unfortunate for him," Mieko sighed, straightening himself. He cleared his throat. "And the rumors? Y/n already knows, no need to hide it anymore. Traitor," Mieko spat. He's pretty good at this whole confrontation thing.

Remi looks defeated. "Yeah, those. Sorry about that, Y/n." Mieko quietly coughs and taps his fingers on her desk. Remi buries her face in her hands. "Yuuma said all those t-terrible things, and I believed it. The entire class did. But it isn't true," she said from behind her hands. It sounded forced. Mieko's fingers quit tapping on the desk. "Okay," you begin, "I forgive you," but you didn't know if that was completely true.

Mieko gave Remi a tiny smile before he turned back towards you.

"Let's ask Yuuma the questions when he feels better, okay Y/n?" He twirled a piece of your hair around his finger. You nod. You didn't understand the freakout Remi was having, but you were too hungry to worry about it. "Head to the cafeteria without me, I have to deal with something real quick, okay peach?" Mieko says, tilting his head. It's like he could read your mind.

"Oka—" You begin before he wraps you in a tight hug. Your face is pressed against the smooth fabric of his shirt and tie. Your face is hot. You almost pull away before you remember how incredible a hug feels. He smells like wildflowers and cigarettes. You stood there in pure bliss. His arms are firm and they held you as if a small gust of wind could rip you to shreds. His hands travel the clothing fabric on your back.

Up.. down. Up.. down. He rubs your back. It feels so nice.

Your legs weaken, but his fixed embrace won't let you fall. What feels like hours was probably just a few seconds. He pulls away from you and lifts your chin. "You're pathetic, Y/n," He smiles, studying your face. You're startled by the cruel comment mixed with his gentle expression. You panic and shove his hands away from your face. "Pathetic? Watch your mouth, eyebags," you say, straightening yourself. Mieko tilted his head, fluttering his lashes at you.