• Modern AU _________________________________________________
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The school day had ended and the sky had turned a moody gray and heavy clouds promising rain. Akaza hadn't thought much about the weather when he left for school that morning and now, standing at the school gate with his bag slung over his shoulder, he realized he had made a crucial mistake..he forgot his umbrella.
Just his luck.
As the first raindrops began to fall, a familiar and annoyingly cheerful voice called out behind him.
"My, my.. Akaza-dono! Looks like someone's in a little trouble~" Akaza didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. Douma. Of course.
Akaza gritted his teeth, already irritated before even responding. "Go away, Douma."
Douma ignored his hostility and twirled his sleek black umbrella playfully in his hands. His sharp rainbow eyes sparkled with amusement. "But how could I possibly leave my dear Akaza-dono all alone in the rain? That would be so cruel of me.."
"I'll walk in the rain. Not a big deal." Akaza stubbornly turned away, prepared to make a run for it.
But before he could take a step, Douma smoothly sidestepped in front of him, blocking his path with that ever-present smile. "Oh... no no no. I simply won't allow that! What kind of friend would I be if I let you get drenched?"
"We're not friends." Akaza snapped.
Douma gasped dramatically. "Oh? That hurts, you know! You wound me, Akaza-dono.." He placed a hand over his chest as if he had been struck by an arrow. "But fine. Enemy, rival, future husband-.. whatever you prefer. The point is, I'm not letting you walk in this rain alone."
Akaza's face twitched at the ridiculousness of it all. "Future what?-"
Before he could protest further, Douma had already stepped closer as he lifting the umbrella just enough to cover them both. "Come on, let's walk together~"
Akaza hesitated. Every part of him wanted to refuse, to push Douma away and storm off. But the rain was starting to pour harder and he could already feel the cold droplets soaking through his uniform. With a deep and frustrated sigh, he gave in.
They walked side by side down the wet pavement, the rhythmic sound of raindrops against the umbrella filling the space between them. Despite his earlier annoyance, Akaza had to admit..it was... kind of nice. The rain smelled fresh, the air was cool and strangely enough, Douma wasn't being as unbearable as usual.
Until he decided to speak again.
"You know.." Douma mused, tilting his head slightly. "There's something very romantic about walking under an umbrella together in the rain."
Akaza stiffened. "Don't start."
"But I can't help it! Just think about it.. it's a classic scene from those sweet, heart-throbbing love stories. Two people, close together, sharing warmth under a tiny umbrella as the rain falls around them... ah~ so beautiful."
Akaza groaned, glaring at him. "You're disgusting."
Douma gasped, touching his cheek. "Am I? Or am I simply a hopeless romantic?"
"You're hopeless, that's for sure."
Douma only chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. But then..after a moment, he fell uncharacteristically quiet. When Akaza glanced at him, he found Douma looking at him..not teasingly, not mockingly but with something softer in his rainbow eyes.
Douma smiled but this time, it wasn't the usual playful grin. It was smaller and gentler. "Nothing." he said lightly. "I was just thinking... I like moments like this."
Akaza felt an unfamiliar heat creep up his neck. "You're so damn weird."
"Ah.. you don't have to be so mean~"
"And you don't have to think something weird like that."
Douma hummed in amusement. "Mmm.. if you say so.."
The rain continued to fall around them, a steady rhythm that seemed to slow time itself. Without thinking, Douma reached out as his fingers brushing against Akaza's wrist. It was a small touch..barely there but enough to make Akaza freeze in place.
"What are you.."
Before he could finish, Douma leaned in slightly, his voice softer than usual. "I wonder... if I kissed you right now, would you punch me?"
Akaza's heart skipped a beat, but his glare remained fierce. "Try it and find out."
Douma laughed, amused as always but he didn't pull away. Instead, he lifted his hand, cupping Akaza's cheek with a warmth that contrasted with the cool rain. Then..in a rare moment of sincerity, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Akaza's cheek.
The world seemed to stop.
Akaza didn't move. He didn't punch him. He didn't even breathe.
When Douma pulled back, he grinned though this time, it wasn't his usual cocky smirk. It was softer. Almost... affectionate.
"I guess that means I win." he whispered.
Akaza's face was burning now and he quickly turned his head away, pulling his hood up even though the umbrella was still above them. "Shut up, fool.."
Douma chuckled and then said nothing more. They continued walking, side by side as the rain fell around them, their footsteps in sync. And for once, Akaza didn't mind the silence.