Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Alexis Ness wasn’t just any high school student. He was the quiet genius everyone overlooked. His grades were perfect—straight A's across the board, his reports polished to near perfection, his essays sharp and insightful. But despite his brilliance, Alexis had perfected the art of fading into the background. He was the kind of person you’d forget existed the second you turned away. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the looks to match his intellect. In fact, he was fairly attractive—tall, lean, with soft brown hair that framed his face just so, and eyes the color of storm clouds. But his presence was nothing more than a whisper among the clamor of the student body.

He’d always been okay with that. After all, there was Michael Kaiser. The one person who saw him. The one person who didn’t treat him like a ghost.

Michael was everything Alexis wasn’t: loud, confident, outgoing . He was the star quarterback, the class president, the one who dominated every field he stepped onto—whether it was the football field, the classroom, or the hallways where girls swooned and guys tried to get in his good graces. His looks, inherited from his famous actress mother, turned heads wherever he went. He was the kind of handsome that made people stop and stare, the kind of guy you couldn’t help but admire. And Alexis had always been proud to call him his boyfriend.

They were the perfect couple—or so it seemed. Sure, there had been their fair share of ups and downs, but nothing they couldn’t overcome. They were a unit, a team. Alexis stood beside Michael through every win, every challenge, and every sweet victory, both on and off the field.

But lately, things had been... different. Michael wasn’t the same. His smiles had started to feel forced, his laughs hollow. He wasn’t as present during their quiet moments together, his thoughts seemingly far away, his attention diverted by something Alexis couldn’t put his finger on.

It was subtle at first . Little things. A late-night message left unanswered. A passing glance instead of the usual lingering touch. But now, as the days dragged on, the distance between them felt insurmountable. Alexis tried to ignore the creeping doubts in his mind. Maybe it was just a phase. Maybe Michael was stressed, dealing with the pressures of being the school’s golden boy.

But as much as Alexis tried to brush it off, a gnawing feeling in his gut told him it was something more. Something was wrong. And Alexis? Well, he knew better than to stay silent.

As he walked down the hall, glancing at Michael laughing with his friends at his usual spot by the lockers, Alexis couldn’t help but wonder if the one person he trusted most had already started to fade away from him—just like everyone else.

A few days after the arrival of the new exchange student, the school buzzed with curiosity. Whispers floated through the halls, and everyone had their own theories. The girls wondered if the newcomer would be a tall, attractive foreigner, the kind they could fawn over. Meanwhile, the boys speculated if it would be a cute girl—someone they could flirt with or maybe even impress. No one expected him .

The exchange student was Isagi Yoichi, straight from Japan. He wasn’t tall or strikingly handsome, but there was something undeniably captivating about him. He had an unassuming, boyish charm—average height with midnight blue hair that fell carelessly across his forehead. His eyes were the color of the ocean, deep and endless, and he had this infuriatingly cute, lopsided smile. The kind where one corner of his mouth lifted higher than the other, making it seem like he was always in on some inside joke. And his German? Decent enough, though with a noticeable accent that made him stand out even more.

At first, Alexis didn’t think much of it. What was there to think , really ? An exchange student was just a passing distraction in the grand scheme of things. But then... Michael .

Michael’s reaction was impossible to miss. As soon as Isagi stepped up to introduce himself, Michael’s face lit up in a way Alexis hadn’t seen in months. He was too attentive, hanging on every word the new student said, his eyes gleaming with a familiarity that made Alexis' chest tighten. The way Michael tilted his head, the almost exaggerated interest in his voice—it felt off, like a spark of something Alexis didn’t recognize.

And then there was that look in Michael’s eyes . That spark. Alexis could feel the heat crawling up his neck, but it wasn’t the usual heat of affection he used to see when Michael looked at him. No, this was something else. Something unsettling. Something that rubbed Alexis in all the wrong places.

He tried to brush it off, to shake off the gut-wrenching feeling of jealousy coiling in his stomach, but it stuck with him. Michael’s attention was no longer his own.

Alexis wasn’t ready to let go. He could endure many things, but this relationship? This was non-negotiable. So, for the past few weeks, he threw himself into trying to win back Michael’s affection, even though every effort seemed to be slipping through his fingers. Alexis was determined. He tended to Michael’s needs more than ever, showering him with praise for even the smallest of achievements, as if each one was a grand victory. He took care of him after grueling training sessions, massaging his sore muscles, bringing him snacks and drinks to help him recharge.

But no matter how much he gave, the moment Yoichi appeared, it felt like all his efforts were meaningless. Yoichi wasn’t just a new face—he was a soccer player, and that might have been Alexis’s breaking point. Soccer had always been their thing. It was the one activity that had bonded him and Michael together, the sport they shared, the one thing they could always enjoy side by side. But now that bond was being pulled apart, and Yoichi was filling the space where Alexis once stood.

Michael had started teasing Yoichi instead of him, exchanging playful jabs and laughter that used to be reserved for Alexis alone. The easy, friendly banter they once shared had turned into heated bickering and fierce competition. There was so much tension between Michael and Yoichi, an intensity that made Alexis feel like a stranger in his own relationship. He no longer had a place beside Michael. It was like he had been crowded out, invisible in the wake of their growing rivalry.

Every day it felt like the distance between him and Michael was widening. And all Alexis could do was watch as his place in Michael's world was taken by someone else.

After practice, Alexis was left alone in the changing room, his chest tight and his mind swirling with the sting of Michael's words. "Good for nothing." A single mistake during a pass, and Michael had exploded in front of the team, leaving Alexis feeling smaller than he ever had before. The words kept echoing in his mind, each repetition making his heart break a little more. His eyes were red and blurry with tears, but he refused to let them fall. Not here, not like this.

Then the door creaked open.

Yoichi stepped inside, his ocean-blue eyes filled with concern. "Ness, are you alright?" His voice was gentle, almost too gentle, and it only made everything worse.

Alexis couldn’t hold it in anymore. "Does it look like I’m okay?!" he snapped, his voice shaking with anger and hurt. "I’m not okay, stupid Yoichi! But you must be thrilled, huh? Michael’s all yours now!"

His throat tightened, and for a moment, it felt like he might break. The tears were right there, threatening to spill, but he bit them back with all his strength. He wouldn't give Yoichi the satisfaction of seeing him fall apart.

With a last, furious glance at Yoichi, Alexis stormed out, leaving the blue-haired boy standing there, stunned and speechless.

The door slammed behind him, and as he walked away, every step felt heavier than the last, his heart aching with the weight of everything slipping through his fingers.

That night, Alexis sat in his room, staring at his phone screen, the weight of the day still pressing heavily on him. He typed out an apology to Michael, his fingers trembling as he promised it would never happen again. "I’m sorry. I’ll fix it. Anything I can do to make it up to you?" he wrote, his heart desperate for a response. But the screen stayed cold, the message marked only with a simple "seen." No reply.

He laid back on his bed, his eyes burning with tears that he refused to let fall. Instead, he cried himself to sleep, the ache in his chest growing with each passing second.

The next morning, he woke up feeling like a shell of himself. His body was drained, but his mind? That was even worse. He dressed and went through the motions of getting ready for school, unsure if he was more physically exhausted or mentally spent .

When he entered the classroom and walked toward his desk, something felt different. He could sense the eyes on him— watching , waiting. He didn’t know why at first, but then his gaze landed on his desk and his breath caught in his throat.

A small box. With flowers.

Magenta flowers. They matched the color of his hair at the ends, almost exactly. His heart skipped a beat. Could it be Michael? Had he finally come around? Was this his way of making up for everything?

But as Alexis moved closer, his hands trembling, his eyes caught the note resting on top of the box. He reached for it, his stomach twisting with hope, only for that hope to twist into confusion and disbelief as he read the simple words:

"I'm sorry if I ever wronged you, I.Y."

Yoichi.

The air around Alexis seemed to freeze, his mind racing. Yoichi? He couldn’t understand. What was going on? His hand clenched around the note as his heart sank. It wasn’t Michael. It was Yoichi .

The magenta flowers felt like a cruel joke now, a mockery of everything Alexis had hoped for. He stood there, frozen, staring at the flowers, trying to make sense of the knot in his chest that only tightened as he realized... things were more complicated than he ever imagined.

Michael walked into the classroom, his gaze immediately landing on the small box of flowers on Alexis’s desk. The moment his eyes narrowed at the magenta blooms, an icy silence fell over him. His stare was so sharp, so cold, that if he could’ve, he might as well have burned a hole through Alexis with it. Alexis felt the weight of that look pierce right through him, and he couldn’t help but gulp, his throat dry.

He didn’t know what to do, what to say. His heart raced in his chest, but he knew he had to say something, anything. "Micha, I-I can explain—" His voice was shaky, but the words were all he could think to say.

But Michael cut him off before he could finish. "Save it, Ness," he snapped, his tone biting and filled with disdain. "I don’t want to hear it."

The room seemed to freeze. The moment Michael’s words rang out, the class erupted into hushed whispers. Alexis felt every single pair of eyes on him, each one heavier than the last. Some of the students speculated that he had cheated, their voices laced with accusations. Others mocked him for his stutter, sneering at how pathetic he seemed. And then there were those who simply seemed relieved—relieved that Michael, the golden boy, wouldn’t be wasting his time on a "nobody" like Alexis anymore.

The whispers washed over him like a tide, drowning him in embarrassment and hurt. Alexis didn’t know how to escape it, how to stop the suffocating feeling in his chest. All he could do was sit there, frozen, as Michael’s gaze remained fixed on him—no hint of care or concern, just cold indifference.

Yoichi walked into the classroom with a couple of his friends, and the moment their eyes met, Alexis felt a jolt run through him. He kept his expression stoic, but Yoichi—ever the calm one—flashed him a sweet, almost teasing smile. It made Alexis’ stomach twist, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away. He didn’t want to look weak, not now, not in front of him.

Before the tension could grow any thicker, the teacher walked in, and the class began. But it felt like the slowest, most excruciating session Alexis had ever been through. The minutes dragged on, every second ticking by with agonizing slowness. His mind wouldn’t focus. His thoughts were running rampant, spiraling out of control. What was he supposed to do? His relationship with Michael was falling apart, and Yoichi—of all people—had the nerve to mock him for it, throwing pity in his face with those stupid flowers.

His frustration and confusion only deepened. He couldn’t let this continue.

As his thoughts spiraled, he scribbled a quick note on a piece of paper. His hand shook slightly as he wrote, but his mind was set. He folded it and slid it across the desk, his eyes briefly locking with Yoichi’s as the note reached him. Yoichi read it, and for a moment, there was no smile, no teasing—just a quiet understanding. Alexis’s heart pounded in his chest.

'Meet me on the rooftop during lunch.'

It was time to settle this once and for all.

Lunch finally came after what felt like an eternity of grueling classes. Alexis walked to the rooftop, the small box of flowers clutched tightly in his hand. His chest felt heavy with uncertainty. When he passed Michael in the halls earlier, the other boy had ignored him completely, and that sting only made his frustration grow. He had no idea how he was supposed to fix this, but he had to do something. He had to speak up.

With a deep breath and some misplaced confidence, Alexis stood at the edge of the rooftop , waiting for Yoichi to show up. And when he finally did, the moment felt like everything in his chest was on the verge of breaking.

Without thinking, he threw the box of flowers at Yoichi’s feet. "Do you think I need these pity flowers?!" Alexis's voice shook with anger. "Who do you think you are, toying with me like this?!"

Yoichi blinked, clearly taken aback by the outburst. There was a flicker of confusion in his eyes, as though he couldn’t understand where all of this was coming from. "What are you on about? Those weren't pity flowers—"

But Alexis couldn't hold it in anymore. He cut him off, the words spilling out like a dam breaking. "Are you trying to ruin my life even more? Laugh in my face with the rest of the class, and get Michael all to yourself?" His breath was shallow, his emotions unraveling faster than he could process them .

"No, of course not! Ness, I just—" Yoichi tried to explain, his tone earnest, but Alexis was too far gone.

"You what?!" Alexis shouted, his voice cracking under the weight of his frustration. "You've been getting between me and my boyfriend ever since you started attending this school. I won’t let you take him from me."

Before he could say anything else, Yoichi snapped, his usual calm demeanor breaking for the first time. "Ness!" Yoichi’s voice was loud, full of something Alexis hadn't expected. Something desperate. "I don't want your boyfriend, I want you ."

The words hit Alexis like a punch to the gut, his mind struggling to process the confession. For a moment, everything went silent around him. Yoichi’s intense gaze locked with his, and Alexis’s heart felt like it stopped beating.

He didn’t know what to say, what to feel. All he knew was that the world as he knew it had just shifted, and he wasn’t sure where it would land.

"...What?" Alexis managed to choke out, his mind racing to catch up with what Yoichi had just said. What is happening? How did he get here? This wasn’t how it was supposed to go—he was supposed to confront Yoichi for trying to steal Michael away, to figure out how to fix things with Michael. Not this. Not... this.

Yoichi stepped closer, his presence calm, yet unwavering. There was an intensity in his eyes that Alexis hadn’t seen before. "Ness," he started, his voice steady but full of conviction, "You are literally perfect in every way. The moment I laid eyes on you, I was awestruck. I wanted to get closer, but instead, you pulled away. And Kaiser—he’s the one who kept chasing me."

Alexis felt his chest tighten, his heart thumping painfully. He had never expected to hear this, never imagined Yoichi would say something like that. But Yoichi didn’t stop there. He took another step forward, frustration creeping into his tone. "He doesn’t deserve you, Ness. He treats you badly . He keeps you at arm’s length, and—"

Alexis felt his chest tighten even more, his heart racing with both confusion and anger. "I love Michael more than anything, Yoichi," he interrupted, his voice trembling but resolute.

Yoichi stopped, his eyes softening just slightly, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in his words. "I’m not trying to take him from you," Yoichi said, his voice low, "But you deserve someone who truly sees you, who’s willing to be close to you in a way Michael can’t. I just want you to know that."

The words echoed in the quiet space between them. Alexis stood frozen, torn between the conflicting emotions that were flooding his mind. He had no idea where to go from here, but one thing was clear—everything he thought he knew was suddenly turned upside down.

Alexis stood still, heart pounding in his chest, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Yoichi’s words kept echoing, each one cutting through the chaos in his head. He couldn’t deny that he was confused, hurt, and more than a little torn.

Michael had been his world for so long, yet Yoichi’s presence made something inside him stir—something he hadn’t allowed himself to acknowledge. But even now, standing here with Yoichi, Alexis couldn’t shake the overwhelming pull he still felt toward Michael.

He opened his mouth, but the words didn’t come easily. "I don’t—" Alexis began, his voice cracking as he tried to find the right words. "I don’t know what you want me to say, Yoichi."

Yoichi watched him intently, his expression softening. "I’m not asking for you to choose right now, Ness," he said gently. "I just want you to think about it. You’re not invisible, you know. You don’t have to settle for someone who makes you feel like you’re not enough."

Alexis closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to steady his breath. Yoichi was right, in a way. Michael had been distant lately, cold even. But Alexis couldn’t let himself believe that everything he and Michael had built over the years could just unravel because of a few misunderstandings.

"I love him," Alexis whispered, almost to himself. "I don’t know how to let go of that."

Yoichi took another step closer, but this time, there was no pressure in his approach—just an understanding. "You don’t have to let go of anything, Ness. Just ... don’t ignore the fact that you deserve more. You deserve someone who treats you like you matter." His gaze softened as he spoke, the intensity of his words grounded in sincerity.

Alexis’s heart thudded painfully in his chest. He could feel the weight of Yoichi’s words, but the pull to Michael was undeniable. He thought about all the moments he and Michael had shared—the laughter, the closeness, the dreams they built together. Even if things were complicated now, could he really just walk away from that?

"I can’t... not like this," Alexis finally said, shaking his head. "I need to fix things with Michael first. I have to try, Yoichi. I can’t just give up on him." The words tasted bitter, but they were the truth. The truth he wasn’t ready to admit until now.

Yoichi nodded, his expression unreadable for a moment, before it softened once more . "I understand," he said quietly. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, or someone who actually sees you... I’m here, Ness."

Alexis swallowed hard, nodding silently. The weight of everything felt like it was too much to carry alone, but for now, he had to face it. He wasn’t sure what would happen with Michael, or with Yoichi. But in that moment, all Alexis knew was that he had to keep fighting for the relationship he believed in, even if it was falling apart at the seams.

Yoichi gave him one last look, his eyes full of quiet understanding. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Alexis to stand there, lost in thought.

Alexis watched him go, his heart torn between the past and the uncertain future ahead. One thing was clear: the path forward wouldn’t be easy, but it was his to choose.

