Skipping School Again

[anakiddwrites]

 It's one of That Days for Kaoru and he doesn't show for practice again. Good thing that Adonis knows how to find him like no one else.

[Enstars !era]

The evening was falling upon Yumenosaki Academy and the majority of students was heading out from a long day of activities, but there were exceptions. After all, it’s common knowledge the night of the idol’s school had been claimed long ago by ruthless demons of darkness.

Following this fate, the setting sun witnessed a screeching sound, like old wood clicking, coming from the Light Music Club’s room, followed by a lament echoing in the empty hallways.

“Hey, vampire bastard! What’s wrong with this old ass coffin? It’s becoming rusty like you! Take care of your stuff properly, it pisses me off!”

Koga reinforced the harsh words by kicking the coffin, growling to Rei before the UNDEAD leader could even sit on his slumber shelter. Despite that, Rei just yawned slowly and scretched his hair, looking at Koga with a lazy smile.

“Oya, Doggie~ Don’t bark in my ears so early in the night, would you? Be patient with this old, tired man…”

“Feh! If you have time to whine, take you ass off this thing and start warming up! Since we gonna practice tonight, I don’t wanna waste a second! See, Adonis is here, too! Let’s work up a sweat, vampire bastard!”

“Good night, Sakuma-senpai.” Adonis didn’t move from his spot, discretly standing behind Koga and nodding in a greeting to Rei. The 3rd year answered in the same fashion.

“Such cute, dedicated 2nd years we have~ This old man’s heart is full of joy…” He looked around, then sighed softly, though the smile remained. “I’m afraid I can’t say the same about my fellow 3rd year~”

“It seems Hakaze-senpai is missing since early afternoon.” Adonis clarified immediately and the red glow of Rei’s pupils seemed to bright up slightly.

“Ooooh, I see~ That’s Kaoru-kun… carefree as summer breeze even in the coldest winter. I wonder what he’s doing now.”

“Who cares?” Koga barked, annoyed. “If he chose a rendezvous over UNDEAD, let him be! We can practice just fine!”

“Oya~ Don’t be a rebellious child, Doggie. UNDEAD is made of 4 loud voices and burning spirits, and can’t be any different. You know that very well, don’t you? And we know how to deal with this kind of thing, don’t we?”

Rei’s calm gaze slided from Koga to Adonis, and faster than a blink the 2nd year left without a word, pretty much for Koga’s frustration.

“Ahn? Adonis-ugh! Why do you always throw this trouble at Adonis, vampire bastard? N-not like I care for him particularly or anything, but… just because he is good at finding Hakaze, doesn’t mean you gotta use him every damn time!”

“Uhuhuhu. You really are still a puppy, aren’t you, Doggie? How cute.” Rei giggled, as if amused with a secret only him could understand.

Indifferent to the struggles of the students, the waves were crashing slowly in the beach near Yumenosaki Academy, following their own cadence. They didn’t need anyone to tell them what to do or how to behavior, neither had to worry about what others think of it, just dancing endlessly according to their nature.

Kaoru loved that about the waves and was a little jealous, too. The absolute freedom of the ocean was captivating and soothing, he could enjoy and contemplate it for hours. As if the sight compensate for his dreams and goals out of reach, bringing them closer at least for a few moments.

He didn’t bring the surf board, since the plan wasn’t dance with the waves, just sit down among rocks few meters from the sea and feel the salty wind while his thoughts wandered deep into the endless ocean. Still, his senses noticed the night was falling and that someone else was standing up near, watching him.

Kaoru didn’t say a word or moved an inch, but his heart involuntarily started to beat a bit faster, as if he knew the gaze upon him without need to turn his head. And to his own surprise turned out he was right, when soft steps approached and two strong arms gently embraced him from behind, a familiar scent and warmth all around him.

Adonis also didn’t say a word while he sat down, keeping Kaoru close in the hug, feeling his own heart beating fast and cheeks burning. He was still getting used to his body’s reactions, accepting and understanding the new feelings caused by the so-called ~first love~ - like Arashi liked to call such symptoms since day one, when Adonis started to casually space out during club practices and opened his worries about clinic heart problems.

He dared to rest his chin on Kaoru’s shoulder, not sure about what to do next. Somehow, he felt he shouldn’t drag them back to the club room yet, and just followed the urges of hug him. He couldn’t help; staring at the sea like that, Kaoru looked like in need of protection.

That’s how it all had started after all… at least from his part.

“You found me again…well done, Adonis-kun~.” Kaoru finally broke the silence in a low voice, putting up a business smile and carefree tone, as if that was just a silly game of tag, trying his best to hide he also wasn’t sure about what to do. Embarrassing, considering his prior experiencies, but he had to admit that Adonis threw him off his shoes more than any girl even did before… not that many girls had found him in such state before, though.

