After the bell signaled the end of the break, Kei and Mr Young quickly climbed down the stairs from the roof.

“See you later!” Kei smiled, hurrying down the corridor to his next lesson. He’d see his favorite teacher again in a few minutes, but somehow he still felt a little disappointed that they had to part for now.

He entered the classroom, noting the presence of a few otaku in the last row, immersed in a discussion about some manga that apparently just came out the other day.

He mostly ignored them, they only used this room as a meeting place anyway, often leaving before the end of the lesson. Apparently they weren’t even enrolled in this course, that only existed because Mr Young had time and the school resources to spare for it.

He was the only participant this year, one needed to have at least basic knowledge of the German language, and aside from him there were only two other students, siblings, that spoke German, they once told him their family came from Germany originally.

Their parents enrolled them in French though, figuring that taking German would be like cheating.

He waited for Mr Young impatiently, trying to concentrate on the book about herbs.

Apparently there were flowers that only bloomed on full moons or dew that had to be collected during the beginning of sunrise. Interesting, but not as much as the fact that his teacher was due two minutes ago. He was never late. It was against his policies or something.

Kei groaned, shutting the book and dropping all pretenses of not eagerly awaiting Young to arrive.

The otaku with pink hair snickered, handing him a manga to read.

“Try that one, loverboy.”

Kei’s face heated up, probably alongside his upper body. Was he really that obvious?

“Uhm..” Kei was speechless. What was one supposed to say to that?

“It’s alright. He’s pretty obvious as well. It’s mostly in here that you two let your guard down, anyway. And there’s not much he could up your grade either, in none of his subjects. So don’t worry, we don’t mind.”

Kei coughed, hiding his still beaming face.

“We’re not in a relationship…”

“...yet, you mean.”, Pink hair smirked.

Kei groaned, glaring at him. “Do you really think I got a chance with him? And what’s your name, by the way?”

Pinky sighed, rolling his eyes. “We know each other for over two years now. I was in at least three of your classes last year, Kei Reeves. My name’s Benjamin, but you may call me Benji.”

Kei laughed.

“Alright, Benji. Do we have any classes together this year?”

Benji rolled his eyes again. “Are you even real? We had math together today. I was literally sitting fucking next to you! How could you not notice, dipshit?!”

“Alright, calm down pinky. I’m sorry, I admit I don’t really care all that much about my fellow classmates. I kinda gave up on making friends at school over ten years ago. All that teenage shit is just so… stupid, I guess, and shallow. It really annoys me, to be honest.”

The other otaku got up, waving their friend goodbye who choose to talk to Kei until the teacher arrived.

Benji sighed, nodding. “Yeah, I know what you mean. It’s similar with me. But ten years ago? weren't you, like, 7? And you are not entirely human, are you?” he asked. "You smell strange... not bad, I assure you."

“From your question, I’ll just assume that you aren’t either. And also from the way you always seem to know exactly when the teacher comes, or how you always evade the blond prick after German like an expert.”

“Ey!” Benji shrieked, looking offended. “I thought you didn’t pay any attention to us lowly humans and non-humans! What is that about?!”

Kei chuckled, shaking his head. “Just because I don’t pay very close attention to individuals, doesn’t mean I don’t observe the people around me. I was worried at the beginning, you were so small and they were kinda big. And well, I haven’t seen another pink-haired person in miles, you were standing out like a sore thumb.”

Benji looked up at the door, nudging Kei. “He’s coming! No incriminating conversation from now on, twink.”

Offended, Kei promptly flipped him off. Yes, he knew about that one.

“I’m so not a twink! And anyways, you’re smaller than me!”

Benji smirked. “He stopped. And I’m a submissive, dipshit. I’m supposed to be small, it’s in my DNA. What’s your excuse?”

Kei shrugged.

“Well, I’m not a submissive, I think? I guess my parents thought it was cute. They wanted something small to cuddle.”

“What the heck?! They thought it was cute?! Like, they could decide? What the fuck are you even?”

That actually was a good question. What was he? His parents told him they designed him completely without reference, but also wanted him to fit in. They decided his first form would look human.

His second form was fluffy, tiny hairs coating his whole body, cat ears on his head, extendable claws on his hands and feet, as well as retractable fangs. In fact, something to cuddle. His third and for now last form was a cat. He was way bigger than a normal cat, with a spotty brown coat with a white belly and paws.

He kinda looked like a brown panther.

“I actually don’t know. Some weird mage-shifter combo, with a few extras I guess. You’re a wolf shifter?”