Chapter Text

Michael stood at the bottom of the stairwell, his jaw clenched, a knot of frustration growing in his chest. He was genuinely upset, more than he cared to admit. Sure, he hadn’t been paying much attention to Ness lately, too caught up in his own tangled thoughts and his own distractions. And yeah, maybe he’d snapped at the boy a few times when he messed up. But he didn’t think things had gotten this bad between them.

Alexis... Alexis was like a loyal puppy, always coming back no matter how much Michael pushed him away. That’s how it worked, right? He never thought it would break. But then, he’d seen it. Seen Ness— his Ness—standing on the rooftop , talking with Yoichi. Michael’s heart twisted in his chest, and his fists clenched.

He didn’t even hear their words. They were too far away, their voices muffled by the distance. But he didn’t need to hear them. He could see the damn flowers, the delicate, magenta petals— Isagi’s flowers. His breath caught in his throat. Isagi. Of course, it was him.

A rush of anger flooded Michael’s veins, and his thoughts went into a spiral of rage . So, Ness thought he could just go behind his back? Sneak around, letting Yoichi get close while Michael wasn’t looking? The way those flowers looked in his hands— it made Michael’s blood boil. That was it. He’d had enough.

Before he could get any closer, before he could confront them, Michael turned on his heel and stormed off. His mind raced, already plotting how to handle this. Yoichi... Yoichi was more sneaky and arrogant than Michael had originally given him credit for.

“I’ll get back at you both,” Michael muttered under his breath as he walked away, a cold smile curling on his lips. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The weekend finally arrived, and Michael sent a quick text to Ness, telling him to meet at the park near his house. By the time he showed up, he found Alexis already waiting for him.

Alexis was dressed casually—baggy pants and an oversized hoodie that swallowed up his frame. His messy, fluffy curls were in their usual state, and as usual, he had the urge to mess them up further, even though Ness always tried to fix them. He slipped his hands into the pockets of his pants and approached the boy, a half-apology already ready on his lips.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, his voice soft but indifferent, aimed to break the silence and catch Ness's attention.

The moment Ness saw him, his dull eyes immediately lit up with something like relief, or maybe even joy. “Oh, Micha! It’s alright,” he replied, his voice bright and filled with warmth . He smiled gently, though Michael didn’t return the gesture. The boy’s eyes sparkled with hope as though he hadn’t even noticed.

Michael couldn’t help but see it—a faint twinge of annoyance in his chest. It was almost comical, the way Ness always tried so hard to make things right. Michael didn’t exactly understand why he kept up the effort.

“Micha, I’m not sure how I offended you,” Ness continued, his voice growing more earnest. “But I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better… No, I will do better.” He stepped a little closer, determination clear in his expression. It was almost like he wanted to win Michael’s affection, as if this were some kind of game.

Michael didn’t care about any of that. To him, this wasn’t a relationship—it was a game. A cruel little experiment. He watched how Ness's behavior changed, how he responded to the tiniest bit of affection, the false promises of hope, and the way he clung to any scrap of validation Michael threw his way. It was all part of the plan. Michael wanted to see just how far he could push this boy, how much he could break him, all while keeping him hooked. And if he were being honest with himself, Michael wasn’t quite done with him yet. The thought of someone else—especially Yoichi—taking his place made a knot tighten in his chest.

He finally spoke, his voice colder now. “Okay, I forgive you.”

The words hit Ness like a wave of euphoria. He practically glowed with relief, his huge, wide eyes sparkling in a way that only made Michael’s distaste grow . He was nothing more than a puppy, constantly seeking approval, never questioning.

Without thinking, Michael stepped forward and kissed him—just a quick press of lips. Ness stiffened for a second, startled, but then melted into it, as always. Michael pulled away after only a few seconds, his face void of emotion.

"You only serve me, Ness,” Michael said, his voice low, a command more than a statement. “Look at me, and only me. No one else. Understand?" He looked down at the boy, who nodded eagerly, his smile never faltering.

Michael didn’t care. He didn’t feel the affection he was supposed to, nor did he feel the thrill of the kiss. He only cared about maintaining control—and Ness, ever the obedient fool, was exactly where Michael wanted him.

Isagi had always been curious about the world beyond Japan, and Germany seemed like the perfect place for a fresh experience. After all, it was the country where his idol played, and the thought of living there for a year was enough to pique his interest. He'd agreed to participate in the exchange program with a mix of excitement and curiosity.

Germany, however, was nothing like he expected. The culture was vastly different from Japan’s: people weren’t as polite, their manners were more direct, and even the food was a world away from the comforting tastes of home. It was a refreshing change, though. Still, there were moments when Isagi found himself missing his friends, his familiar routines, and the quiet, respectful atmosphere of Japan. But it was fine—he had a year, and soon enough, he’d be back. He figured as long as he kept to himself and was kind to others, he’d get by.

But then he met Alexis Ness.

At first, it was just a glance, an accidental crossing of paths in the hallways of the school, but from that moment, Isagi couldn't shake the feeling that Alexis was different. The boy had this warm, magnetic energy that drew people in, even though he himself seemed oblivious to the effect he had on others. For someone so effortlessly charming, he couldn’t understand why Alexis was so often overlooked.

Alexis was everything Isagi found fascinating—tall, lean, and strikingly beautiful in an almost ethereal way. His smile? It was perfect, the kind of smile that made everything around him feel a little brighter. And his voice—angelic, soft, and soothing in a way that made Isagi’s heart flutter. Alexis’ presence felt like a breath of fresh air, and yet, the more Isagi learned about him, the more he couldn't help but wonder why no one else seemed to notice just how incredible Alexis was.

Isagi found himself smitten almost immediately, not just by his appearance, but by the quiet, endearing nature of the boy. He had no idea how someone like Alexis could possibly be forgotten in the eyes of others—he was everything Isagi had ever wanted to know and so much more.

The entire weekend, Isagi couldn’t shake the thought of Alexis from his mind. Every time he closed his eyes, he found himself imagining the soft way Alexis smiled, the warmth in his voice, the effortless charm that had captured his attention so completely. So when he found out that Alexis was dating Kaiser, Isagi felt a pang of sadness . He didn’t know why it stung so much, but it did. Despite his feelings, he resolved to respect their relationship—maybe, just maybe, he could still become Alexis’ friend. At least, that was the plan… until he saw how Kaiser treated him.

The realization hit him hard. Kaiser, the guy Alexis was with, was nothing short of a terrible boyfriend. He treated Alexis as if he were some sort of inconvenience , and Isagi could see how the light that once radiated so brightly from Alexis began to dim under Kaiser’s shadow. It infuriated him to no end, this constant undermining of someone so gentle, so kind.

Monday finally arrived, and Isagi walked into class, his thoughts still lingering on Alexis. But the sight that greeted him made his heart sink. There was Alexis, standing by Kaiser's desk, his face bright with genuine joy, while Kaiser... Kaiser looked like he was enduring some sort of burden, allowing Alexis to do whatever made him happy without a trace of enthusiasm. It was painfully obvious how little Kaiser valued him.

As Isagi stood there, watching the scene unfold, his eyes met Kaiser’s. That bastard smirked, a mocking glint in his eyes as if he knew exactly what Isagi was thinking. Without missing a beat, Isagi returned the look, his gaze sharp and unwavering, the anger simmering beneath the surface. He wasn’t going to let Kaiser get away with it—not when Alexis deserved so much more.

Isagi had become invisible to Ness, a shadow in the background of a world that now revolved solely around Kaiser. No matter how hard he tried, Ness didn’t spare him a glance anymore. The boy was lost in his own little bubble, wrapped up in Kaiser’s presence. Every attempt to approach him, to break through the walls that seemed to grow thicker each day, was met with indifference. Isagi might as well have been a ghost, standing in front of him, but never truly seen. And Kaiser? He was enjoying every second of it, watching from the sidelines, a smug smile never leaving his face as he watched Isagi get pushed further into the background.

It was during lunch when Isagi’s patience finally wore thin. He couldn't just let it slide anymore. As he walked into the cafeteria, he spotted Ness sitting with Kaiser, completely engrossed in whatever the blonde was saying . Isagi sighed, but he wasn’t about to just walk away. He approached with a small hope that maybe, just maybe, he could break through.

But as he took a step closer, he was intercepted. The very person he didn’t want to deal with appeared before him—Kaiser, blocking his path.

“Can you stop bothering me?” Kaiser’s voice was as sharp as ever, and his gaze was cold, like a predator sizing up its prey.

Isagi clenched his fists, feeling the familiar sting of irritation bubble up inside him. Normally, he was calm, collected, patient —but Kaiser had a way of bringing out the worst in him. Isagi had learned that the hard way.

"You seem a little too invested in Ness," Kaiser continued, his voice laced with amusement. “You know, you could get my attention in other ways.” His words were almost a taunt, and his hand came up casually to grab Isagi by the chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. The blonde’s smirk was the final straw.

Isagi’s blood boiled. Enough was enough. He swiftly smacked Kaiser’s hand away, his movements quick and precise. “You’re delusional if you think I’m doing this for you,” he spat, his tone filled with uncharacteristic bite.

Kaiser’s smirk only deepened, but Isagi could see the challenge flicker in his eyes. Kaiser was used to being in control , to having everything go his way, but Isagi wasn’t going to let him get away with it anymore. He wasn’t just going to roll over and let Kaiser win. Not this time.

“Keep dreaming,” Isagi muttered under his breath as he turned on his heel, walking away. He wasn’t about to let Kaiser have the last word . Not on or off the field.

The days seemed to blur together as Isagi tried to find an opening, a moment where he could reach Ness, but each time, Kaiser was always there. It was like the blonde was a constant, looming presence, always watching, always blocking Isagi’s path.

One afternoon, after practice, Isagi spotted Ness sitting on the bleachers, his attention on his phone, looking completely absorbed. The opportunity felt like it might be real this time. He took a deep breath and started walking toward him, his heart pounding. He needed to talk to him, to get through to him.

But of course, just as he was a few steps away, a figure appeared in front of him—Kaiser. The same smirk was plastered on his face, eyes glinting with amusement.

“Again?” Kaiser’s voice was smooth, almost teasing, like he enjoyed the game. “You know, if you’re planning on talking to Ness, you should probably make an appointment.” His tone was mocking, but there was something more unsettling about it.

Isagi stopped in his tracks, frustration building up inside him. He forced himself to remain calm. “I’m just trying to talk to him,” he muttered, voice strained.

Kaiser raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering to Ness, who was still engrossed in his phone. “Really? Because it looks like you’re trying to get in my way.” He stepped closer to Isagi, his presence looming. “You think he’s going to listen to you? He doesn’t even see you anymore.”

Isagi clenched his fists, the sting of Kaiser’s words digging deep. “That’s not true,” he said, though his voice wavered for just a second . He couldn’t let Kaiser get to him. He wouldn’t.

Before Isagi could respond, Kaiser sidestepped him casually, making sure he was still in the way of Ness. He didn’t even need to say anything else. His actions spoke louder than words.

Isagi wanted to scream, to push Kaiser out of the way, but he couldn’t. Not here, not like this. He turned and walked off, his head heavy with the weight of his frustration.

The next day, during a team lunch, Isagi once again saw Ness sitting at the far end of the cafeteria, his head buried in a notebook. The table was scattered with teammates, but no one seemed to be giving Ness any attention. Isagi took a deep breath, determined. This time, it would work. He wouldn’t let Kaiser stand in his way.

He stood up, pushing through the noise of the cafeteria , making his way toward Ness. But just as he was about to reach out, a sharp voice cut through the air.

“Isagi, I think you’re forgetting something.” Kaiser was suddenly at his side, his hand grabbing Isagi’s arm and stopping him in his tracks.

Isagi turned to look at him, his frustration evident. “What now, Kaiser?”

Kaiser’s smile was a mix of amusement and superiority. “You’re forgetting who’s really in charge here.” His fingers tightened around Isagi’s arm, pulling him back slightly.

“Don’t touch me,” Isagi snapped, trying to shake free, but Kaiser was quicker, leaning in close enough that his breath tickled Isagi’s ear.

“I’m just saying,” Kaiser whispered, his voice low and filled with venom, “If you want his attention, you’re going to have to try harder than that.” He stepped away, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.

Isagi’s heart pounded in his chest , and the urge to push Kaiser away burned fiercely. But he knew better than to escalate it here. Not in front of the team, not like this.

Instead, he swallowed his anger, biting his lip hard. He didn’t say anything. He just turned on his heel and walked away, his eyes never leaving Ness for a moment as he returned to his seat, too far away to reach now.

The next day, Isagi had enough. He was done being a spectator, done being pushed aside. It was after training, and Ness had stayed behind to stretch while the others were clearing out. This was his chance, he could feel it. His heart raced as he walked toward the bleachers, where Ness was now sitting alone, his expression thoughtful.

But just as he was a few steps away, that damn voice echoed in his ear.

“Seriously, you’re still trying?” Kaiser’s figure appeared next to him, his hands casually shoved in his pockets as he stared ahead at Ness, who was blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding right next to him.

“Why can’t you just leave him alone?” Isagi muttered through gritted teeth, trying to ignore the blonde who was clearly relishing every second of this game.

Kaiser tilted his head, his smile almost too smug. “Because it’s fun watching you try,” he replied, eyes narrowing. “You’re never going to get through to him. So why not give up?”

Isagi’s hands trembled with the urge to lash out, but he fought it, breathing deeply. He couldn’t give Kaiser the satisfaction of getting under his skin. He stepped past him, moving closer to Ness, who was now looking up at him in surprise.

But before he could say a word , Kaiser’s voice stopped him again, loud and commanding. “Isagi, you’re wasting your time. Go back to where you belong.”

Isagi stopped, his back to Kaiser, standing at the edge of the bleachers, facing Ness. For a moment, it felt like the entire world was on pause.

With a deep breath, Isagi turned around, locking eyes with Kaiser. He wasn’t going to let him control this. Not anymore.

“You’re wrong,” Isagi said quietly, his voice steady despite the rush of adrenaline . “I’m not giving up. And you won’t stop me.”

Kaiser smirked, as if he already knew this was just the beginning. But Isagi wasn’t backing down this time. With one final look at Ness, he took a step forward. This time, no matter how many times Kaiser tried to block him, he would get through.

Chapter Text

Alexis sat quietly in the corner of the classroom, watching Yoichi from across the room. He knew exactly what was going on—the failed attempts, the awkward glances, the subtle signs that Yoichi was trying to get through to him. But each time, Michael was there, always interrupting, always stopping the shy attempts before they could even take root. Alexis couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions about it.

On one hand, there was something undeniably thrilling about the way Michael fought so fiercely to keep Yoichi at bay. The possessiveness, the lengths he went to, it made Alexis feel... wanted. Special, even. It was flattering, in a way. But then there was Yoichi. The boy who kept trying, despite the interruptions, despite the silent rejection. It tugged at something inside of him—something he couldn't quite put into words.

Yoichi was supposed to mean nothing to him, but there were moments when Alexis couldn’t shake the feeling that he was thinking about him more than he should. The memories from before came flooding back—the first time Yoichi had introduced himself to both Alexis and Michael. Yoichi had smiled brightly at him, a genuine spark in his eyes, yet his gaze lingered on Alexis far longer than it did on Michael. The way Yoichi had asked, so casually , if he could sit with them at lunch, his question always aimed directly at Alexis, never Michael. And whenever Alexis spoke, Yoichi was always listening—really listening—like every word that left his mouth mattered.

It was all so confusing. Why was Yoichi so drawn to him? Alexis was just... average. Sure, his family came from a long line of renowned scientists, but Alexis was pretty sure Yoichi didn’t even know that. And even on the field, he was nothing more than a midfielder—a passer, someone who set up the play but rarely made the flashy, game-winning moves. So why did Yoichi look at him like that? Like he was the most fascinating person in the world?

It didn't make sense. But somehow, it did. Alexis thought back to that first real conversation with Yoichi. The way his eyes had lit up when he talked about the game, how he had hung onto every word Alexis said, as if his passes were more than just tactics—like they were... magic. It made Alexis’ heart skip a beat just thinking about it.

"Why me?" he wondered aloud, barely aware that the words had slipped from his lips. What was it about him that Yoichi found so captivating? He wasn’t anyone special. But for reasons Alexis couldn’t explain, he couldn’t get Yoichi out of his mind. And now, as Michael’s possessiveness wrapped around him like a vice, Alexis couldn’t decide whether he should be flattered or frustrated.

Alexis sat there, lost in thought, weighing the idea of giving Yoichi a chance to talk to him. He wasn’t sure why the thought even crossed his mind. After all, what was there to say? Michael and him were already a couple, and Alexis certainly didn’t feel the same way about Yoichi. But still, something about the idea lingered in the back of his mind.

