Chapter Text
CLASS 1-1 is already aware of what type of close knit connection their leading trio has. while the two vice captains share a very platonic—almost familial connection, with their grade captain; it is no doubt that the two of them also share a very intimate relationship of their own.
not that the class would, or could comment on that however.
asking their grade captain for confirmation about the two’s relationship will make his romance sensor go off, possibly making things awkward between the three of them. they would never do anything to ruin the dynamic that is the very strong foundation of their whole class.
at the very least, consulting kiryu and tsugeura was the next best choice they have. but when they finally asked the two:
“hm? the relationship between suo-chan and nirei-chan? why do you ask?” kiryu logged out of his game, which shocked everyone, seemingly amused with all of his classmates.
“i think they were talking about… /that/, kiryu-kun.” tsugeura looked at kiryu knowingly, to which their pink haired classmate chuckled.
that was the only clue they got from the conversation. knowing that they can’t get a straight answer from kiryu, they tried to press tsugeura for answers but they were immediately deflected by the present pink-haired guy.
“i’m really sorry everyone. if you’re really curious, you should ask suo about it. i would love to answer all your questions, but i know that /someone/ would end me if i ever utter a single word to anyone. of course, tsuge-chan here will meet the same fate if i ever let him slip up.” kiryu apologized, although the class could tell he’s also having fun with the whole situation.
now, you might be wondering what even brought the topic up. it has been a while since the school year has started, and of course just like the class 1-1 trio, the rest of them have small close groups of their own. that’s given. heck, even tsugeura and kiryu became close, and that was the least expected duo to form—although they think that it must be because of them hanging out with sakura, nirei and suo.
that aside, while it is noticeable that suo and nirei share the same platonic (familial) affection for sakura, the class also couldn’t help but realize that there’s more to them than just being great friends and helping their grade captain achieve his goal to be on top.
OCCURRENCE one :
THE class’ usual loud chattering were interrupted when the door loudly slid open, followed by familiar voices.
“sakura-san, what i am saying is you should take care of yourself better! if you got wet earlier when you were helping the uncle because of your stubbornness to take care of everything alone, you would’ve catch a cold!” sakura stepped inside the classroom, eyebrows knitted while pouting as he lets nirei scold him. followed by his two vice captains, they all sat near the blackboard and the window where kiryu and tsugeura (who seems to be weirdly used to this) always saves their seats.
“suo-san, say something! if sakura-san ever caught a cold again, i will make sure to stay in his house until he kicks me out!” nirei, despite the seemingly tired demeanor (does he always scold sakura?) looks at suo for help, who in return just smiled more… wait, fondly? at the blond.
“don’t worry nirei-kun. if he ever caught a cold and we’re left to take care of him, i will always be right behind you.” suo replied, amusement dripping in his voice.
“ain’t that right, nirei-kun? and you could always call me and kiryu-kun for help! helping friends is one of my virtues!” tsugeura boisterously added, while kiryu who is paying less attention as he taps on his phone only replied, “hai, hai!”
“you guys, you’re not helping me get the point across to sakura-san!”
the class would’ve bursted out laughing if not for the evident pointed stare that suo gave them, giving them a small threatening smile that made them sweat drop as they looked away or finally minded their own business.
OCCURENCE two :
NIREI, for the first time, was late.
sakura, who doesn’t even like using his phone that much, has been periodically checking his phone. while suo, looking more calm, is gracefully sitting in his seat while facing the door. although he’s not someone who anyone could easily get a read in, for once, the class could see that he seems… anxious.
the door opens and with everyone’s anticipation, it was actually… kiryu-kun.
“oh? why the disappointed look everyone? i can’t help but feel bad.” their pink haired classmate blinked in surprise. normally, it would’ve at least elicited a reaction that eases the tension but it didn’t.
the thick aura between the captain and the vice captain has been spreading inside the whole room like a plague, tsugeura might be the only one who seems unbothered as he continues his work out rep near the window.
“by the way, where’s nirei-kun? i need to ask him something…” kiryu asked as he stepped in, looking around only to miss the freckled blond in the crowd.
“he’s still not here.” sakura muttered, checking his phone again for the ninth time.
“no messages?”
“none.”
“is he sick?” kiryu continues to ask.
“he didn’t say anything like that last night, but he did sleep early.” suo replied.
“huh. weird. i should go look for him, i have something to ask anyways.” turning on his heel, kiryu proceeded to head for the door when suo stood up from where he’s sitting.
“no need, kiryu-kun. i think, i- sakura-san and i can find our vice captain, ourselves.” the class’ sweat dropped when kiryu hummed as his smile widens, intrigued by the reaction from suo.
now, the class have seen the two of them interact. and really, they would be lying if they said they’re not curious to know who would win in a fight between the two of them. but as much as they are excited, they also can’t help but feel scared.
the moment that suo retaliated with his own smile, it gave them the feeling as if it was sakura and sugishita fighting all over again. but this time, they know that if the situation didn’t diffuse—they might face some bigger trouble than just another two of their strongest, facing off.