“I guess I have a talent for that. Or you are letting me find you, Hak… K-Kaoru-kun.” Adonis stuttered, embarrassed and glancing away. Even when they were both alone, would take time get used to call the other by the first name. It was still impossible with others around, even if he wanted to.

They weren’t actively hiding it, but still seemed awkward to show off and endure reactions, whatever they could be… and both of them weren’t big on their families knowing yet, for different reasons. So, “slowly, at our rhythm” was Kaoru’s reassuring words about their agreement.

“I’m definitely not, silly.” Kaoru chuckled, and he couldn’t help but note the cuteness of the other’s stutter. ‘It should be illegal to be cute like that’ was a thought that frequently crossed his mind towards Adonis, no matter how hard he fought it, until his feelings became undeniable. Just like he couldn’t deny that be found and embraced like that made his heart overflow with joy every time, enough for him avoid thinking about how long it would last.

“I-Is… is there something I can do?” Adonis spoke up again after a few more moments of silence, his serene expression hiding all types of wavering thoughts and insecurities. Kaoru looked satisfied when they hugged like that, but it didn’t stop his inner voice to wander and want to do more - even if he didn’t know exactly what 'more’ could mean.

“You’re fine, Adonis-kun…” Kaoru sighed softly, instinctively getting comfortable in the embrace, leaning more against Adonis chest and looking up to him with a smile. “Don’t worry too much, okey? Let’s… just relax a bit, hm?”

No doubt the way Adonis worried about him was endearing, making Kaoru speak in a calm, kind tone without even realize, and making the 2nd year’s heart beat even faster when meeting the blond’s eyes.

“C-cute…” Adonis mumbled, unaware he was thinking out loud.

“Hm? Did you say something, Adonis-kun…?” Kaoru yawned, eyes starting to get heavy as the comfortable position made him a bit sleepy.

“N-no! Not a-at all! I’m fine! I’m-relaxed! T o t a l l y r e l a x e d!” Regardless the words, Adonis involuntarily tightened the hug, making Kaoru tense up a bit and whine, surprised enough to wake up completely again.

“A-A-ah- I see, I see, youarerelaxedyoucanletgoabitnow…” Laughing nervously, he tapped Adonis arms until be released. “Whoa, thanks~”

“Ah! I’m sorry! I-I’m really s-sorry…” Adonis glanced away, completely ashamed and not daring wrap arms around Kaoru again, trembling slightly and self-conscious about his fear of hurt small, cute ones that he was supposed to protect.

“T-that was a bad idea… I’m sorry.”

“Hey, hey, it’s ok, Adonis-kun~” Kaoru turned on his position to sit in front of him, on his knees between Adonis legs, smiling gently. “I’m not that fragile, aha~. I-I…” He stuttered, blushing more and embarrassed of his own words… but see Adonis with such a sad face was way worse, so he made an effort to speak up, timidly looking at him.

“I-I like it a lot… when y-you hug me, so… it’s ok.~”

Adonis looked up to Kaoru again, feeling his heart warming up and spirit calming down immediately with the kind words. It was frustrating to be unable to return the same way, the words mixing up in his brain and drawing a blank, lefting him just a silent stare.

Still, slowly he nodded and his hand reached Kaoru’s cheek in a gesture without much thinking, his heart beating faster meeting the warmth of the other’s skin. Even considering the nervous excitement, it was an amazing feeling. He also could notice it turning warmer under his palm and their gazes suddenly locked on each other, both unable to look away regardless their pounding hearts and light sweat.

Oh, no, it’s all sweaty, Adonis thought and almost panicked for a moment, but he didn’t have time to pull of before Kaoru rest his own hand over his.

Kaoru smiled more, what allowed Adonis to bounce forward a bit and embrace him again kindly, finding no resistence. Soon Kaoru’s arms were also wrapping around his torso, their chins resting on each other’s shoulders and their breathing soothed, a moment peaceful enough to Adonis also be able to finally smile.

Adonis gaze then met the sea, pretty much at the same angle Kaoru was contemplating it before, the cold ocean’s breeze surrounding them. The realization made him smile more, feeling a connection that could be small, but meaningful and kind.

“It’s… beautiful.” He whispered, sighing softly, making Kaoru tilt his head a bit and open eyes slowly. Basking in the wonderful feeling of the embrace, he was almost falling asleep again. Still, his voice tone was quite happy.

“Hm? Do you mean the ocean…~? Uhu, are you getting to like her too, Adonis-kun?”