Just as he was about to dismiss it, he felt Michael’s gaze on him. He turned slightly, and saw Michael’s eyebrow raised in that familiar, questioning way. Michael was quick to notice anything out of the ordinary, and right now, it was the way Alexis had been staring at Yoichi.

"What's going on?" Michael’s voice was low, but it carried that edge of suspicion.

Alexis quickly snapped out of his reverie, offering a half-hearted smile. "Nothing," he muttered, shaking his head. "I was just zoning out. Don’t worry about it."

But the look on Michael’s face suggested he wasn’t convinced.

It hadn’t been long since the school year started, but with it being their final year, things felt like they were speeding by. The teachers, sensing the pressure mounting, had given them a little mercy—lightening the load of exams and studies, at least for now.

That’s why Michael stood at the front of the classroom today, exuding his usual confidence as class president. "Alright, everyone," he began, his voice drawing all eyes to him. "We’re going on a class field trip!"

The class buzzed with excitement as Michael explained the details—the trip would be a three-day adventure, and they’d have the chance to see some amazing things. But the most interesting part was when he moved on to the logistics. "We need to pair up for hotel rooms," Michael said, with a smirk. "So, here’s how we’ll do it: you’ll each draw a number from the hat."

He pointed toward two hats sitting on the teacher’s desk. "The one on the left is for the girls, and the right is for the boys. Whatever number you pick, that’s your roommate."

Alexis tried to focus on the details, but all he could think about was the idea of being stuck with someone other than Michael. Michael seemed to be the first choice for everyone, of course—who wouldn’t want to room with the class president? Alexis felt his stomach tighten just at the thought. He tried to shake off the unease as Michael stepped forward to pick a number, making it look effortless.

One by one, his classmates went up alphabetically to draw their number. Alexis watched each one, hoping against hope that somehow, he'd end up paired with Michael. Please, just once... let me get the same number as him.

When his turn finally came, his hands were clammy as he approached the desk. He reached into the hat, his heart pounding in his chest. Please, please let it be the same number... He drew a slip of paper, slowly unfolding it.

"Hey, Isagi, what number did you get?" A voice called from behind him, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, I have 13," a classmate replied casually.

Alexis froze, his eyes darting down to his own piece of paper. 13.

His stomach dropped. That was the same number. But the excitement quickly turned to confusion as he realized who he was paired with. Wait, Isagi?

He turned to look at the boy who had called out, only to see that Isagi was holding up his own number, 13. The pieces fell into place—Alexis and Isagi were roommates.

His heart sank. No... not Michael.

Alexis was completely out of it. To be honest, he wasn’t sure if he was more confused or annoyed. Okay, sure, he could handle the fact that he wasn’t rooming with Michael. There had been a slim chance of getting the same number as him, and he knew that. But rooming with Yoichi? That felt like the universe was playing some cruel joke on him. It was almost as if someone up there had planned this just to mess with him. He let out an exasperated sigh and leaned back in his seat, bracing himself for what was going to be a painfully long bus ride.

He glanced sideways at Michael, who was sitting beside him, engrossed in his book. Of course, Michael was the type to be absorbed in something on a road trip. Alexis knew that well. The blonde was wearing his signature reading glasses, the ones he always had on when he was in one of his deep thinking moods. Sure, Alexis loved books too, but they definitely didn’t share the same taste. He could guess from the cover that it was either some complex psychology or philosophy book.

"Why do you like those types of books so much?" Alexis asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Without even looking up from the pages, Michael simply responded, his voice low and calm. “I’m interested in what makes humans tick.”

Alexis blinked, a little thrown off by the response. He wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that. So instead, he just hummed in acknowledgment and shifted in his seat, leaning his head onto Michael’s shoulder.

"As expected from Michael Kaiser," he muttered with a small, tired smile. He yawned softly, the rhythmic motion of the bus and the quiet atmosphere starting to lull him to sleep. "Wake me up when we get there."

He didn’t get a verbal response, but Alexis knew Michael well enough to know he’d be there to wake him up when they arrived. Content, Alexis let his eyes flutter shut, the steady hum of the engine lulling him into a peaceful doze.

The bus ride wasn’t bad at all, actually. It was surprisingly peaceful. Most people kept to themselves, some quietly chatting in low voices, while others seemed content to zone out. Alexis stirred awake a couple of times over the past few hours, but that wasn’t because of anything alarming—it was just that sleeping on a bus was never comfortable. Despite that, there was something strangely soothing about it.

What really warmed his heart, though, was noticing how Michael, sitting beside him, tried his best not to move. He made a conscious effort to stay still so Alexis could rest his head on his shoulder, not wanting to wake him up. One time, Alexis felt his head begin to slide off, but before he could fully wake up, Michael instinctively reached over, gently pulling him closer, ensuring he wouldn’t fall.

It was these little things, these quiet acts of kindness, that made his chest tighten with something soft. This was the Michael Alexis knew—the one he had fallen for, the one he could easily get lost in. And for a fleeting moment, he wished he could stay like this forever, wrapped in the warmth of this tender moment, living in the soft delusion that things between them would never get complicated again.

They arrived just before 3 p.m., the timing perfect for checking into the hotel. Alexis was still a little groggy from his nap, his limbs heavy as he shuffled toward the reception desk. But the moment Michael spoke, it completely snapped him out of his haze.

"Who are you rooming with?"

The question hit him like a punch to the stomach, his heart racing with anxiousness. He knew exactly why Michael was asking—it was no secret that the blonde didn’t want Yoichi anywhere near Alexis. The thought alone made his chest tighten. Alexis swallowed hard, nervously rubbing the back of his neck as he shifted his gaze to the side.

"Oh, uh... with Yoichi," he said, not quite able to meet Michael’s eyes as he glanced at him briefly, unsure of what reaction he’d get.

Michael’s face instantly hardened, his expression turning cold. It was the kind of look Alexis had seen before, but it never failed to unsettle him. There was something unreadable in the way Michael’s eyes narrowed, making Alexis wonder what was going on in his head.

"With Yoichi, huh?" Michael’s voice was flat, but there was something flickering in his gaze—something sharp and possessive. Was it... jealousy? The thought sent a shiver down Alexis’s spine, but he refused to let it show.

"Don’t worry, Micha," he said, forcing a warm smile onto his face, trying to push away the nervousness in his chest. "I’m only looking at you."

He hoped the reassurance would work, that the smile would be enough to calm whatever storm was brewing in Michael’s mind. He wasn’t going to be swayed by someone like Isagi Yoichi, no way. Not when he had someone like Michael by his side.

...

Oh, how wrong he was.

After parting ways with Michael, Alexis took his hotel key and made his way to his room, dragging his luggage behind him. He hoped Yoichi wouldn’t be there yet—he needed the time to pick the best bed, of course, but more importantly, to mentally prepare himself for facing the Japanese striker.

He slid the key into the lock, twisted it, and pushed the door open. What he didn’t expect to find was Yoichi standing there, shirtless, his perfectly sculpted muscles gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the window. Alexis’s eyes widened, his face turning crimson as his mind struggled to process the sight.

Before he could stop himself, a scream tore from his throat.

It was only then that Yoichi noticed him, looking over in surprise. Without missing a beat, Yoichi scrambled to pull a fresh shirt over his head, his movements quick as he fumbled to cover up.

“Ness, stop screaming!” he called out, his voice a little exasperated.

Alexis scoffed, his face still flushed from the shock. The audacity of Yoichi, telling him to stop screaming! He was the one who had been standing there, half-naked, when Alexis walked in!

“I’m not the one undressing when I know my roommate’s gonna show up any second!” Alexis shot back, his voice sharp with frustration. “Are you trying to seduce me, huh stupid seducer Yoichi!?”

Sure, they were soccer players, and sure, they changed in front of each other, but this was different. Alexis had never really paid attention to Yoichi like that before—he’d always just seen him as another teammate. But now, seeing the Japanese striker like this, with his body on full display, Alexis was flustered. He hadn’t expected Yoichi to have such a build.

“What’s with all these assumptions? I was just changing my shirt because I spilled my drink. Don’t get all full of yourself,” Yoichi shot back, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Alexis walked into the room and shut the door behind him, the bed on the left clearly his. He dropped his luggage by the side, making a mental note to unpack later.

“Well, you’ve been stalking me and trying to talk to me, so who knows what you’re really up to,” Alexis said with a shrug, glancing back at Yoichi.

Yoichi stared at him, looking a little taken aback, but then, as if the words were slipping out before he could stop them, he said, “For someone who’s cute, you’re also insufferable at times.”

Alexis’s frown deepened, and he shot Yoichi a pointed glare. But before he could fire back with something snarky, he felt his cheeks heat up, a blush creeping onto his face despite himself.

"And you're ugly and insufferable so you have no right to talk." he huffs.

And so they spent their entire unpacking time bickering and arguing over useless stuff.

Chapter Text

The room was quiet as Alexis and Yoichi finished unpacking, the soft rustle of zippers and the occasional thump of bags settling filling the silence. To Alexis’ surprise, it hadn’t been awkward between him and Yoichi, despite everything that had happened. They had both come here on the same school trip, and yet things were different now. Alexis was still trying to adjust to it all.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Alexis glanced down at his phone, checking the time. Still 30 minutes left. He sighed, settling back into the pillows as he scrolled aimlessly through his messages. The itinerary said they'd meet up soon to go see some old church — the first stop on their trip, which was supposed to be a fun historical tour.

Yoichi, however, broke the quiet, his voice unexpectedly soft. "You and Kaiser are fine again."

It wasn’t a question. It was more of a statement, one that caught Alexis off guard. He raised his eyes to meet the blue-haired boy’s gaze. There was something in Yoichi’s expression that Alexis couldn’t ignore—something like a mixture of hope and pain, flickering briefly across his face.

“We are. ” Alexis confirmed with a slight nod, not wanting to make it more complicated than it needed to be. He saw Yoichi’s expression shift, a subtle downturn of his lips, like the weight of the words had hit harder than he expected.

"Right... as long as you’re happy," Yoichi muttered, the words almost too quiet, too filled with something Alexis didn’t quite know how to process. The tension in the room thickened, and Alexis couldn’t help but look away, his gaze darting to the window as an uncomfortable knot twisted in his chest.

Yoichi wasn’t the one Alexis wanted. He had someone else—someone far more important to him. Someone he had committed himself to.

The silence between them stretched, and Alexis could feel the awkwardness building in the air. He wasn’t sure how to respond to Yoichi's words. He couldn’t return the same feelings—he wasn’t capable of it. Michael... Alexis thought, clinging to that thought like a lifeline.

Yoichi seemed to sense the shift in the atmosphere, and after a long moment, he finally stood up, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I should get ready," he muttered before heading toward the door, leaving Alexis to stew in his own thoughts.

But Alexis didn’t watch him go. He couldn’t bring himself to look back at Yoichi, not now. The words were stuck in his throat, unspoken, as he tried to remind himself that his heart belonged elsewhere.

The class gathered as planned thirty minutes later, and together they made their way to the church. The teacher shared a few historical facts, but after that, they were given some free time in the town square. Alexis, always a creature of habit, found himself sitting with Michael for lunch, hoping for a return to the usual rhythm they once shared. But, just as he thought everything might be going back to normal, he was proven wrong.

Michael was distant, his mood sour, and the usual warmth he carried had evaporated. He snapped at Alexis a few times, his words sharper than usual , and his tone more biting. The Michael who had made sure not to disturb Alexis during the bus ride, who had been thoughtful and kind, was nowhere to be found. Alexis felt a wave of confusion wash over him— Had I done something wrong? he wondered. What did I mess up this time?

The rest of their walk through the historical part of the town was not enjoyable. Alexis tried to stay close to Michael, but it became impossible. The tension between them was thick, and at some point, Alexis gave up and stopped trailing behind him. Michael didn’t even seem to notice how Alexis’ mood had shifted. His heart sank, the loneliness starting to creep in, but there was something else too—something he couldn’t quite place.

Just then, a voice broke through his thoughts. “Ness, look! What's that?” Yoichi pointed eagerly at a food stall, pulling Alexis out of his spiraling thoughts. Alexis blinked away the tears he hadn’t even realized had started to well up .

“That’s Kartoffelpuffer ,” Alexis replied, his voice a little steadier now, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Yoichi’s eyes gleamed with excitement , and Alexis couldn’t help but chuckle at the boy’s childlike enthusiasm. He looks so cute, Alexis thought, he realises what he just thought in his mind He looks stupid, not cute !

“Come on, let’s get some!” Yoichi declared, grabbing Alexis by the wrist and leading him toward the stall. He rattled off a million questions about German cuisine as they walked, but for the first time in what felt like hours, Alexis wasn’t bothered by them. It felt good to have something else to focus on, to forget about the heavy weight of confusion and disappointment that had been hanging over him.

As they stood in line, Yoichi’s energy was infectious, and Alexis realized, with a small sense of relief, that for a little while, he had forgotten to be sad.

The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the town square in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows on the cobblestone path as Yoichi happily munched on his Kartoffelpuffer. "This is so good!" he chimed with delight, his voice filled with genuine happiness. He had been eagerly devouring the crispy, golden potato pancakes, his eyes shining like a child with a new toy.

Alexis, walking beside him, raised an eyebrow, glancing at his friend with a puzzled expression. "It's just potato pancakes though?" he remarked, though he didn't exactly dislike it. It tasted fine, but it wasn't exactly the kind of grand dish he'd imagined Yoichi raving about. "I mean, it's nice, but..."

Yoichi shrugged nonchalantly, not seeming to care for Alexis' reservations. "So? I’ve never had this kind of food before. I don’t care if it's simple, it's delicious to me !" He smiled as he took another bite, walking along with an energy that always seemed to draw attention.

The two of them strolled slowly through the town square, their footsteps a soft rhythm on the stone path. As they continued their walk, the world around them seemed to quiet, the gentle hum of life in the town square becoming a distant backdrop. For a moment, they walked in silence—just the sound of Yoichi's occasional contented hums and the rustle of autumn leaves swaying in the breeze.

But Alexis, his thoughts turning inward, finally decided to speak up, the words rolling off his tongue before he could stop them. "Why do you like me?" His voice was almost too quiet, but the question hung between them, pressing on him as though it was something he had needed to ask for a long time. He didn't dare look at Yoichi, his gaze fixed straight ahead, his heart pounding in his chest. "There’s nothing special about me."

The sudden question clearly caught Yoichi off guard. He stopped walking mid-step, his footsteps halting with a soft thud as he stared at Alexis with wide eyes. The silence between them stretched for a beat too long, and Alexis couldn't bring himself to meet his gaze. Yoichi was speechless, just for a moment, but then he caught up to Alexis with a determined stride.

"Are you serious?" Yoichi asked, his voice incredulous but warm, like a breath of fresh air. "Ness, you're amazing!" He threw his hands up in the air as if the answer was as clear as day.

Alexis blinked, taken aback by the intensity of Yoichi's response. His mind raced as Yoichi continued, his voice steady but filled with admiration. "You are so attractive, smart, kind, funny—hell, I'd do anything just to get one of your sick magical passes on the field." There was something in Yoichi's words that made Alexis' chest tighten. A feeling he couldn't quite explain settled in the pit of his stomach, and before he knew it, his cheeks flushed a soft pink under the flattery.

"Yoichi," Alexis murmured, his voice dropping to a quieter tone, almost embarrassed. "You're over-exaggerating ."

"No way," Yoichi replied without missing a beat. "I'm being serious." He caught Alexis' gaze, his expression earnest. "Why do you think so low of yourself? Whoever made you believe you're 'just average' has never seen you for who you really are."

The words hit harder than Alexis had anticipated. He could feel his heart clench in his chest as he looked down at the cobblestones beneath his feet, unsure of how to respond. "Who made me think that?" he whispered to himself , almost as if the question was too painful to ask aloud. He couldn't shake the images of the past, the voices that had always told him he wasn’t enough. His parents. His classmates. And... his throat tightened at the thought. Michael too.

He gulped, a knot forming in his stomach, his hands balling into fists at his sides. Yoichi's words, so full of warmth and honesty, seemed to hold a weight he hadn't anticipated. But even as the turmoil inside him built, he felt a small flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time: hope.

Maybe Yoichi was right. Maybe he was more than he thought. But the scars from the past were hard to shake, and the walls he had built around himself weren't coming down easily.

"Thanks, Yoichi," Alexis said softly, finally meeting his eyes. "But... it's not that simple."

Yoichi didn’t answer right away. Instead, he just smiled—gently, like he could see right through Alexis, as if he'd been patient enough to wait for the day Alexis would believe it himself. The walk continued, but for once, the silence between them didn't feel heavy. It felt like the beginning of something Alexis wasn’t quite ready to name yet, but something that, for the first time, didn’t feel so frightening.