“i’m pretty sure nirei-kun wouldn’t like it if his grade captain, and co-vice captain were to trouble themselves and look for him. so why don’t you let me, vice captain suo-chan?” kiryu said with almost a cat-like smile, looking straight at the boy wearing an eyepatch.
“i’m pretty sure it would trouble him more not to see his closest friends look for him, don’t you think so, kiryu-kun?” suo responded with a threatening smile of his own.
“oi, nirei-“ sakura was cut off when kiryu once again spoke.
“i think nirei wouldn’t like it that much if you guys miss a meeting with ume-chan-senpai for him. i heard from the second years that he might call on you guys again, so why don’t you let me?” kiryu said, innocently looking at suo.
just when the other was about to give kiryu a hit of his own, the door slid open that startled kiryu like a cat.
“ah, sorry for being late everyone! did i miss anything?” nirei asked, confused.
everyone lets out the breath that they didn’t know they were holding. then they look at kiryu who puts his arm around nirei’s shoulder.
“nirei sent a message earlier.” sakura said, making it known to suo that he tried to tell them before kiryu interrupted him.
“nirei-chan! we were just about to to look for you!” kiryu said, but loosened his grip when he sees nirei wince. then, they realize that nirei has a few white patches in his hands and neck. possibly more if he removes his jacket.
“were… you hurt, nirei-kun?” suo suddenly spoke. if they didn’t know him, the class would’ve mistaken him for death itself as they felt shivers down their spine.
“ah this, hehe, i guess i am. i was helping a lady with a kid earlier. they were moving their furnitures, and the kid was running around so i saved him when some of their stuff almost fell on him.” he awkwardly laughed.
“so it fell on you,” sakura said, upset.
“yes, i was a little bit too far from the kid but at least he wasn’t hurt! and the lady helped patch me up so its good, kinda stings though.” he winces again.
nobody really knew what happened after that day, but they knew that suo was even more upset than any of the main circle combined.
and the… confrontation? was not something as easily forgettable to all of them either. takanashi even added that from the angle of his seat, he saw suo grip his hand into a fist when kiryu was testing his patience that day.
OCCURRENCE three :
ASIDE from the first two major occurrences (yes there are minor ones), another one that leaves an impression on them is when sakura was excused to talk to umemiya.
from what nirei could gather, all the grade captains were with the leader of bofurin, and they decided to make it an activity for the vice captains to handle the classes for the day’s patrol with the experiences they have.
it was a pretty good activity that they came up with. with the four kings’ advisor’s guidance, they decided that they should interact with the tamon team for patrol collaboration.
nirei came up with the idea since he knows that only a few of them are acquainted with the tamon team’s seniors. it will give everyone a chance to interact with kaji’s class, and the tamon third years.
nirei and suo, along with the vice captains of the second and third years are sitting in the first year’s classroom, discussing the group rotation that they will use using nirei’s knowledge of everyone. the first years did their own thing without interrupting the vice captains, while also keeping their ears open for who they’re going to be grouped with.
“ah, but i would like to make an adjustment if it’s all right with everyone?” suo politely asks, before matsumoto makes the final call with the groups.
“yes, suo. speak.” matsumoto agrees.
“i would like to be teamed up with nirei-kun.” he said with his usual close-eyes smile.
nirei blinked in surprise. kusumi types in his phone. enomoto gave him a pointed look. yanagida stared silently. and matsumoto seemingly intrigued, didn’t speak just yet.
so did everyone in the class. but more than anything, somehow, they expected this. kakiuchi was not one to miss how tsugeura slightly nudged kiryu’s sides when suo spoke. and anzai could see the little smirk that kiryu had in his face.
“oh, but we did agree to separate the two of you, correct?” matsumoto tries to reaffirm with suo again.
“yes, bu-“ kusumi raised his phone to everyone in the circle of seats, the texts in there reads "suo can replace me, it’s been a long while since i got in a team with yanagida-san anyways."
“that is much appreciated, kusumi-san.” suo said, while kusumi only nodded with a smile.
“well, with that settled, we should send the changes of today’s rotation in our respective group chats. you should message any of us if you ever get into trouble. thank you for your work everyone!” once the vice captains have dispersed, suo and nirei were left on their own chairs.
“suo-san, a-am i too inexperienced to be left alone in another group?” nirei asked suo, to which the wine-haired guy immediately denied.
“of course not, nirei-kun. after all, i didn’t, and will never lie about how much progress you’ve been making.” there was almost a pregnant pause between the two of them, but suo continued.
“and… even as your mentor, but as your friend as well, i can’t help but worry for your well being. it is, after all, fighting with new people. they might give you a harder time.”
“ah, thank you suo-san. you’re always looking out for me. i appreciate how much of a great friend you are!” nirei responded, smile as bright as the sun.
everyone immediately minded their own business if they so as much as look too much at the two. they just know that suo’s eyes on the back of his head has already told him that the whole class, again, were watching.
AND so, the class has concluded, even without the confirmation from anyone in sakura’s circle of friends— that nirei has undeniably friend zoned suo.
it seems to them that nirei must’ve been unconsciously brushing off suo’s “advances” and suo is still trying his hardest to win nirei’s affections.
ah, they couldn’t help but feel pitiful towards their classmate.