“Hm. I think I’m.. seeing the appeal you see, K-Kaoru-kun.” He stayed silent for a few moments, then continued. “We… didn’t have ocean in my homeland, so it’s a new concept for me. When I saw the sea for the first time with my own eyes, I was stunned. It’s very different from television and magazines. Extremely strong.”

“Uhuhu, I can only imagine… but it’s a fair reaction. The ocean is powerful and inspires respect, but is also gentle…” Kaoru leaned a bit on Adonis head, sighing softly and speaking in a gently tone without fully realize. “I’m not surprised that you among all people could understand, Adonis-kun.~”

“I’m not surprised you can understand too, Kaoru-kun.” Adonis closed eyes, still smiling and nuzzling against Kaoru’s head, reaching a hand to stroke his hair slowly, enjoying the softness and the aroma of it.

“T-that’s nice of you, aha~” Suddenly, Kaoru was relieved Adonis couldn’t see his flustered face as his guard sinked to the bottom of the ocean and deeper, defenseless before the kind gestures. “O-oh, it’s so late in the night, isn’t it…? I-I mean… i-is it ok for you to be late out f-for so long??”

“Oh.” Adonis raised eyebrows, suddenly remembering details that escaped completely his mind once he found Kaoru. “We had unit practice, actually… Sakuma-san wanted me to find you… I got distracted and it’s already night, I wonder if he will be angry…”

He sinked on Kaoru’s shoulder, genuinely worried if he failed his senpai and unit leader and ashamed of forget them for so long… even if Arashi warned him that was an usual collateral effect of ~first love~. He should be more careful and don’t underestimate it, definitely.

“Ehehe~ It’s ok, it’s ok. I doubt Sakuma-san will be angry at you, really, really.” Kaoru chuckled, knowing that Rei certainly had his own intents sending Adonis to find him again. The old vampire was gentle, despite everything. Still, he felt he should reassure the innocent 2nd year in his arms.

“I’ll have your back if he or Doggie come at you, don’t worry. So… we should go back together, hm? I’m feeling a lot better now~ I’ll practice just right, so they won’t have complaints.”

“Ok.” Adonis nodded, pulling off the hug gently and looking at Kaoru in the eyes again, feeling his cheeks burn even more and heart flutter - fairly causing the same reaction in his partner, that had to take a deep breath witnessing Adonis smiling from so close. Illegaly cute again, more than ever.

After a few moments of silent awkwardness, Adonis stood up in a fast move, holding Kaoru’s hands and pulling him up too, both still quite close and focused on each other, the reason of stand up almost escaping their minds again.

“S-sorry… my sweaty hands…” Adonis mumbled, looking down for a few moments, not sure why he brought that again so suddenly, even though it was bugging him in the back of his mind.

“Hm-hm. I don’t care at all.~” Kaoru smiled, holding his hands tighter. “Hey~look at me. They’re gentle and warm. There’s nothing wrong with them at all, silly.~”

He meant every word, genuinely amazed of how Adonis size and strength could hide such a kind and soft touch, more than Kaoru could possibly expect even knowing the other’s personality was anything but harsh.

“O-ok… t-thanks, Kaoru-kun.” Adonis smiled again, much for Kaoru’s delight, and they finally started to walk back to the school, not without a last grateful look to the ocean.

After a few steps, Adonis looked down their hands still linked, taking a deep breath and thinking of the best way of wording what was going on in his mind, building determination to speak up. Soon would be too late if he wasn’t brave, so… it was about time.

“K-Kaoru-kun, could we… if i-it’s ok… hold hands… a-all the way?”

“A-Ah-?”

Kaoru stuttered, stopping and looking at Adonis, his pupils widened as the other glanced away, both feeling their faces burning and hands cold. After a few moments Kaoru processed the request, staring at their fingers intertwined and realizing he didn’t feel like letting go.

“Hm. Uhum. Yes, I’d be happy. I have no problems with that.~”

He finally smiled again, softly and genuinely, feeling lighter than he expected as he gave his partner’s hand a squeeze to reinforce the point. It took some moments to Adonis look up to him again, calming down from the moment of tension little by little, helped by the soft expression in the other’s eyes.

“Uhuhu~I wonder how Doggie’s reaction gonna be!” Kaoru laughed, winking and gently pulling Adonis by hand, trying to light the mood again quickly.

“P-please don’t tease Oogami-kun too much…”

Adonis smiled more, actually happy and relieved as a calm wave of warmth took over their hearts, washing worries and insecurities away at least for the time being. As they walked under the ocean’s breeze to the school grounds, everything felt right… and this so-called 'love’ looked a bit less scary for both.