Alexis hadn’t expected to enjoy himself—not with the lingering ache in his chest from Michael’s words—but somehow, against all odds, he did. Yoichi, ever the whirlwind of energy, had insisted on trying every German snack they came across, dragging Alexis along for the ride. At first, Alexis had merely humored him, but soon enough, he found himself laughing at Yoichi’s exaggerated reactions to each new flavor. The tangy bite of sauerkraut-flavored chips, the rich sweetness of a freshly baked Berliner—Yoichi made even the most mundane taste test feel like an adventure.

Their afternoon was spent wandering through the city, bickering over which sights to visit, throwing playful insults, and exchanging inside jokes that, to Alexis’s own surprise, felt natural. The heaviness in his heart lifted, Michael’s shadow fading into the background. Even when they eventually reunited with the rest of the class, Alexis remained at ease, the usual tension in his shoulders absent. If Michael spared him any glances, Alexis didn’t notice—or maybe, for the first time, he simply didn’t care.

Yoichi’s presence had worked its magic in more ways than one. Thanks to him, Alexis even found himself talking to Erik Gesner and Benedict Grim, two classmates he had never truly considered before. They were a strange but amusing duo, effortlessly pulling him into their banter. It made him wonder—why had he never befriended them before? The answer, as always, was Michael.

But for once, Michael didn’t matter.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of deep orange and violet, Alexis and Yoichi finally returned to their hotel room. The day had been long, and exhaustion clung to their bodies like a second skin. As soon as they stepped inside, Alexis stretched his arms above his head, letting out a soft yawn.

"I'm taking a shower," Yoichi announced, already making his way towards the bathroom.

Alexis, however, was quicker. "Yeah, no, you’re not. I'm going first."

A familiar bickering ensued, lasting all of five minutes, but as expected, Alexis emerged victorious. With a triumphant smirk, he grabbed his things and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Yoichi standing there with a sigh of defeat.

Shaking his head, Yoichi flopped onto his bed, a small smile tugging at his lips. Alexis—or rather, Ness—had been different today. A little more open, a little more… real. It was rare to see him smile genuinely, without the forced politeness he usually reserved for everyone else. It suited him better, Yoichi thought.

His gaze drifted to Ness’s phone, which sat on the bedside table, screen lighting up repeatedly with incoming calls. Someone was clearly trying to reach him. At first, Yoichi considered checking, but he respected Ness’s privacy. If it was important, he’d deal with it once he got out.

Then came the knock at the door.

Yoichi sat up, frowning. Who would be visiting at this hour? With the shower running in the background, he got up and went to open it—only to be met with the last person he wanted to see.

"Kaiser?" Yoichi's brows furrowed as he took in the blonde German standing in the doorway. His usual composed arrogance was replaced with something sharper—anger simmering beneath the surface.

Kaiser didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Move."

Before Yoichi could react, he was shoved aside as Kaiser stormed into the room.

"Where's Ness?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Yoichi rolled his eyes, regaining his footing. "He's taking a shower. Why? Here to tear him down again? Or is this another one of your manipulative games?" His words dripped with irritation, unwilling to let Kaiser waltz in and act like he owned the place—or Ness.

Kaiser scoffed, turning to face him fully now. "Yoichi, aren't you getting a little too comfortable with my boyfriend?" His tone was sharp, possessive. "If this is some pathetic attempt to get under my skin, I suggest you try harder."

Boyfriend. The word left a bitter taste in Yoichi’s mouth. The way Kaiser spoke about Ness—as if he were an object, a trophy to be claimed—made his blood boil.

"You’re disgusting," Yoichi muttered, stepping closer, not backing down. "Have you ever stopped to consider that I actually like him? That I care about him?" His eyes locked onto Kaiser’s, unwavering. "He’s not your toy. Stop treating him like one."

For the first time, something in Kaiser’s expression flickered—whether it was anger or something deeper, Yoichi couldn't tell. But it only lasted a second before that familiar condescending smirk returned. "You think this has nothing to do with me?" Kaiser leaned in slightly, voice dropping to something almost mocking. "You’re just another piece in a game you don’t even realize you're playing." His smirk widened, a cruel edge to it. "Whatever you think you have with him—whatever little fantasy you’re entertaining—it’s meaningless. You’ll never be enough, Yoichi. So do yourself a favor and stay in your lane."

With that, Kaiser turned on his heel and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

Yoichi stood there, jaw clenched, fists tight at his sides. His heart pounded in his chest—not out of fear, but out of frustration, out of anger.

Because deep down, he knew Kaiser’s words were meant to get under his skin. But the worst part?

They did.

Chapter Text

Alexis stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed and clean. The warm water had worked wonders, washing away the tension from what had already been a chaotic and confusing first day of the school trip. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and he was grateful for the moment of peace.

Yoichi, ever the quiet one, excused himself to take his turn in the bathroom, leaving Alexis alone with his thoughts. As Alexis pulled on his hoodie, a small frown tugged at his lips. He couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the air, a tension that hadn't been there earlier. He wondered what had happened while he was in the shower. But, as always, he quickly decided it wasn't his place to pry. If it was something personal, he'd respect that.

With a soft sigh, Alexis fell back onto his bed, the mattress welcoming him like an old friend. He curled up instinctively, slipping under the sheets and sinking into the softness. His body immediately began to relax, sleepiness pulling at his mind, but not before one last check.

He reached for his phone, the familiar weight of it grounding him. He scrolled through his notifications, hoping for a message from his family. Instead, his heart skipped a beat as his screen filled with missed calls and unread texts from Michael. A tight knot formed in his chest.

Alexis stared at the messages, debating whether to dive in or just let it go. The temptation to hear what Michael had to say tugged at him, but he wasn't ready. Not tonight. He had enough on his plate.

He let out a soft huff, muttering to himself, I deserve some peace right now. With a final glance at the screen, he placed the phone down beside him and pulled the sheets up higher, only the top of his head visible now. Even though the sleepiness was heavy in his bones, he didn’t fall asleep right away. He lingered in the quiet of the room, thoughts swirling, the weight of the day still pressing on him. Tomorrow. He could deal with everything tomorrow. For now, he just needed a moment of calm.

Isagi didn’t take long in the shower, the hot water giving him just enough time to think. As he walked back into the room in his pajamas, his mind was still clouded with doubts. Maybe he was stepping over the line. Kaiser had treated Ness terribly, especially earlier that day when he’d basically abandoned him. Ness had looked so close to breaking down, and in that moment, Isagi couldn’t just stand by. So he had pointed out the first thing he could think of, hoping to distract him. But then again, Kaiser and Ness were together, and Isagi wasn’t the type to come between a couple. The guilt was starting to eat at him. He didn’t want to be the kind of person who crossed boundaries, but what if that’s exactly what he had done?

He stepped out of the bathroom, expecting to find his roommate Ness already asleep. The room was dim, quiet, and Isagi sank into his own bed, but sleep didn’t come. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts a tangled mess. What was he supposed to do? The uncertainty weighed heavy on him.

Then, a soft voice broke through the silence. “Thanks… for today.”

Isagi turned onto his side, surprised to hear Ness’s half-asleep voice. He hadn’t expected him to be awake. "What for?" he asked, his heart skipping a beat as he caught sight of those magenta eyes fluttering open, still heavy with sleep, and a small smile tugging at Ness’s lips. It made Isagi’s chest tighten in a way he wasn’t ready to admit.

“I haven’t had fun in so long,” Ness mumbled, his voice a little more awake now. “It was nice.” He paused before adding with a teasing edge, “But don’t misunderstand… you’re still insufferable.”

Isagi couldn’t help but chuckle, and even though the words were playful, there was a certain warmth in the way Ness said them. “Goodnight, Yoichi,” Ness yawned, his eyes closing again as he let sleep take over.

Isagi smiled softly, watching his roommate drift back into slumber. "Goodnight, Ness. Sleep well." He sighed, the knot of uncertainty still there, but for now, it was just him, the quiet room, and the pull of sleep. He closed his eyes, deciding he could figure it all out tomorrow. Tonight, he’d let himself rest.

Morning light gently filtered through the thin curtains of the hotel room, casting soft shadows on the floor as Alexis finally stirred from his slumber. His body felt warm beneath the blanket, but sleep had been a mixed bag. It wasn’t the best night he’d ever had, but it certainly wasn’t the worst either. He yawned and stretched, his muscles a little stiff from the cramped position he’d been in.

His eyes lazily drifted toward the other bed. Yoichi was still asleep, his dark blue hair a messy tangle scattered across the pillow, like a storm had passed through it. He was curled up, his cheek squished against the fabric, looking so peaceful that Alexis almost forgot to breathe for a moment. There was something oddly endearing about it — the way Yoichi looked in that moment, so small and unguarded. The thought almost made Alexis smile, but he quickly shook it off. No, that wasn’t something he could think about. Not now, not ever.

He could never let his mind linger on thoughts like that. So, he pushed it away, turning his attention to the task at hand.

With a swift motion, Alexis slid out of bed, careful not to make a sound. He grabbed a fresh set of clothes from his bag, the fabric cool against his fingertips as he moved toward the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the quiet room as he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and pulled on a fresh shirt, his curly hair refusing to cooperate as always. It stuck up in every direction no matter how much he tried to tame it, but he’d learned to live with it. The mirror didn’t lie.

Checking the time on his phone, he sighed. He walked out of the bathroom, pausing for a moment as he glanced back at Yoichi. The temptation to wake him for breakfast lingered in his mind, but something held him back. What difference would it make? They weren’t friends. Not yet, anyway.

Quietly, Alexis grabbed his things and slipped out the door, careful to leave no trace of his departure.

Instead of heading straight for breakfast, Alexis found himself walking through the hotel corridors, his mind elsewhere. After a while, he spotted the room number he had been searching for. Without hesitation, he knocked gently on the door. It opened almost immediately, revealing one of his classmates standing there. The boy didn’t seem surprised to see him, only giving him a quick nod before keeping the door ajar and stepping out, probably heading for breakfast himself.

Alexis took the opportunity to slip inside. The door clicked shut behind him, and he quietly moved across the room. The sight that greeted him made his heart skip a beat. There, lying on the bed, was Michael, still deep in sleep. His boyfriend was notoriously difficult to wake up in the mornings, and it usually left him grumpy when he missed out on a good breakfast. Alexis couldn’t help but smile at the sight—his blond hair fanned out around him like a halo, soft and golden, as if he were some kind of divine being.

He carefully reached out a hand and brushed his fingers gently against Michael’s cheek. The warmth of his skin made Alexis’ heart swell. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Michael’s soft, blonde locks since the day he’d asked him to cut his hair. It had been a celebration, a little ritual to mark his acceptance onto the soccer team. Michael had asked him to dye it too, wanting to match the purple tint that occasionally appeared in Alexis’ light brown hair. It had been a simple request, but it had made Alexis’ heart race in that moment, and the memory still brought butterflies to his stomach.

As he ran his fingers through Michael’s hair, he hummed softly, almost as if trying to soothe the boy into waking up. “Michael,” he whispered gently, his voice tender, “wake up, it’s time for breakfast.”

But Michael only mumbled in his sleep, not quite waking, his voice thick with drowsiness. Alexis smiled, shaking him just a little more. He leaned down, brushing the soft strands of hair away from Michael’s forehead, and planted a quick kiss there. “Come on, you need to start the day with a full stomach.”

A sleepy grip suddenly wrapped around his wrist, pulling his hand back to Michael’s cheek, as if the boy didn’t want him to stop touching him. Finally, Michael’s eyes fluttered open, though they were still heavy with sleep. "You’re too... loud," he mumbled, though his voice lacked the usual bite, making it clear he wasn’t really upset.

Alexis chuckled softly, unable to resist the gentle fondness he felt. “Sorry, Micha,” he murmured, his voice low and soft, careful not to disturb the peaceful morning too much.

Michael yawned, nuzzling closer into Alexis’ touch, and for a moment, Alexis just stood there, letting him. He couldn’t help it. He loved this boy, and moments like this made him feel like the luckiest person alive.

"Five... more minutes," Michael mumbled, his voice barely audible. Alexis smiled, his heart melting a little more, and he softly stroked Michael’s hair, allowing him to drift back into his light slumber. Some things were worth the wait.

Isagi slowly stirred awake to the sound of chatter and footsteps passing by his room, the voices of his classmates echoing down the hall. With a groggy yawn, he rubbed at his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Normally, he was an early riser—a habit ingrained by his upbringing, typical of Asian culture—but last night had kept him awake, his mind racing with thoughts that wouldn’t let him rest. As he finally started to come to, he glanced around the room, his gaze landing on the empty space beside him. ‘He left already?’ Isagi thought to himself, a pang of disappointment creeping into his chest. He could’ve at least woken him up… but then again, maybe it made sense. He shouldn’t get ahead of himself. Ness didn’t see him as a friend yet.

Shaking off the lingering thoughts, Isagi pushed himself out of bed and went through his morning routine, preparing for the day ahead. Soon enough, he made his way to the dining area for breakfast. The place was buzzing with the chatter of his classmates, nearly everyone was already there, laughing and eating. But as he scanned the room, his eyes couldn’t find Ness anywhere… or Kaiser, for that matter. A frown tugged at his lips, confusion settling in as he grabbed his plate and made his way to an empty seat next to Erik Gesner and Benedict Grim.

"Here you are, smegma," Erik greeted, his mouth full of food as he gave Isagi a nod. Isagi chuckled softly, shaking his head before he responded.

"Morning, guys. Hey, have you two seen Ness? He's not in his room, so I thought he’d come here."

The two boys exchanged a glance before Erik scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "He's waking up the sleeping beauty, of course. That's how it's been every trip."

Isagi's brows furrowed in irritation. "Even after how rude he was to him, he still goes to wake him up?"

At this, Benedict spoke up, his tone a little sharper. "It's obvious you like Ness, but you don't get him," he said, his eyes locking with Isagi’s. "Isagi, there's a reason why Kaiser doesn’t hang around with people when Ness is not present."

The atmosphere around the table shifted in an instant. Benedict leaned forward, his voice low. "Kaiser is chained to Ness, just like Ness is chained to Kaiser. They’re both insane."

Isagi was stunned, speechless, as the words sank in. His mind was swirling with confusion. This didn’t make sense at all—Ness had been nothing but sweet to him, and sure, there were moments when Ness thought Isagi was into Kaiser, but beyond that? Nothing about Ness had given him any reason to believe there was anything sinister going on between them. Chained? Insane?

Before he could process further, Erik’s voice cut through his thoughts. "Here they come."

Isagi whipped his head around, his gaze immediately falling on Ness and Kaiser as they entered the dining area. Kaiser, still half asleep, was sluggishly following behind Ness, who was practically radiating energy, a bright smile on his face. Isagi couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of unease as he studied them.

‘Is there really a side to Ness he hasn’t shown yet?’ Isagi wondered. Something about the way they moved together, the unspoken connection between them, felt... off. Was he seeing things in the wrong light? Was Ness hiding something from him?

Chapter Text

Michael had always hated his life. It wasn’t a passing thought, nor a moment of self-pity—it was a fact. Ever since he was a kid, everything had gone downhill, and no matter how much he tried to make sense of it, he could never shake the question: Did I do something to deserve this?

His father was a violent drunk, his mother had left them both behind to chase a dream, a better life—one that didn’t include him. And yet, despite it all, he could never bring himself to hate her for it. She had a chance, and she took it. Maybe that made him pathetic, clinging to some image of a woman he barely remembered, but in his mind, she had to be beautiful, kind, and loving—things Michael had never known firsthand.  

His father said he looked just like her. Maybe that was the reason for his hatred, why every drunken glare felt like it burned straight through him. Michael was nothing more than a reminder of the woman who abandoned him.  

Ness would tell you they met at the entrance exams for high school. But Michael? He’d say it happened much earlier. And unlike Ness, he’d never forget it.  

It was just after Christmas. The snow blanketed everything in pure white, but Michael had no coat, no gloves, not even proper shoes. Still, that didn’t stop him from going outside. He had saved up enough money for a small ball, and he wanted to play with it. No matter the cold, no matter the time.

So he found a tree and kicked the ball against it over and over, watching as it bounced back every time. It kept his mind occupied, let him ignore the way his hands felt frozen stiff, how his breath came out in shaky clouds, how his lips trembled.  

He was about to kick it again when he heard voices.  

A group of boys, about his age but nothing like him. Their coats were thick, their boots barely sinking into the snow, their faces were clean, untouched by the cold in the way only rich kids’ faces could be. He hated them immediately. And he hated them even more when they started laughing.  