The tiny, pink haired menace proudly puffed out their chest. “Indeed. He's coming now, by the way. Lazy as fuck, that one. See you soon? We could exchange numbers, only if you want, of course.”

At that moment, Mr Young finally entered the classroom.

“Sorry, I’m late. Got held back by our dear principal in person. It hopefully won’t happen again.”

Kei smiled at him along with Benji, who got a wicked twinkle in his eyes.

“It’s alright, sir. We managed to occupy ourselves just fine. Here’s my number, twink, just write me, alright? Nice to meet you, gotta go!”

He waved back at them, exiting the classroom hurriedly.

Kei looked after him flabbergasted, before moving his gaze onto his teacher who looked strangely constipated.

“Are you alright sir?” he asked, getting concerned. He really hoped it wasn’t the food, not everyone could handle curry very well. And, well, he kinda hoped that they could share again.

Mr Young smiled stiffly, putting down his satchel.

“I’m alright, thank you for your concern, Mr Reeves.”

“Back to Mr Reeves, are we now, Mr Young? If you don’t tell me what’s wrong I can’t help you. So please open you mouth, sir.”

His teacher sighed, slinking back into his chair.

How was he supposed to tell his student that he was jealous? He didn’t expect Kei to make any friends, it simply never crossed his mind. He also never thought that the boy would find a romantic interest in someone that wasn’t him, but he was young, he was bound to experience certain feelings.

Kei looked at him worriedly. The man looked pensive, with several emotions flitting over his face every now and than. If he wouldn’t say anything soon (which he doubted he would) he’d have to take initiative again.

Sighing, he got up from his chair, going to the front. He walked to the door, closing and locking it before making his way over to the teacher. Kei stopped next to him, leaning with his hip against the desk, looking out for any negative responses from the man.

His dark eyes were downcast, hair a little disheveled and lips down turned. The man obviously didn’t feel very well, Kei thought, softly touching his shoulder.

“Hey. Look up at me, please.” he mumbled, noting how his teachers cheeks gained a little more color.

Mr Young looked up, catching his worried gaze.

He sighed.

“My problems can wait. Right now, I’m supposed to teach you about Germany and its traditions and language.”

Kei shook his head, stepping closer.

“No, you’re not. Both you and I know there’s not much you could teach me anyway, sir. My German is fluent and I know quite some things about Germany as well. I want you to tell me what’s wrong because you seemed to be just fine when you entered this classroom. Like I said, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

Mr Young didn’t answer, instead shamefully averted his gaze.

“Why do you care anyway?” he mumbled a few seconds later.

“Believe it or not, I actually care about you, sir. Does it maybe have to do with what Benji said before he left the room?”

The teacher laughed brokenly, trying to repress his tears. He was a fucking adult, he should start to act this way.

Kei, being the attentive idiot he was of course had to pick up on it, looking a little shocked.

“Are those tears?” he asked, leaning closer to get a better look. “Alright. Just say so if you want me to stop, otherwise I’m going to hug you now. Okay?”

Mr Young didn’t answer, only lowering his head.

Kei sighed, leaning in and wiping away the tears before wrapping his arms around him.

He tucked the man’s head in the slope of his neck, slowly petting his back with one hand while playing with his teachers hair with the other.

He smiled, Mr Young smelled surprisingly nice. And he was incredibly warm. After a few minutes, the other started reciprocating the hug, practically melting into Kei’s arms.

“Better?” Kei whispered, not pulling back one bit. His teacher seemed to enjoy it, nuzzling his neck and holding him even tighter.

“Hmmm” he hummed eventually, still not letting go.

Kei’s back started hurting, the position being less than ideal. He sighed, slowly pulling back, looking out for any discomfort the other might feel.

Mr Young whimpered slightly, stretching out his arms towards Kei. His eyes looked glassy and his skin flushed. He obviously was still rather out of it.

Kei thought for a moment, looking around the classroom. It was rather normal, if not a little small and dusty. No sofa like in history or those strange seating bags like in music, sadly.

He grabbed the mans hand, leading him to the back of the classroom, where he cushioned the floor with their jackets. He pulled Young down between his legs, wrapping his arms around him.

He slowly petted the man again, waiting for him to regain full consciousness.

Kei hoped he wouldn’t feel too bad afterwards, personally, he rather enjoyed it.

What time was it, anyways?

That's when he realized he left his mobile phone in his bag at the front, sneakily flicking his hand to summon it. Between his legs, Mr Young stiffened, slowly turning his head towards him, eyes filled with questions.

Well, fuck, Kei thought.