𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐓 ➛ ryusae

chpt 12 ➛ shidou

Shidou was over the moon. No, that didn't quite cut it—he was beaming, practically glowing as he strode back to his dorm with a bounce in his step and a grin that wouldn't budge. When he finally reached his room, his eyes landed on the couch. That couch—it was where Sae had sat for hours, taking care of him when he'd been too feverish to function.

He sank into the couch now, draping himself over it with a relaxed sprawl. Memories of Sae sitting there, cool and composed even as Shidou felt like a mess, played in his mind. His grin softened into something quieter, more thoughtful. What if he hadn't gotten sick? Would they still have ended up here?

He pulled out his phone, thumbs already itching to text Sae.

Shidou
I miss you

A few seconds passed. Shidou stared at the screen like he could will a reply to appear faster. When his phone buzzed, he almost dropped it in his eagerness.

Sae
It's been 10 minutes

Shidou
and?
I still miss you

Sae
go to sleep
it's past your bedtime

Shidou
do you miss me

Sae
goodnight Shidou

Shidou
SAY YOU MISS ME BACK
and I'll go sleep

Sae
yes Shidou, I miss you too
now goodnight

Shidou
GOODNIGHT PRINCESS
ILL DREAM OF YOU TONIGHT

Shidou grinned at his phone like a lovesick idiot, his heart skipping a beat as he read Sae's reluctant confession. He flopped back onto the couch, staring at the screen for a moment longer, his grin widening as he reread Sae's words.

He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. He could almost picture Sae's exasperated expression, the small twitch of annoyance that always accompanied his deadpan replies. It was a look Shidou had come to adore.

Pushing himself up from the couch, Shidou stretched his arms overhead until he felt the satisfying pop of his spine. He ran a hand through his hair before he wandered into the bathroom, flipping on the light as he grabbed his toothbrush. 

His nightly routine was nothing fancy—brush, rinse, splash water on his face, and stare at his reflection to strike a pose. He turned off the light and padded back into his room. He swapped his clothes for a loose T-shirt and sweatpants, tossing his laundry haphazardly into the corner before flopping onto his bed. Shidou pulled the blanket over himself, letting his mind drift.

He said to himself how he couldn't mess this up with Sae. Sae was very particular, and things were going smoothly until now, but it's still the beginning. He needed to make this last long term, and not just a summer fling, because he really did see a future with Sae.

But then again, deep down he knew Sae really did like him for who he was, and not for the person Shidou was trying to be for him. He smiled, rolling over and as his eyes grew heavy, the last thought that crossed his mind was Sae's soft plump lips, slowly kissing him as he looked at him with his piercing emerald eyes, and he thought that maybe there really wasn't anything to worry about.

And with that, he sank into sleep, a peaceful smile on his face.

___
The next morning
10:55 am

The morning sunlight poured through the blinds, bathing the small dorm kitchen in a golden glow. Shidou hummed softly to himself as he worked, flipping an omelet in the pan with practiced ease. Across the island, Aiku leaned back in his chair, his long legs stretched out and a smug grin firmly in place.