They pointed at him, whispered to each other, loud enough for him to hear. "Look at him."

"He looks like a ghost."  

"Pathetic."  

Michael gritted his teeth and tried to keep his voice steady. “S-shut up and l-leave.”  

But the winter stole any bite from his words, and the laughter only grew.  

"Beggars can’t be choosers." One of them sneered.  

Michael swallowed down the frustration, the urge to fight back. It wasn’t worth it. He’d just take his ball and leave—  

But then, before he could turn away, another boy showed up.  

He was dressed just like them, his coat thick and expensive, his boots sturdy. But something about him was different.    

“Hey! Leave him alone, August!”  

Michael blinked in surprise. The boy—smaller than all of them, struggling to even wade through the snow properly—stomped up to him, shrugging off his coat in an instant.  

“You must be suuuper cold,” he said, and before Michael could protest, the coat was draped over his shoulders, warm and heavy and nice .   

August rolled his eyes. “Oh, Alexis, picking up stray dogs as always.”

Michael stiffened. He wasn’t an idiot—he knew exactly what August meant. But before he could snap back, Alexis beat him to it.  

“Huh… but dogs are cute though,” he mused, tilting his head.  

Michael stared. Did… did this guy not get the insult?

He almost scoffed. This was stupid. He didn’t need someone stepping in for him, didn’t need some rich kid’s charity. But despite that thought, his hands clung to the coat tighter, and his feet refused to move. There was something about its warmth—something that made him hesitate.  

August sighed, looking unimpressed. “Listen, Lexi, that guy’s trash. Why are you getting in my way?”  

Alexis curled his fists. “That’s mean. Take it back.”  

August scoffed, lips curling into a smirk. “Aw, did we hurt sweet Alexis’ feelings? Go back to being the useless family member of the Ness family you always were.”  

And before anyone could stop him—  

Boom.  

Alexis’ fist collided with August’s face.

Michael stood motionless, the shock settling into his bones like ice. He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. The whole group, his so-called friends, had scattered like scared rats the moment the boy made a move. None of them had expected it—none of them had thought that Alexis, of all people, would do something like this. But instead of standing by their friend, they all ran. Left him behind, just like that. Michael’s lips curled into a bitter smile. Fake, he thought, the word tasting like ash in his mouth. Every last one of them.

"Apologize to him!" Alexis's voice broke through the silence, commanding and firm. It was almost jarring after the chaos. Michael’s eyes flickered to August, who stood frozen, holding his cheek where Alexis had struck him. Tears pooled in the boy’s eyes, a mixture of shock and hurt on his face.

"How dare you!" August's voice cracked as he clutched his cheek, his body shaking. "I’ll tell my papa what you did! You’ll regret this!" Without another word, August turned and fled, his cries echoing in the empty courtyard as he disappeared into the distance.

"Hey, you didn’t say sorry!" Alexis shouted after him, his frustration palpable, but August didn’t respond. He was already gone.

Michael just stood there, his body heavy with disbelief, unable to tear his gaze away from the scene that had just unfolded. Alexis, however, didn’t look away. He turned back to face Michael, his expression steady, like nothing about this situation bothered him at all.

"Let me apologize for them," Alexis said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "They were being mean—"

Michael didn’t even think before responding. "You’re weird," he said, his tone blunt and dismissive.

It was the truth, though. Why would a kid like Alexis—a kid from a rich family, who had everything handed to him—care about someone like Michael? Someone who owned nothing, someone who was nothing. A dirty, poor kid like Michael. It didn’t make sense.

But Alexis didn’t flinch. Didn’t seem offended. Instead, a soft laugh escaped his lips—gentle, sweet, like a song or a melody that belonged in a different world altogether. The sound caught Michael off guard, his heart skipping a beat.

"My family says that too," Alexis replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but there was something in it that made Michael’s chest tighten in a way he didn’t understand.

Without warning, Alexis took a step closer. Michael’s instincts screamed at him to move away, and he took a step back, his heart pounding in his chest. "Don’t come near me!" Michael snapped, his voice filled with a strange mixture of fear and confusion.

But Alexis didn’t listen. He kept moving forward, reaching for the coat Michael had given him earlier. With delicate hands, Alexis zipped it up, his touch light but certain. "Don’t catch a cold," he murmured, his voice low and soft, as though it was nothing.

Michael stood frozen, his mind racing. He was sure he’d tried to push Alexis away, maybe even threatened him a few times, but Alexis just smiled that same soft, knowing smile and didn’t seem to care.

Then, as if nothing had happened at all, Alexis turned and walked away, disappearing into the distance just like August had.

The memory of the moment was a blur to Michael. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like it had all happened so fast. But one thing stayed with him—the soft smile Alexis had given him before he left. It lingered in his mind like a whisper in the wind, a faint reminder of something Michael couldn’t quite understand. He was sure he had tried to push Alexis away, tried to threaten him, to make him leave. But Alexis hadn’t minded. He hadn’t been bothered at all.

That smile. It haunted him. It had an impact on him that Michael couldn’t shake. No matter how hard he tried to forget, the memory of it stayed with him, settling deep in his chest, like something he wasn’t sure how to handle.

The second time Michael saw Alexis felt like a fleeting memory, one he could barely hold onto. He had run away from home—if you could even call it that. The place where his father’s drunken rages and violent outbursts were the only constant. The place where Michael felt more like a shadow than a son. He had cried that night, tears flooding down his face, the pain and frustration too much to bear. Somehow, amidst the overwhelming chaos in his chest, he thought of Alexis. The way he had smiled, the way he had acted so effortlessly kind. So different from everything Michael had ever known.

That thought was what led him back to the spot where they had met before, hoping—stupidly—just hoping to find Alexis there again. But when he arrived, the place was empty, as expected. Why would Alexis be there waiting for him? That rich kid had everything. Michael was nothing but an afterthought, a fleeting moment in a world he didn’t belong to. He scoffed at himself, the bitterness creeping in. Why would Alexis, someone who had everything handed to him, even look for someone like Michael?

The disappointment hit harder than he expected. He turned away, dragging his feet as he began the long walk back home, or rather, back to the town that had never felt like home. The streets stretched on before him, empty and cold, mirroring the hollow ache in his chest. It wasn’t just about Alexis anymore. It was about the life Michael had left behind—the life he would never escape.

But then, he saw him. Alexis.

Michael froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. For a heartbeat, it felt like maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t alone. His feet moved before he could even think, almost running toward the other boy. But then he stopped, noticing the figures beside him—Alexis’s parents. The sight of them, standing there, distant and disinterested, made Michael pause. They didn’t look happy. In fact, they seemed to be doing everything they could to avoid each other. But still, it didn’t change the fact that Alexis had everything. Everything Michael didn’t have. Clothes that didn’t need to be patched, food that wasn’t rationed, toys that weren’t broken, and a future. Alexis went to school. He had a chance.

Michael’s heart twisted as he watched, a familiar resentment rising inside him. Why should I care? he thought bitterly. He doesn’t know what it’s like. He has it easy. He’ll never understand me.

Still, despite the sharp edge of envy cutting through him, there was a pull. A soft, nagging pull. A part of him still wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, Alexis could see him, could understand him. But I’ll never be like him. I’ll never be one of them, Michael thought. I don’t need their pity. I’ll prove it to myself. I’ll show everyone—I’ll be better than all of them. Better than the rich kids.

With that thought, Michael turned away once more, walking away from Alexis and his perfect life. The pull was still there, but Michael pushed it down. He couldn’t afford to care anymore. Not now. Not when he had so much to prove. He didn’t need anyone, especially not someone like Alexis. He had his own path to walk, one where he would rise above it all—even if he had to do it alone.

Michael hadn’t seen Alexis since that day. Not once throughout his childhood. And he never tried to find him again. There was no point. Life had already decided to pull them apart, and Michael had other things to worry about—like surviving.  

Poverty was all he knew, but fate had other plans. A man took him in, gave him everything he lacked—food, clothes, an education. It was just the first step toward something greater. He had made himself a promise: one day, he’d rise to the top. No matter what.  

Years passed, and when Michael stepped onto the campus for the high school entrance exams, he saw him. Alexis. He recognized him immediately—how could he not? Those sharp eyes, that easygoing smile. He was taller now, looked more mature, but beneath it all, he was still the same. Except for one thing.  

He didn’t remember him.  

At first, Michael told himself it was for the best. He didn’t need distractions. No obstacles in his way.  

But then, during soccer tryouts, there he was again. Alexis. Struggling, stumbling, getting outplayed at every turn. It was almost pathetic—almost. Because Michael could see it. The spark. The potential.  

And maybe that was why he found himself walking over, stopping in front of the boy sprawled on the ground.  

"Hey, loser." Michael met his eyes, unwavering. "Do you believe in the impossible?"  

And, of course, only Alexis was crazy enough to say yes.

Alexis nudged Michael’s arm lightly, watching as the blonde slumped over the breakfast table, barely conscious. "Micha, breakfast. No more sleeping," he sighed, exasperation lacing his voice. This was routine at this point—every morning, without fail, Michael acted as if waking up was a personal attack.

Michael cracked one eye open, lazily sitting up and grabbing a piece of toast. He took a bite, chewing slowly before mumbling, "Wasn’t sleeping."

Alexis raised a skeptical brow. "Uh-huh. If you weren’t sleeping, then what exactly were you doing?"

Michael hesitated for only a second before responding, "Thinking about the past." His tone was quieter, almost distant, as he focused on his food.

Alexis parted his lips, wanting to ask what part of the past was occupying his thoughts, but before he could, the clatter of a plate hitting the table made him stop. His magenta eyes flickered to the newcomer, and he blinked in surprise.

"Yoichi?"

He hadn’t expected him to be here. Just moments ago, he’d spotted Yoichi sitting with Benedict and Erik, yet now, here he was—taking a seat at their table. It wasn’t just the unexpected company that threw Alexis off, though. There was something different about Yoichi. A shift in his demeanor. His usual sharp gaze held a new kind of focus, a determination that was almost unsettling.

And whatever it was, Michael sensed it too. The grogginess that had weighed him down all morning disappeared in an instant. His eyes sharpened, mirroring Yoichi’s in their intensity. When he finally spoke, there was a clear edge to his voice—one that was nearly mocking.

"Got lost on your way back, Yoichi?"

If it was meant to intimidate, Yoichi wasn’t fazed in the slightest. He met Michael’s challenge with a cool, unwavering stare. "I wanted to have breakfast with Ness. Is there a problem with that?" His words were blunt, almost daring. Then, without breaking eye contact with Michael, he turned his attention to Alexis and softened his expression slightly.

"Good morning, Ness. You left so early—you could’ve woken me up." A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, casual yet calculated.

Alexis froze. What is going on?

It took a second to remember how to respond. "Oh, good morning, Yoichi," he replied, forcing a small smile. But it wavered, barely holding. "I’ll make sure to wake you next time, then."

Something about this entire situation felt wrong.

And as Yoichi’s smirk lingered and Michael’s gaze darkened further, Alexis couldn’t shake the feeling that this morning was about to take a turn for the worse.

Breakfast was awkward—painfully so. Alexis sat between two feuding children disguised as grown men, both acting like this was some sort of competition. In his opinion, it was beyond immature.  

Yoichi was trying—keyword: trying—to ignore Michael. Not that Michael made it easy. The guy had practically made it his mission to derail every attempt Yoichi made at conversation. Whenever Yoichi asked Alexis a question, Michael jumped in with an answer before Alexis could even open his mouth, rattling off facts as if to prove he knew Alexis better than Yoichi ever could.  

It was irritating.  

Alexis barely got a word in, reduced to silently poking at his food as the two continued their ridiculous game. But even they were getting fed up. Yoichi had stopped mid-thought multiple times, frustration visibly simmering beneath the surface. Michael, smug as ever, was enjoying himself far too much—until Yoichi finally asked a question that made him hesitate.  

"What's your favorite color?"  

So simple. So harmless. And yet, for the first time, Michael didn't have an immediate answer.  

Considering he had confidently listed Alexis’s favorite book, movie, food, drink, season, sibling count, height, and even his favorite animal, the silence was almost comical. Michael’s brows furrowed, his usual cocky grin faltering ever so slightly. Even Yoichi looked surprised at the hesitation.  

Meanwhile, Alexis took his time. He chewed his food slowly, savoring the rare moment of quiet. He let them wait, watching their anticipation build. Finally, after swallowing and taking a sip of his drink, he parted his lips.  

"I like blue."

That was it. No grand explanation, no deeper meaning. Just three simple words.  

Yoichi blinked. Michael scowled.  

And Alexis? He just kept eating.

Breakfast ended soon after, and unsurprisingly, the only one who had managed to finish most of his meal was Alexis. He cast a sharp glance at the two troublemakers across from him—Michael and Yoichi—who had barely touched their food. With a sigh, he scolded them, though he knew it was pointless.  

Soon after, the teachers dismissed the class, instructing everyone to return to their rooms and prepare for another day out. As expected, the students cleaned up after each other, though Michael and Yoichi clearly weren’t done with their petty feud.  

Michael, ever the gentleman—when it suited him—held the door open for Alexis. But just as Yoichi stepped forward, Michael swung the door shut in his face. The impact wasn’t hard, but the sheer audacity of it left Alexis momentarily dumbfounded.  

As they made their way down the hallway, it slowly dawned on Michael and Yoichi that Michael wasn’t going to be following them any further—Alexis and Yoichi were roommates, after all. That realization hit Michael like a slap, his shoulders tensing as irritation flickered across his face. Yoichi, on the other hand, smirked, reveling in his little victory. Even after Michael turned on his heel and stalked off, the smug grin lingered, enough to make Alexis roll his eyes.  

"They’re acting like children," he thought, exasperated.  

Before Yoichi could bask in his triumph any longer, Alexis suddenly stuck out his foot, tripping him up just enough to make him stumble. Yoichi barely caught himself, regaining his balance at the last second.  

"Stop being so smug, you're cringe," Alexis muttered, pulling a face before speeding up his pace.  

Behind him, he could hear Yoichi recovering, his footsteps quickening as he called out, “Hey, Ness, I’m sorry!”  

Alexis didn’t even bother turning around. “No, you’re not.”  

Yoichi just laughed, jogging to catch up, and Alexis had a sinking feeling that this ridiculous game between them was far from over.

Chapter Text

Alexis had no idea what to expect after the spectacle Michael and Yoichi put on this morning, but he certainly didn’t expect them to escalate things this much. The entire class had gathered at the reception, all dressed and ready for the day. The plan was to take public transportation to their next destination, and that meant they all had to act like children again—no matter how much they wished they could avoid it.

When they boarded the bus, a few seats were available. Naturally, Alexis wasted no time taking one of them, sinking into the seat with a sigh of relief. He was looking forward to a moment of peace. But, of course, that’s when things took a turn. The seat next to him, perfectly empty, quickly became the battleground for the ongoing clash between Michael and Yoichi.

Michael was the first to speak up, his voice oozing confidence. “I’m sitting here. I’m Ness’ boyfriend, after all,” he declared, as if that gave him some divine right to the seat.

Yoichi, never one to back down, crossed his arms with a huff. “Please, I saw the spot first, and I was closer! It’s clearly mine,” he retorted, his eyes narrowing.

Alexis , feeling the heat of everyone around them slowly turning their attention toward the three of them , felt his face burn with embarrassment. He wasn’t sure if he was more embarrassed by their childish bickering or the fact that the entire bus was now watching their little drama unfold.

This is ridiculous, Alexis thought, pinching the bridge of his nose. He couldn’t take it anymore.

With a resigned sigh, he stood up abruptly, catching the eye of an elderly woman who had just gotten on. Without a word, he offered her his seat, silently praying that would defuse the situation. The moment he stood, Michael and Yoichi froze, their argument dying in the awkward silence. Alexis shot them both a sharp, piercing glare, a silent warning that said it all: Can you both stop?

The sudden shift in Alexis’ demeanor quieted them down immediately. Michael slouched into one of the remaining seats with a frustrated mutter, while Yoichi, though still looking a little irritated, sat a few rows away, no longer causing a scene. Alexis returned to standing, feeling the slight satisfaction of at least having a moment of peace… for now.

At some point, they all got off the public transport, the long ride finally coming to an end . However, the moment they stepped out, the real challenge began: a walk that stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Alexis had hoped that with the change of scenery, maybe things would settle down. Maybe Michael and Yoichi would find something else to focus on—anything to give him a break. But, of course, that didn’t happen.

Michael and Yoichi were right there, flanking him on both sides, as if their goal in life was to make sure he couldn’t have a single peaceful moment. The two were at it again, bickering over something as trivial as who had the right to walk on the left side of Alexis or who had the better jacket. Michael’s voice was loud, as always, filled with self-assured arrogance. Yoichi, on the other hand, was relentless, his tone sharp and laced with irritation.

