Archive of Our Own ^beta

The battle against Noroshi had just ended, and everyone was too exhausted to even eat. Kotoha didn't have enough coffee to go around, but at least she kindly provided a first aid kit to pass around to those who needed it. 

Kiryu sat in the corner of the terrace, watching Suo go back and forth distributing the medicine box while also helping to treat the wounded. He had already been game over three times, and Suo had applied a cold compress to Nirei's cheek, cleaned Kaji's wounds, and distributed cold drinks to the first-year students and other Bofurin personnel (and yes, Kiryu had spotted Shishitoren uniforms among the people Suo was kindly attending to).

What a reliable vice-captain, huh? 

Kiryu was honestly too tired to help, even though he didn't have serious injuries like Sakura and Umemiya, who were barely moving while their wounds were being treated. 

"Sugishita-kun, here, you need a band-aid too!"

Sugishita obeyed, bending down slightly to make it easier for Suo to apply the plaster, while he just stood there silently with a sleepy look in his eyes.

Kiryu glanced at his cell phone, which once again displayed the words "game over," then his gaze shifted to Suo, who was reaching out to treat a small scratch on Sugishita's forehead. 

Eh? Wait a minute—

"Suo-chan, do you still have a cold compress?" Kiryu suddenly asked.

"Yes~ Just a minute, Kiryu-kun." Suo replied cheerfully, approaching Kiryu after finishing with Sugishita. 

"Where do you need the cold compress?" Suo knelt down, leveling himself with Kiryu who was lying down. 

Instead of answering, Kiryu grabbed Suo's right arm, noticing how the boy's calm gaze suddenly implied an unusual alertness. 

"Suo-chan, you're hurt, aren't you?" 

"Uhm...."

"Roll up your sleeve, Suo-chan."

Kiryu was actually a calm person too, which was why Suo found it difficult to resist when his friend earnestly put his cell phone in his pocket and took the medicine box from his grasp. 

Suo might have been able to change the subject if he were talking to other kids, but Kiryu clearly wouldn't fall for simple jokes or wordplay, so he could only resign himself as the pink-haired boy gently rolled up his uniform sleeve, revealing a medium-sized bruise marked in dark color on his forearm. 

Or, Suo did block almost 98% of Obiki Kaito's punches, but there were still certain occasions where they actually collided, and Suo could guarantee that his opponent suffered pain that was many times sharper. 

"Oh my, Suo-chan, you should take care of your own wounds before worrying about others." Kiryu muttered reproachfully, applying the cold compress he had requested to Suo's arm. 

Suo just grinned, reasoning that other people were in worse condition, and he could wait until later for a minor bruise. 

"But... I'm surprised Kiryu-kun noticed." Suo admitted, convinced that he hadn't grimaced even slightly or shown any obvious discomfort the entire time. 

"I think your hand looked a little stiff when you reached for Sugi-chan's face, so something must be wrong." Kiryu returned the medicine box to Suo's hand, knowing full well that his friend wouldn't stop running around even though ideally he should just rest until he felt better. 

"I have to say your observation is terrifying, Kiryu-kun."

Kiryu just chuckled softly, watching Suo's back as he walked away to distribute bandages to the other children. He took out his phone again, continuing his game while reflecting on how relaxed he was. 

He thought about how Suo always watched everyone carefully, making sure everything was okay and no one was seriously injured. So, Kiryu had enough free time to play games, and occasionally watch Suo to make sure he wasn't pushing himself too hard. 

Because, even though Suo enjoyed his role as an observer, someone was still needed to keep an eye on him, making sure he was visible too. 

And Kiryu was happy to take on that task. 

[Level up!]

Kiryu smiled slightly, celebrating his progress after repeatedly getting game over. Ah, he must have just been lacking concentration earlier, not becoming dull after reducing his login time due to his busy training schedule in preparation for the fight against Noroshi.