“Seriously, how can you not know which side you’re supposed to be on?” Michael scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically.

“I know exactly which side I’m supposed to be on. You’re just overthinking it,” Yoichi shot back, his words clipped, clearly exasperated. “Also, you’re walking too fast.”

“Maybe you’re just walking too slow,” Michael shot back with a smirk.

The endless back-and-forth, the constant noise, the unrelenting bickering—it was all beginning to get under Alexis’ skin. He could feel his good mood from earlier, the lighthearted energy he had woken up with, slowly slipping away. The cheerful buzz that had surrounded him on the bus seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by an all-too-familiar frustration.

How long can I put up with this? Alexis wondered, casting a quick glance at both of them. They were oblivious to his growing annoyance, each caught up in their own petty argument, neither one willing to back down. He didn’t want to be the bad guy by snapping at them, but it was clear he was quickly losing patience.

Without saying a word, Alexis reached into his bag and pulled out his earphones. His fingers were almost mechanical as he plugged them into his phone, feeling the familiar weight of the device in his hand. He needed to block them out . He needed to drown out their voices, or he might just lose it. The constant noise, their bickering, was a physical presence now, a buzzing in his ears that made his head throb.

The earphones clicked into place, and with practiced ease, Alexis cranked the volume as high as it could go . The sudden rush of music flooded his mind, sharp and heavy, the beats thudding in his ears, pulling him away from the reality of his situation. He closed his eyes for just a second, trying to center himself, to push the irritation down. The music became his shield, his refuge from the storm of noise that Michael and Yoichi were creating around him.

For a moment, the world seemed quieter. The constant bickering faded into the background as the music took over. Alexis focused on the rhythm, letting it flow through him, feeling the beat in his chest. It was the only thing he could focus on now, the only thing that kept him from snapping at either of them.

But of course, this didn’t stop Michael and Yoichi from continuing their argument. Now they were just arguing louder, trying to get his attention. Alexis could hear snippets of their conversation, but he forced himself to tune it out. Their words became like distant chatter, irrelevant to him. The music drowned it all.

A part of him knew he shouldn’t be ignoring them completely. Michael was his boyfriend, after all and Yoichi wasn't far from being a friend. But at this moment, it was the only way he could keep his sanity intact. Every time Michael’s laugh or Yoichi’s sarcastic comments reached his ears, it was like a small pressure was building in his chest. I can’t take much more of this, Alexis thought, biting his lip as the bass of the music rumbled in his ears.

As they walked on, the path winding through the city, Alexis kept his focus on the music, trying to block out the world around him. His steps became a little more hurried as they passed through crowds, and his mind kept drifting to the idea of finding some sort of escape from the constant noise. Maybe he’d go somewhere quiet, maybe even sit down for a while, just to have a break. It felt like the world was closing in, the weight of Michael and Yoichi’s voices pressing against him with every step.

Still, he knew this wouldn’t last forever. He couldn’t just ignore them the entire time. But for now, with his earphones in and the volume turned up high, it was the only way he could keep from losing his mind. As he walked, he closed his eyes for just a moment, letting the music wash over him like a wave, carrying him away from the chaos and noise that Michael and Yoichi were determined to create.

Their first stop was supposed to be a quiet one—a museum. The kind of place where peace and silence reigned, or so Alexis hoped. He thought it would be the perfect escape from the chaos that Michael and Yoichi had been causing all morning. There was no way they could act up in a place like this, not with the teachers watching, and certainly not when the risk of getting kicked out was real. But, as usual, Alexis was proven wrong.

As soon as they entered the museum, their teacher made an announcement. “Alright, everyone , you’ll need to get into pairs,” she said, holding up a stack of papers. “ Each pair will receive a sheet with some questions about the artwork you'll see. Please fill them out as you go along.”

Alexis groaned inwardly. He’d been hoping for a peaceful walk through the galleries, a chance to quietly observe the art . Instead, the idea of working in pairs only made things more complicated, especially with Michael and Yoichi by his side. Immediately, the two of them began to bicker, their voices rising in volume as they argued about who would get to be Alexis’ partner.

“I’m his boyfriend!” Michael shot back, puffing his chest out. “ Obviously, I should be paired with him.”

Yoichi wasn’t about to back down. “Oh, please, we’re roommates —that should count for something, don’t you think?” he retorted with a sharp look at Michael.

The argument only grew more ridiculous by the second. Alexis, who had hoped for a break from their constant bickering, felt his patience wearing thin. He couldn’t handle this today—not with everything else going on. He just wanted to get through the museum without being dragged into another stupid fight.

Without saying a word, Alexis began to quietly slip away from the argument . Neither of them noticed, too caught up in their own back-and-forth to pay attention. Alexis seized the moment to step away from the drama, his heart racing as he quickly made his way through the crowd of students. He needed an escape, and he had just the person in mind.

Benedict Grim was standing alone, watching the scene unfold between Michael and Yoichi with a bemused look on his face . Alexis had always found him to be more on the quiet side, a bit distant, but he knew Benedict wouldn’t bring the same kind of chaos that Michael and Yoichi always did. Plus, he wasn’t in the middle of any heated arguments.

Feeling a bit self-conscious but desperate for a break from the chaos, Alexis approached him. “Hi, um… can I please be in a pair with you?” he asked, his voice softer than usual. There was a hint of pleading in his tone as he watched Benedict, hoping he’d take pity on him.

Benedict glanced at him, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, he looked over at Michael and Yoichi, who were still at it, and perhaps sensing Alexis’ discomfort, he gave a small nod. “Sure,” he said quietly, his voice calm and composed.

Alexis breathed a sigh of relief. It was a simple exchange, but it felt like the world had lifted off his shoulders. As soon as Benedict agreed, the two of them left the group, moving away from Michael and Yoichi’s escalating argument. They walked through the museum together, a quiet bubble of peace that Alexis hadn’t realized he’d been craving so badly.

Meanwhile, Michael and Yoichi were still in the middle of their dispute, oblivious to what had just happened. That is, until one of the teachers pointed it out to them. "Michael, Yoichi, it looks like you two are the only ones without a partner," she said with a raised eyebrow, as if the fact had just dawned on her.

At first, both of them just blinked, the realization sinking in slowly. They looked around, expecting to see Alexis standing there waiting for them. But there was no sign of him. Their eyes darted back to the teacher, who gave them a pointed look. “Looks like you’re a pair now. Go ahead and join the others.”

It took a moment for them to fully grasp the situation, and when they did, the air between them thickened with irritation. They had no choice but to continue their tour of the museum together. The very idea was enough to make both of them groan. They had wanted to be with Alexis, not with each other. The thought of being forced to work together on the assignment without Alexis to act as a buffer was… unbearable.

“Great,” Michael muttered under his breath, glaring at Yoichi. “Just what I needed.”

Yoichi shot him a look of pure annoyance. “Don’t act like I wanted this, either,” he retorted, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. “But, hey, since we’re stuck together, let’s just get this over with.”

Neither of them was happy about it, and the tension between them was palpable as they trudged through the museum, side by side but a world apart. Meanwhile, Alexis and Benedict walked further ahead, their quiet conversation and mutual understanding making the day seem infinitely more bearable. The contrast between the two pairs couldn’t have been more striking, but Alexis didn’t care. For once, he felt like he could enjoy the day without the constant noise of Michael and Yoichi’s bickering in the background.

So here he was. Isagi Yoichi, of all people, was stuck being paired up with Kaiser . He still couldn't quite wrap his mind around how he'd ended up in this situation. How did he get stuck with him in the first place? It didn’t make sense. He’d been trying to spend more time with Ness— his teammate, his friend —not dealing with the insufferable arrogance that was Kaiser.

The whole thing felt like a cruel joke. Just this morning, during breakfast, Grim and Gesner had dropped that bombshell. They’d casually mentioned that there was a side to Ness that Isagi didn’t know about. They didn’t elaborate, of course—Grim never did—but the implication was clear. Something about Ness was hidden, something Isagi wasn’t seeing. At that moment, Isagi realized he couldn’t just sit back anymore. He couldn’t keep playing nice, just waiting for Ness to come to him every time Kaiser messed up.

If he was going to have a chance with Ness, he needed to step up his game. He couldn’t keep going on like this, just being the “nice guy” while Kaiser stood at the center of attention. Isagi had to stop being passive, stop waiting for the spotlight to fall on him. He needed to match Kaiser’s level, show the blonde German that when Kaiser went low, Isagi could go lower.

But now, as they stood together for some assignment, Isagi couldn't help but groan in frustration. The reality of being paired with Kaiser was sinking in.

“I can’t believe I’m stuck with someone like you,” Isagi muttered under his breath, not bothering to hide his exasperation.

Kaiser’s eyes flicked toward him, and he scoffed loudly, as if Isagi’s frustration was somehow amusing. “Oh, don’t lie,” Kaiser said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re so obsessed with becoming me, aren’t you? You wish you could be as great as me.”

Isagi deadpanned and looked Kaiser up and down, unimpressed. “Obsessed with you ?” he repeated with a raised eyebrow. “Are you seriously that deluded?” He shook his head, unable to stop himself from getting more frustrated. “No one in their right mind would want to be anything like you, Kaiser.”

Kaiser’s smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with mockery. “Come on, don’t pretend,” he said, leaning slightly toward Isagi, as though he were delivering some great revelation. “You want to be the best , right? But deep down, you know you can’t get there without stepping in my shoes. You’re just too proud to admit it.”

Isagi clenched his jaw, keeping his expression neutral, even though inside, his blood was starting to boil. “I don’t want to be you , Kaiser,” he snapped. “I’m not looking to be some arrogant, self-absorbed show-off who thinks the world revolves around him.”

Kaiser’s eyes flashed with amusement at Isagi’s words. “Is that what you think I am? A show-off?” he chuckled darkly. “Please, Yoichi. I’m not some fool running around for attention. I’m just someone who knows how to stand out.” He gave a theatrical pause, his grin widening. “And trust me, you wouldn’t be the first person to fall in line behind me. Everyone wants to be like me. Eventually, you’ll see it too.”

Isagi could feel his hands begin to tighten into fists. Kaiser was relentless, and every word that came out of his mouth felt like a punch to the gut. “Is that what you think? Everyone’s just desperate to be you ?” Isagi couldn’t stop the sarcasm from seeping into his voice. “Tell me, Kaiser, what does Ness see in you?”

Kaiser’s demeanor shifted slightly at the mention of Ness. His smirk faltered just for a second , but it was enough for Isagi to notice. Kaiser’s gaze darkened as he looked away briefly, almost as if he hadn’t expected the question. Then, he composed himself, his usual arrogance returning full force.

“What does Ness see in me?” Kaiser repeated with a bitter laugh. “What does he see? He sees everything that you don’t have. He sees confidence, charisma, someone who knows what he wants and takes it. Someone who doesn’t have to play nice just to get a little recognition.” Kaiser’s eyes flickered toward Isagi, and his voice dropped, as if the words were meant to sting. “He sees a winner.”

Isagi’s heart dropped slightly, but he wasn’t about to let Kaiser know how much that stung. “So, what, you think you’re the only one with confidence?” Isagi’s voice had hardened, a sharp edge to it. “You think you’re the only one who knows what they want?”

Kaiser stepped closer, towering slightly over Isagi. “Yes,” he said with quiet certainty. “Because I know exactly what I want, and I go after it. No one stops me. No one even dares to try.” His eyes gleamed dangerously as he continued, “And that includes you, Yoichi. You can try all you want to keep up, but in the end, you’ll always be two steps behind. You’ll never be the one who gets the girl, the glory, or the spotlight.”

Isagi stared at him for a moment, his frustration bubbling over. He wasn’t going to let Kaiser get away with this. Not now, not ever.

“I’m not trying to keep up with you,” Isagi said, his voice low but steady. “I’m trying to surpass you. So you can keep acting like you’re the only one who’s destined for greatness, but don’t be surprised when I leave you in the dust.”

Kaiser’s laugh was short and bitter, as if Isagi’s words were amusing to him. “Surpass me? You?” He shook his head, the arrogance practically radiating off him. “You don’t even know what it takes to be at the top. You’ve got the heart, sure, but you lack the ruthlessness. You’re just a puppy trying to play in a lion’s den.”

Isagi took a step forward, his eyes burning with intensity. “I may not be a lion yet, but don’t count me out. I’ve got something you don’t, Kaiser. I’ve got the will to fight— and the smarts to make it to the top.”

Kaiser smirked, his voice dripping with disdain. “We’ll see how long that will lasts , Yoichi. In the end, you'll see, you'll be crawling back to me, begging for a taste of what I've got. Just remember, you’re not even on my level.”

Isagi’s breath was shallow, his pulse pounding in his ears. The sheer arrogance of Kaiser’s words made him want to hit something. But instead, he took a deep breath, letting the anger simmer down . He wasn’t going to let Kaiser’s taunts control him. Not anymore.

“You’re right about one thing,” Isagi said, his voice cold and steady. “We’ll see how long your confidence holds up. Because when I’m done, you’ll be the one stuck looking up at me.”

Kaiser’s grin faded slightly as he realized just how serious Isagi was. There was a tension in the air, something between them that neither could ignore.

For the first time, Kaiser’s smirk wasn’t as certain as before. “You think you can beat me?” he said, more to himself than to Isagi. “Well, Yoichi, good luck with that.”

Isagi stared back at him, a fire burning in his chest. “I don’t need luck, Kaiser. I’ve got something better.”

As the two stood there, a sense of unspoken understanding passed between them. Isagi wasn’t just trying to catch up anymore—he was trying to surpass the one person who always seemed untouchable. He wasn’t going to let Kaiser win. Not this time.

Chapter Text

The museum was quiet, save for the soft hum of voices and the occasional clink of footsteps against marble. Alexis walked beside Benedict Grim, the two of them navigating through the exhibits, though Alexis wasn't really paying attention to the artifacts. Instead, his focus was entirely on the worksheet in his hands, which he was filling out more out of habit than actual interest.

Benedict, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content to be immersed in the task at hand , the pen moving with precision as he jotted down answers, unfazed by the atmosphere around them.

But Alexis was far from calm. His eyes flicked toward Benedict, his expression one of clear frustration. "Why are they acting like that?" he muttered, the frown on his face deepening. "Michael’s usually so put-together, but the moment Yoichi shows up, it’s like he’s five years old."

Benedict didn't look up, his focus on the worksheet as his pen continued to scratch across the paper. Alexis took that as permission to keep venting. He needed to get it out before his thoughts completely derailed.

" I mean, Yoichi knows exactly how to get under his skin with those ridiculous comments. And the way he makes a scene over everything ... it's like the fact that Michael is my boyfriend means absolutely nothing to him." Alexis couldn’t help the frustration that laced his voice. He crumpled the edge of his worksheet without realizing it, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the paper.

Benedict glanced over at him for the first time, his eyes cool and indifferent. "They’re doing it for your attention," he said flatly, his voice laced with boredom, but he didn’t stop Alexis from continuing.

Alexis didn’t even acknowledge the comment at first, too caught up in his spiraling thoughts. "Well, they’re doing a terrible job at it," he grumbled, shaking his head in exasperation. "All they’re doing is making me upset. I get ignored, pushed aside, like my opinion doesn’t even matter at all ." His grip on the crumpled worksheet tightened again. "Am I just a damn trophy for them to fight over? Can’t I have a say in any of this? Can’t I just ... choose for myself without them acting like I’m some kind of prize they can pull back and forth?"

Benedict's expression remained unchanged, but Alexis caught a flicker of something in his eyes—a subtle acknowledgment of Alexis' frustration. Still, he didn’t say anything more.

Alexis took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair as he tried to compose himself. But the words kept coming. "I don’t know why it bothers me so much," he muttered, more to himself now. "But every time they do this, it’s like I’m being tossed around between them. I don’t want to be part of some stupid game. I just want things to be ... normal."

He paused, glancing at Benedict, who finally spoke again, his voice just as casual as ever.

"You know you don’t have to let them treat you like that," Benedict said, his tone still disinterested, but his words struck Alexis harder than he expected.

"I know," Alexis said quietly, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. But as he walked beside Benedict through the museum, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something inside him had shifted. He didn’t want to be part of their petty struggles anymore, but at the same time, he wasn’t sure how to stop it.

Alexis couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking on a tightrope, always one misstep away from completely losing control. Maybe it was because he knew what would happen when he reached his breaking point. Michael knew, too. Michael understood that side of him—the part of him that, when pushed far enough, would snap and do something twisted and out of character. When his mind shut down from the rage, there was no telling what might happen. But Yoichi? Yoichi had no clue. And for some reason, Alexis was hyperaware of it. He couldn’t stand the idea of Yoichi seeing that side of him.

Yoichi was... complicated. Childish at times, too sweet when it suited him, but also terribly smug when he felt like it. He was indecisive and weird—his favorite animal was a lobster, for god’s sake. How much stranger could anyone get? Alexis had no reason to care about someone like Yoichi’s opinion, yet, somehow, he did. He wanted to be seen as normal by him, not like some freak who would snap at the drop of a hat. He wanted Yoichi to look at him and see a person, not a ticking time bomb.

He still remembered the second year of high school as if it had happened yesterday. Jeremy had pushed his buttons too far, and they'd been arguing on the staircase, the noise echoing between the walls. And the n… Alexis snapped. One moment, he was just angry. The next, he was shoving Jeremy down the stairs. Jeremy ended up in the hospital.

The only reason Alexis avoided any serious consequences was because of his parents’ influence. But the worst part? He didn’t feel guilty. Not even a little. The rage that surged through him had been so satisfying in the moment , so freeing , that the aftermath didn’t even seem to matter. But now, looking back, he wondered what Yoichi would think if he ever found out. Would that kindness of his , that sweetness Alexis had grown to crave, still be there? Would Yoichi still treat him with that easy warmth if he knew what kind of person Alexis could really be?

It made him feel like he didn’t deserve it. He didn’t deserve Yoichi’s kindness, not when he was capable of such twisted things. But as much as he told himself he shouldn’t care what Yoichi thought, the fear of losing the only person who saw him as more than just the guy who snapped … it haunted him.

By the time they finished their worksheets and gathered their things, the group had slowly made their way back to the entrance of the museum . The hum of voices and footsteps filled the space as classmates and teachers trickled in one by one , until only one pair was still missing. Michael and Yoichi.

Alexis leaned against the cool stone walls, watching the clock, a sigh escaping his lips. It had been a while, but just as he was about to start getting impatient, he finally spotted them at the far end of the corridor. They were walking toward him, both looking clearly annoyed, their eyes sharp and the tension between them palpable. Despite that, there was no argument between them, no sniping or harsh words.

Alexis let out another sigh of relief, glad that for once, the two weren’t at each other’s throats. As they neared him, Alexis pushed himself off the wall and strode toward them, a determined glint in his eyes.

He didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he hooked one arm around Michael’s, then the other around Yoichi’s, pulling them both toward him in a quick, smooth motion. "Let’s get some lunch, I’m starving," he said with a smile, trying to sound nonchalant, though there was a subtle edge to his voice.

Yoichi blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. His face flushed a deep pink, and for a moment, he fumbled for words, looking at Alexis with wide, flustered eyes. Michael, on the other hand, just raised an eyebrow, his expression more confused than anything else. He glanced at Alexis , then at Yoichi, as if trying to figure out why Alexis had chosen now of all times to play the part of the peacekeeper.

Alexis ignored Michael’s questioning look, pretending not to notice. He was determined to make the most of the moment, even if it was a little… unusual. "Come on," he urged, pulling them both gently toward the exit. "I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer."

But as they walked out of the museum, the whispers of his classmates—loud enough to reach his ears—cut through the air like daggers.

“Look at Ness, he’s just toying with them both…” one voice whispered, too close for comfort.

"Yeah, Kaiser wasn’t enough. Now he wants Isagi for himself too," another muttered with a sneer.

The words stung more than Alexis would ever admit. He clenched his jaw, keeping his face blank, the mask of indifference firmly in place. He’d dealt with these whispers before, dealt with the teasing and the judgments. After all, who could blame them for assuming the worst? To them, Alexis had always been a little… different .

But the comments still dug into him. It was one thing to hear the rumors about him and Kaiser—he’d grown used to that. But now, hearing them about Yoichi… that was new. And for some reason, it hurt more than he thought it would. He tried to push it aside, to ignore it, but the weight of it all pressed down on him.

His grip on Michael and Yoichi tightened imperceptibly, but neither of them seemed to notice. He glanced down at the floor, focusing on his steps, willing himself not to flinch. His mind raced, but he fought to keep his expression calm, to keep the facade up. It doesn’t matter, he told himself. They’re just words. It’s just noise.

He caught Yoichi’s eye briefly. The younger boy still looked a bit flustered, but his confusion seemed to have faded, replaced with something like concern. Alexis quickly turned his gaze away, not wanting to let him see how much the words affected him. He didn’t want anyone to know—least of all Yoichi.

But inside, the quiet sting of the whispers wouldn’t fade. Not yet.

Alexis had hoped that after he made the decision to bring both Michael and Yoichi together for lunch, things would settle down. But, of course, that was wishful thinking. Things were never that simple when it came to these two.

As soon as they stepped into the restaurant, Yoichi immediately insisted on paying for Alexis’ lunch.

“Come on, I’ve got it today!” Yoichi grinned, his hand already reaching for his wallet. “It’s the least I can do after you dragged me along today. Let me treat you!”

Michael, who had been walking silently behind them, tensed at the sound of Yoichi’s voice. He had barely spoken up until now, but the offer made his expression darken.

“I think Ness can pay for his own lunch,” Michael said, his voice firm, a faint edge of annoyance creeping in. “You don’t need to keep trying to buy him things, Yoichi. He’s not some charity case.”

Yoichi turned his head sharply, eyes narrowing slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I was just being nice. You really have a problem with me doing something kind for someone, Kaiser?”

The challenge in Yoichi’s voice was unmistakable, and Alexis could feel the tension building already. The last thing he needed was for them to start fighting—again.

Michael didn’t respond right away , but his jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in irritation. “You don’t need to do anything, Yoichi. I don’t need you acting like you’re the only one who’s got Ness’ back,” he shot back, his words sharp.

Alexis rolled his eyes, already feeling the headache forming. If he let them keep going, they’d end up in another heated argument, and he wasn’t about to let that ruin what was supposed to be a simple lunch.

“Alright, enough!” Alexis snapped, his voice cutting through the tension. “I’m paying for lunch for all of us. So stop fighting about it. Just order .”

Michael and Yoichi both went silent at his outburst, but their gazes locked for a moment, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension. Yoichi’s expression softened just a little, though his eyes were still guarded. Michael, on the other hand, didn’t look happy, but he didn’t argue either.

After a long moment of silence, Alexis sighed, realizing that there was no winning with these two. “Seriously, a little less money in my account is worth the peace,” he muttered to himself, but loud enough for them to hear.

Yoichi turned back to the menu, clearly trying to ignore the awkwardness. “Fine, whatever,” he said with a shrug, though there was still a trace of defiance in his tone. “But next time, I’m treating you, Ness. No argument.”

Alexis nodded quickly, grateful for the brief reprieve. As they all sat down at a table, Alexis glanced between Yoichi and Michael, trying to ignore the tension that still lingered . It was obvious they weren’t exactly friends, and probably would never be, but he had hoped at least for a little more harmony.

Yoichi was still flipping through the menu, clearly unsure of what to order. Alexis looked over at him, sensing the frustration. “Yoichi, you look like you’re about to pull your hair out. You don’t have to be so stressed about it,” Alexis said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, well, it’s not easy picking something when you don’t know what half of this stuff is,” Yoichi muttered, his voice a little frustrated. “I don’t even know what most of these dishes are.”

Alexis chuckled softly. “Okay, okay, I get it. Let me help you out. You might like Sauerbraten. It’s slow-roasted beef in a sweet and sour gravy, and it’s super tender. I’ve had it a few times before, and it’s definitely worth it.”

Yoichi’s eyes widened. “Sauerbraten? That sounds... weird. But also kind of good , actually .”

Alexis smiled, trying to ignore the undercurrent of tension in the air. “Yeah, I guess it’s not the most common thing. But trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s one of those dishes that grows on you.”

Yoichi grinned a little, though there was still a subtle challenge in his eyes. “Alright, I’ll try it. Maybe it’ll surprise me.”

Meanwhile, Michael was still scanning the menu, but he didn’t seem nearly as unsure about his choice. He was focused, clearly set on something healthier. “I’ll go with the grilled chicken salad,” he said, his tone neutral, though the stiffness in his posture didn’t go unnoticed. “It’s simple. Light. I’m sticking to the basics.”

“Of course you are,” Alexis teased, his lips curling into a slight smile. “Mr. Healthy.”

Michael glanced up, his expression flat. “What? I don’t see you sticking to anything ‘healthy’ today.”

“Hey, Sauerbraten’s good for you!” Alexis shot back with a pout, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Michael simply shrugged, clearly not in the mood for any more back-and-forth. “Whatever you say.”

Yoichi and Michael shared a brief, tense look, but neither of them said anything more. Alexis let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, relieved that they were at least ordering without causing an outright scene.

As they finished up their orders, the three of them settled into an uneasy silence. The soft clink of silverware and the murmur of the restaurant’s other patrons filled the air, but the tension between Michael and Yoichi still hung heavy. Alexis glanced between the two of them, wondering how long this was going to last.

He didn’t care if they didn’t like each other. They didn’t need to be friends. But for once, he just wanted them to get along—at least for the next few hours.

When the waiter left to put in their orders, Alexis leaned back in his chair, trying to relax. “Well, at least we’re not fighting over who’s paying anymore,” he said, trying to break the silence.

Yoichi didn’t respond at first, but then he smirked, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, yeah. But I still think you should’ve let me treat you, Ness. You owe me.”

“Sure, sure. We’ll see next time,” Alexis said with a smile, even as he could feel the tension still crackling between Yoichi and Michael.

Michael’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes flicked over to Yoichi, a sharpness lingering there . “I’ll believe it when I see it,” he muttered, looking away.

Yoichi shot back a pointed look, but before they could escalate, Alexis quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, can we just eat in peace today? I’m seriously starving.”

Both of them seemed to calm down at that , the conversation slipping into quieter exchanges. But Alexis knew deep down, it was only temporary. The animosity between Michael and Yoichi was far from over. For now, though, he could enjoy the brief moments of peace—before the next round of tension inevitably came.

After lunch, the class visited a few more sites before getting some free time to explore on their own. Alexis had begun to get a handle on the situation. Michael and Yoichi were arguing less now, and Alexis took a certain satisfaction in that. Whenever the tension started to rise, Alexis was quick to shut it down before things could spiral into another full-blown argument. It was a skill he was growing used to—a balancing act between keeping the peace while also keeping his sanity.

Now, they were in a bookstore—one that Alexis had insisted on visiting. It wasn’t anything special, just a cozy little shop tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. But for Alexis, it was a haven. A chance to pick up a book for his ever-growing collection, no matter how small or insignificant the purchase might seem. It was like a ritual now. Every time he traveled, he had to buy at least one book. Even if they were still in Germany, even if it wasn’t a far trip, it was a habit he couldn’t shake.

He had books from all over Europe—France, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic—and he planned to keep collecting. Each one was a memento, a small piece of the places he’d been, no matter how fleeting.

Yoichi was somewhere in the children’s section, probably picking out a picture book or something to fit his... quirky taste. Alexis snorted quietly to himself , imagining Yoichi poring over brightly colored covers and thick cartoons. The thought alone made him chuckle softly to himself.

He turned to spot Michael, who was browsing the psychology section. Alexis raised an eyebrow. Not that he was surprised—Michael was always reading something serious , something educational. He couldn’t help himself. Alexis walked over, slipping quietly between the aisles of books.

"Need help looking for a book?" Alexis asked, trying to keep his tone light as he leaned against one of the shelves.

Michael didn’t even spare him a glance, his eyes glued to the pages of the book in his hands as he flipped through them with slow precision. "What do you think you’re doing, Ness?"

Alexis blinked, surprised by the sudden sharpness in Michael’s tone. "What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely confused.

Michael finally looked up, his gaze sharp, piercing. "Are we suddenly playing house with Yoichi?" He let the question hang in the air for a moment. "What, do you pity the guy because he has feelings for you? Or are you actually falling for him?"

Alexis felt a jolt in his chest at the accusation, a wave of indignation sweeping over him. His mouth went dry as he stared at Michael, who didn’t seem to be backing down.

"What—Michael, no! I’m not falling for Yoichi! You know I only love you," Alexis replied quickly, his voice a little more defensive than he intended. He felt his heart beat faster, the unfairness of the accusation making him feel hot under the collar.

Michael’s expression hardened. "Listen, Ness, my patience is running out." His tone was cold now, almost final. "Stop making a fool out of me."

Alexis opened his mouth to argue, but Michael cut him off. He put the book down without another word, his fingers lingering on the edges of it for just a second before he turned away. Alexis watched, frozen, as Michael walked away from him without a second glance. It was a familiar move, one that left Alexis standing there in stunned silence, wondering what the hell had just happened.

Alexis’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at Michael’s retreating figure. He felt a sting of frustration and confusion welling up inside him. “I didn’t ask to get stuck in this situation…” he muttered under his breath , more to himself than anyone else.

He wasn’t sure why this was happening. Why he was the one who always seemed to get caught in the middle of this mess . He didn’t deserve it, didn’t ask for it. So why was it always him who ended up suffering?

He stood there for a moment longer, his mind racing, and then his gaze fell to the floor. The weight of everything pressing down on him made his shoulders slump. He didn’t want to be angry, but he couldn’t stop the frustration from bubbling up. He didn’t want to be the one left behind every time Michael pulled away. He didn’t want to feel like he was constantly being torn between two people who couldn’t even see eye to eye.

With a frustrated exhale, Alexis walked away from the aisle, trying to shake off the sting of the conversation. But even as he tried to move on, the knot in his chest remained tight.

Yoichi was still browsing, oblivious to the tension in the air. Alexis felt like he should go over to him, distract himself, maybe even poke fun at Yoichi for being so wrapped up in whatever childish book he was flipping through. But the thought didn’t hold the same comfort it usually did. Yoichi’s presence, which had been a nice escape from the tension, felt almost hollow now.

Why did everything always have to fall on him?

little preview for the next chapter:

Did I... kiss Yoichi?

Chapter Text

The last day of their school trip was fast approaching, and the class, filled with the kind of energy that only the end of a long trip could bring, had decided it was the perfect time to cause some chaos. They’d gathered around Michael, with eager, mischievous grins on their faces, and for reasons only known to the universe (and maybe Michael’s inexplicable tolerance for bad ideas), he’d agreed to help them plan it out.

Alexis wasn’t all that surprised—after all, they were in their final year, meaning most, if not all, of them were already 18, but that didn’t suddenly make them mature. Far from it. In fact, it often did the opposite. So, when the suggestion of going out for a night of drinking was thrown out there, no one hesitated.

The more Alexis thought about it, the less sense it made. How the teachers had somehow allowed them to slip away for the evening without any questions, he had no idea. He doubted they even knew what was actually going on. But, strangely, no one seemed to care. Everyone was too caught up in the excitement, and the evening felt like an unspoken, almost rebellious, final hurrah.

And thanks to one of the wealthier kids in their class—someone who was either too naive to understand what could go wrong or just too entitled to care—they had an entire bar all to themselves. A private venue, just for them.

Alexis had reluctantly agreed to go, not because he was particularly excited, but because he felt like if he didn’t, he’d somehow be left out of the group dynamics—something he desperately didn’t want, even if the whole idea made him uneasy. So, he found himself seated at one of the tables with Michael and Michael’s friends, his fingers tapping lightly against the glass in front of him. He wasn’t touching the alcohol. In fact, he wasn’t really interested in it. It wasn’t his thing. Not when it involved loud music, dim lighting, and people acting like they were invincible.

Michael, ever the confident one, was surrounded by his usual crowd—laughing and enjoying the night like it was just another occasion to show off his charisma. Alexis tried not to be bothered by it. After all, Michael was Michael. He thrived in places like this. But it didn’t stop the uncomfortable feeling from swirling in Alexis’s stomach.

His eyes flicked across the room, searching for something to distract him, until they landed on Yoichi. Yoichi was sitting at a separate table with a group of boys and girls, who were all either sipping drinks or talking animatedly. It didn’t take long for Alexis to notice that Yoichi, despite the chaos around him, wasn’t drinking either. Instead, Yoichi had opted for a simple glass of orange juice.

There was something almost reassuring about it—Yoichi seemed to share his opinion on the whole drinking scene. He wasn’t part of the frenzy, the chaotic energy that the rest of the group seemed to be reveling in. Alexis found himself appreciating that. Yoichi wasn’t pretending to be someone he wasn’t, even in the middle of all this madness.

But then again, maybe that’s why Alexis liked him—Yoichi wasn’t trying to fit into a mold. He was just… Yoichi.

Despite his appreciation for the moment of calm, Alexis couldn’t help but feel a nagging sense of distance. Michael was out there, surrounded by his friends, slipping into the role of the life of the party. Yoichi was over there, quietly sipping his juice, looking like he was just waiting for the evening to end. And Alexis? Well, he was stuck in the middle, watching it all unfold, unsure of where he fit into this chaotic mess.

The conversation with Michael in the bookstore had been weighing heavily on Alexis’s mind all afternoon. His stomach twisted with unease as the memory of Michael’s sharp words replayed in his head. Had he gotten too comfortable with Yoichi? Was he crossing some kind of boundary he wasn’t even aware of? Just a few weeks ago, he had been ready to make Yoichi’s life difficult, convinced that Yoichi was trying to steal Michael away. But the truth had hit him hard—Yoichi had always been into him .

And now? Now, Alexis found himself stuck between them. Yoichi’s lingering affection was obvious, and Michael’s possessiveness was becoming more and more evident. Alexis couldn’t help but feel guilty—torn between two people who, in their own way, cared for him. But he never wanted Michael to think he was being disloyal. He was committed to Michael, heart and soul. But maybe I should distance myself from Yoichi… Alexis thought, the idea creeping in like an unspoken rule he should follow. He didn’t want to risk things with Michael, but he also didn’t want to lose the connection he had with Yoichi.

He didn’t know how to handle any of this. The guilt, the confusion, the fear of making the wrong choice—it was all too much, and his mind was spiraling.

His thoughts might’ve consumed him further if it weren’t for the loud voices pulling him back to reality. "Hey, Ness, what got your head in the clouds?" one of Michael’s friends called out with a teasing grin.

"Ness, don’t be a party pooper, down some shots!" another friend chimed in, raising a drink with a knowing look, as if everyone around him had already agreed he should join in.

Soon, the others joined in, echoing the same chant: "Come on, Alexis, drink with us!"

Alexis felt a twinge of discomfort. He wasn’t the party type. But the pressure was mounting. They were all expecting him to play along, to be part of the group, to let go for once. He glanced around, his eyes searching for Michael.

Michael was leaning casually back on his seat, his gaze cool and detached. He wasn’t intervening, wasn’t giving any signal to back off. Michael just looked at him blankly, a slight raise of his eyebrow as if saying, Go on, do it. It felt like an invitation, but not in the way Alexis had hoped. It was as though Michael didn’t care one way or the other—he was letting Alexis handle this himself. But that indifference stung more than it should’ve.

Alexis swallowed hard, suddenly feeling the weight of the room pressing down on him. He was caught in this moment, and there was nothing else to do but keep the peace. The weight of Michael’s gaze, the pressure from his friends, all of it made him feel like he had no choice. He reached for the shot glass with a hand that felt heavier than it should. Just do it quickly, Alexis. It’s nothing. Just a drink. Get it over with. He repeated those words in his head like a mantra, trying to convince himself that it didn’t matter, that it wasn’t a big deal.

With a deep breath, Alexis lifted the shot to his lips and tossed it back in one swift motion. The burn of the alcohol hit his throat, and he immediately regretted it. The discomfort lingered in his chest, but there was no going back now. He quickly placed the empty glass down on the table, forcing a smile, trying to mask the unease that settled in his stomach.

He wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the feeling of being watched that made him feel even more out of place, but the moment felt wrong. He had done it to avoid a scene, to avoid conflict. But deep down, Alexis knew it wasn’t the right way to handle things. It never was.

Before Alexis knew it, the drinks kept coming—more shots, more glasses being pushed toward him. At first, he tried to reject them, telling himself that one shot was enough. But Michael's friends weren't hearing it. They kept shoving drinks into his hands, until he had lost track of how many he'd had. His head grew heavy, his vision blurry, and his body felt warm, flushed. His eyes were unfocused, but his mind was sharp enough to notice the tension building around him.

The others found it amusing. They laughed, making jokes about how he looked like a clueless puppy. He knew they were joking, but the comment hit a little too close to home. He wasn’t clueless. He was just... overwhelmed.

Then his gaze found her—one of his female classmates. She was practically glued to Michael’s side, pressing herself way too close to him. His chest tightened with a possessiveness he couldn’t ignore. His stomach churned as he watched her, his irritation growing with each passing second. Without thinking, his hand shot up, pointing directly at her.

“You gotta learn to back off,” he slurred, clearly drunk.

The entire room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him. His words hung in the air, thick with tension. The girl blinked up at him with faux innocence, her eyes wide. "Huh, Nessie, I’m not doing anything wrong," she said, feigning ignorance.

But Alexis wasn’t fooled. He scoffed, a sound that was so out of character for him that even he flinched at it. “You’re leeching onto MY boyfriend right in front of me,” he spat, his voice sharp with frustration.

The room went completely still, the only sound the clinking of glasses and the quiet hum of nervous energy. Michael’s gaze finally met his, but instead of defending him, Michael just looked... indifferent.

“Ness,” Michael said, his voice flat, as if he didn’t care. “Shut up. Your jealousy is getting out of hand again, you're causing a scene.”

The words hit Alexis like a punch to the gut. Jealousy? Scene? It made his blood run cold. He wasn’t the one spending the whole day fighting with Yoichi because of jealousy. He wasn’t the one who’d been clingy and childish. And yet, here he was, being accused of something so far from the truth.

Alexis stood up abruptly, his knees wobbling slightly as he grabbed the nearest drink—a mojito or something that tasted far too sweet for his liking. Without thinking, he tipped the glass over, spilling its contents right over Michael’s head. The ice and liquid splashed, dripping down his face.

“You’re a self-centered jerk!” Alexis yelled, his voice raw with emotion. He didn’t wait for a response. He didn’t care to hear anything else. His chest was tight, his mind racing, and the tears that had been threatening to spill finally broke free.

Without a second thought, he turned and rushed out of the bar, running into the night with his emotions running wild.

Isagi was startled when he heard Ness raise his voice, his tone sharp and filled with emotion. He hadn’t expected it—hadn’t anticipated the quiet midfielder to suddenly snap like that. His blue eyes darted over the scene, scanning the room for answers. The bar had fallen into a stunned silence, everyone frozen in place, watching as Alexis Ness finally had enough of Kaiser’s arrogance. Isagi’s gaze flicked to Kaiser, who stood there, mouth agape, looking utterly shocked by the nerve of the usually composed Ness. The moment he saw Ness pour a drink over Kaiser, Isagi could hardly believe his eyes. It was so out of character for the calm and collected midfielder, but there was a certain fire in his eyes that spoke volumes—Ness was done.

As Ness stormed out of the bar, whispers broke out among the remaining group, their chatter filled with disbelief and curiosity. Isagi felt a knot form in his stomach as he watched Ness leave, alone, in an obviously unstable state. It wasn’t like him to run off when emotions were clearly running high. Isagi’s instinct kicked in, and he muttered an apologetic, "I- excuse me," before excusing himself from the table. His eyes remained fixed on the door where Ness had just disappeared.

He couldn’t just let him go like that—not with everything so chaotic and Ness in that condition. Without a second thought, Isagi pushed through the door and stepped out into the night, the cold air hitting him immediately. His wide blue eyes scanned the streets, searching desperately for any sign of Ness. The streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement, but there was no sign of him at first. Isagi’s heart raced in his chest as he hurried down the sidewalk, each step heavier than the last.

Then, just as he thought he might have lost him, he heard it. The sound that stopped him in his tracks.

A sob. A deep, broken sound that was unmistakable. Isagi’s eyes widened, and without hesitation, he followed the sound, moving quickly but carefully. The sobs grew louder, echoing through the quiet streets. Isagi's breath quickened, his mind racing as he rounded a corner, eyes scanning the area. It wasn’t long before he found him—Ness, sitting on a set of stairs, curled up as if trying to make himself as small as possible.

The stairs led up to a modest house, likely belonging to one of the local residents. Ness sat at the bottom, his back hunched over, arms wrapped tightly around his knees that were pulled up to his chest. His face was hidden, buried in the crook of his arms as he cried freely, his sobs shaking his entire frame. It was a heartbreaking sight—this was a side of Ness Isagi had never seen before, the usually composed midfielder completely unraveling before him.

Isagi stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do or how to approach Ness. The sight before him—Ness’s vulnerable, broken posture—hit him hard. It was raw, completely unguarded, and Isagi’s heart ached seeing him like this. Every part of Ness’s body language screamed that he was lost, and it made Isagi feel like an intruder, unsure if he had the right to intervene. Yet, he knew one thing for sure: Ness couldn’t be alone right now—not in this state. Not when he was clearly unraveling.

Tentatively, Isagi took a step forward, his movements careful and deliberate, as though he were trying not to disturb the fragile space between them. He didn't want to push, didn't want to intrude, but his instincts told him that being here, being present, was the only thing that mattered in this moment.

“Ness…” His voice was soft, uncertain, but the single word broke through the silence. Ness’s sobs faltered for just a moment, the sharp hitch of breath making it clear that Isagi had caught his attention. Slowly, Ness lifted his head, revealing tear-streaked cheeks and swollen, red eyes that could barely meet Isagi’s. The pain in his gaze struck Isagi hard, and without thinking, he reached a hand toward him.

But before he could touch him, Ness flinched violently, slapping his hand away with a force that surprised him.

"Don’t… touch me." Ness’s voice cracked, the words sharp and raw, full of hurt and resentment.

Isagi’s heart dropped. He hadn't expected that, and it stung in a way he couldn’t explain—like a wound he didn't even know he had. His chest tightened, guilt washing over him, but he couldn’t stop himself from feeling that sting.

"You and him, you’re both the same!" Ness's voice raised, bitter and furious, the pain in his words almost too much to bear. "Stop toying with me! Do you think I’m easy? You can take that kindness of yours, the one I didn’t ask for, the one that suffocates me, and leave me alone!" His words cut deep, and his sobs came harder, more frantic than ever.

Isagi stood there, speechless, his throat tight. He hadn’t realized how all of this had affected Ness. He hadn’t even considered that his attempts to be kind might have felt suffocating to him, especially when he was already drowning in his own emotions. The weight of Ness's words settled over him like a heavy blanket, suffocating him with guilt.

Slowly, as if trying to ground himself, Isagi knelt down in front of Ness, lowering his gaze to meet the tearful eyes that still burned with frustration. "I’m sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I didn’t even realize the position you were in, that you felt like this. I… I didn’t mean to make things worse. I took it too far, and I acknowledge that."

Ness stared at him, his glare softening a little, the fury slowly melting into something more vulnerable. He sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, and his voice broke again as he spoke.

“I spilled the drink on him, but I didn’t want to…” he trailed off, his voice shaky. “I was just so tired of pretending everything was okay. He didn’t even say anything that bad, but… I just… lost it.” The words spilled out of him in a rush, the dam finally breaking as he let his emotions flood over him. "What should I do?" he whispered, his voice almost inaudible now, filled with exhaustion and confusion.

Before Isagi could respond, something in Ness’s voice—or maybe it was the rawness in his eyes—spurred him into action. Without thinking, he moved forward and pulled Ness into a tight hug. At first, Ness stiffened, frozen as if unsure how to respond. But after a moment, his body slowly relaxed, and his arms shakily came up to wrap around Isagi’s back, clinging to the fabric of his shirt like a lifeline.

Ness’s tears soaked into his chest, and for a long time, neither of them said a word. They simply held on to each other, two people caught in the weight of their emotions.

Isagi stayed with Ness outside until the sobs finally subsided, and the tears seemed to have been cried out. Ness, exhausted from the emotional outpour, had no more tears left to shed, his body trembling slightly from the release. The rawness in his eyes softened, and the silence between them grew quieter, more subdued.

After some time, Ness spoke, his voice hoarse. “I want to go back to the hotel room…” His words came out slow, almost like an afterthought. “I don’t want to go back to the bar.”

Isagi, still the only sober one, nodded, his concern for Ness growing. “Okay,” he replied quietly. Without another word, he helped steady Ness, who was far too drunk to keep himself upright. The walk back wasn’t easy; with every few steps, Ness wobbled and stumbled, clearly struggling to walk in a straight line. Isagi quickly moved to support him, throwing his arm around his shoulders and pulling him closer, his other hand wrapped around Ness’s waist to keep him secure. Even with this support, the 20-minute walk stretched to 35 minutes as Ness’s drunken stagger made it hard to keep a steady pace.

Despite the difficulty, they made it to the hotel. Isagi unlocked the door, breathing a sigh of relief as they entered. “We’re finally here,” he muttered, his voice tired. He helped Ness sit on the bed, then crouched down in front of him, working to take off his shoes.

“You’re kinda cute when you look like you’re worried sick,” Ness suddenly blurted out, his words slurring. Isagi blinked, taken off guard by the random comment, unsure how to respond.

"Uh, thank you?" Isagi said, his voice laced with confusion.

Ness giggled, his eyes sparkling with a mix of drunkenness and something else. “You look funny,” he teased, and then, with a sigh, let his back fall onto the mattress, sinking into the bed.

Isagi, still unsure about Ness’s state, sat beside him after getting the shoes off. He was about to say something when Ness’s voice caught his attention again, quieter now. “Yoichi, have you ever loved someone so much you felt like you could die for them?”

The question hit Isagi harder than expected. He sat up straighter, shifting to face him fully. "No," he replied honestly, still trying to gauge the situation. "Have you?"

Ness’s gaze grew distant, his expression pensive. “Sometimes, I lose myself... The line between love and obsession is so thin. I shouldn’t be loved by someone because I’m dangerous.”

Isagi felt a knot tighten in his chest at those words. He could sense the weight of them, even if Ness was drunk. “I think loving you is worth a shot, if you’d let me,” Isagi said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Ness’s eyes flickered, and he leaned in closer, his breath warm against Isagi’s skin. “Call me by my name,” he demanded softly, his tone firm, yet vulnerable.

Isagi was momentarily thrown off. “Ness?” he asked, confused, since he had been calling him that all night.

Ness shook his head, a flash of something darker in his eyes. “I mean Alexis.”

That single word sent a rush through Isagi’s chest. He hadn’t expected this shift, but hearing Alexis’s real name from his lips felt different—intimate. “Alexis,” Isagi murmured, his heart skipping a beat. “Your name is really pretty.”

Alexis’s face immediately flushed, a soft pink coloring his cheeks. There was a shy smile tugging at his lips, and he glanced down for a moment, almost bashful. “I’m just pretty,” he murmured, though there was a playful glint in his eyes.

Before Isagi could respond, Alexis moved swiftly, his lips brushing against Isagi’s in a soft kiss. It wasn’t a kiss that was meant to linger, just a brief, fleeting touch—but as their lips met, a spark ran through Isagi’s body. He didn’t know what to do with the intensity of it, the electricity that surged between them.

But then, in a swift motion, Alexis bit down on Isagi’s lower lip maybe a bit too hard, a playful, teasing action that sent a jolt through him and the sudden metallic taste in his mouth let him know there would be a bruise. The brief pain mixed with the lingering warmth of the kiss, and Isagi gasped, his eyes widening.

“That’s my revenge for today,” Alexis giggled, his breath warm against Isagi’s lips. He flopped back onto the bed, arms spread wide as if nothing had happened, his laughter echoing through the room.

Isagi sat there, frozen for a second, his mind racing to process everything that had just occurred. His heart was still pounding in his chest, his body trembling from the unexpected intensity of the moment. But when he looked at Alexis, who was now lying back with a mischievous smile on his face, he couldn’t help but laugh quietly to himself.

It was a strange, dizzying mix of emotions, but in that moment, Isagi realized he wouldn't forget this night anytime soon.

Alexis woke up with a pounding headache, groaning softly as the pain throbbed in his skull. His mind felt foggy, no doubt a result of the alcohol from the night before. His eyes were heavy and puffy, and he couldn’t help but think, I must've cried... so embarrassing. He didn’t remember much of the night, except being pressured to drink every drink that came his way. He must’ve overdone it. And then, there was Michael—he must have cried to Michael, which, knowing himself, didn’t seem that surprising.

But as he sat up, the memories began to flood back in bits and pieces. He remembered screaming, spilling a drink—then his hand instinctively touched his lips. Did I kiss Michael? The thought made sense, right? Michael was his boyfriend after all. But then...

“Good morning, Alexis. I brought you some water in case your head hurts too much,” Yoichi’s voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts. Alexis blinked, disoriented for a moment. Alexis? Since when does he call me by my first name?

He turned to look at Yoichi, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the bruise blooming on his lip. His eyes widened, and a cold shiver ran down his spine. Slowly, the pieces of the night began to fit together, and a sinking feeling settled in his stomach.

Did I kiss Yoichi? The question hit him like a ton of bricks, and he felt his heart sink deeper into his chest. The realization was dizzying, and suddenly, all the warmth of the morning faded into a confusing mess of emotions.