Chapter 1 - The calm before the storm

Part 4/6

Ren pinned Akiyama against the door, going straight for his neck. He smiled when he heard the boy moaning softly as Ren licked from his collarbone to his jaw, leaving a feather-like bite at the end. He knew he had to be careful not to leave a mark, but exploring skin was just so captivating. Smelling it, tasting it, and making the other person lose their mind under his mouth. It was hot as hell seeing somebody wanting him that much, and teasing them before giving what they desired.

However, it was apparently too much for Akiyama. He whined and pulled Ren’s mouth back to his own by the hair, mumbling, “It’s ticklish.”

The kiss was more tender than Ren was in the mood for, but he knew Akiyama was still adjusting to their whole arrangement, so he knew not to push it. Their moment could be just as enticing, and he would make sure it was.

With the tip of his tongue, Ren traced the shape of Akiyama’s upper lip, making the him shiver and open his mouth. Without wasting a second, Ren’s tongue slipped inside, meeting Akiyama’s own. The contact was intoxicating, sending a warmth through Ren’s body he always craved for.

Making good use of his hands, Ren slid them under Akiyama’s button-down shirt. He raked his fingernails across the smooth back, which made Akiyama moan again. Ren felt the him press his body harder against Ren's, and judging by what he felt poking against his groin, Akiyama was enjoying their little make out session a lot.

But then the first bell rang, and Ren sighed against the full, soft lips. With a final peck, he pushed himself slightly back to put more space between them. Akiyama’s face was flushed, mouth swollen, and his black eyes stared at Ren as if wanting more of what they’d been doing. Way more.

Ren chuckled and gave him another quick peck, ruffling his curly hair. “Come on, we gotta go, lunch is over.”

“It was only the first bell,” Akiyama tried to argue and Ren chuckled again, shaking his head.

“I gotta go back. Already skipped lunch with the guys and want to spend some time with them before class starts,” Ren said gently, yet firmly.

Akiyama made a displeased face, almost pouting. That was definitely a cue to start observing if he was actually starting to want more from their arrangement than Ren. Not that they couldn’t still have fun, but Ren needed to pay closer attention to how Akiyama reacted to him going forward.

They didn’t say another word. Leaving the arts room, they walked silently to their classroom. Ren sped up his pace when they were close to the door, so nobody would notice they had been together. Before he walked to his desk, Ren shot a wary smile at Akiyama, who, despite still seeming to be a little upset, gave one right back. 

When Ren approached his seat, he noticed Itsuki was entertained in a conversation with his girlfriend, who had taken the desk in front of him. Taiko, whose hair was constantly changing colors and now was a very dark navy-blue, was talking to some other boys at the front of the class. Then, his eyes fell on Niko, who had an open book on his desk, clearly not paying any attention to his surroundings. Instead, his chin was resting on his fist, as he gave not-so-subtle glances at Kai, who seemed to be having an excited conversation with one of their classmates at the other side of the room.

Niko was so lost in his peeking, he didn’t even acknowledge Ren’s arrival. So, instead of taking his seat beside his friend, he took the empty one in front of him.

“Hey,” Ren said to get his attention. Niko jumped up a bit and gazed at him. He chuckled while asking, “Are you okay?”

He watched Niko blink a few times before answering, “Sure!” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Ren squinted and glanced at Kai.

“You worried about something?

Niko studied Ren for a beat, then sighed. “I hate your fucking hawk eyes.”

Letting out an amused chortle, Ren rested his forearms on the backrest of the chair, waiting for an answer. Niko sighed one more time.

“It’s stupid.”

Ren raised one eyebrow. “I’m guessing this isn’t about that guy hitting on Kai,” he mused. Niko shook his head. “So… what is it?”

“They’re… talking about university. Kai already has a few ideas about what he wants to do,” Niko said in a low, dejected voice. “And I don’t.”

Oh. That was always a sensitive subject for Niko. His self-esteem regarding academic skills was low to zero. Not that he was a terrible student, in Ren’s opinion. He just struggled paying attention and sitting still to study and take exams. His talent was more directed at sports, and he excelled in his goalie position in soccer, having even received an award for best goalie in their prefecture back in middle school. From what he’d told Ren right when they’d become friends a few months ago, that  had been enough for Niko back then, even if Kai had won the same prize for best forward. They were different positions, after all.

But then both of them had joined the same high school, and Niko saw that Kai didn’t excell only in soccer, but also quickly became the number one student in their year. So all the attention Niko had been used to getting in middle school was suddenly outshined by Kai. That was one of the many things that had prevented Niko from admitting his feelings for Kai at first, having developed an inferiority complex that lasted even after they’d become friends and started dating.

“To be honest, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get into one,” Niko murmured.

“You’re right, that is stupid,” Ren said, making Niko frown. “Of course you’re able to do whatever you want. I mean, maybe not everything. I wouldn’t trust you as, like, a fashion designer, cause you dress terribly and I don’t think that’s fixable,” he joked, earning a hit on his head. 

“Jerk,” Niko mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“But seriously.” Ren straightened up. “You have so many skills, Niko! You’re so sociable. And one of the best athletes I know.”

Niko pursed his lips, insecurity written all over his face, as though none of that was enough. “I know now that I’m not as useless as I used to think. But…” He bit his lower lip for a second, “Sometimes I’m reminded of how far behind Kai I am. Even as an athlete, he’s…” Niko winced. “Just as good as me.”

Ren chortled at how alive their competition instincts still were with each other regarding soccer. Letting that slip, though, he bent one forearm up so he could rest his chin on his fist. “The way I see it, you’re not far behind him at all. On the contrary, you guys are insufferably glued to each other.”

He got another hit on his head and laughed.

“I’m being serious, you idiot,” Niko said a bit louder.

“I know.” Ren smiled. “So am I.” He shot an intense gaze at his friend. “Niko, Kai is crazy about you. I really haven’t met anyone as in love as he is with you. And he sees just how amazing you are, even more than you do.” A flick of hope crossed Niko’s caramel irises. “You guys are gonna reach great things, and you’ll always have each other’s backs while you do it. All those thoughts of yours are just your insecurity speaking. Don’t let it get the best of you.”

Despite himself, Niko’s lips started curling up. He averted his eyes. That’s when Ren knew his friend was back to his senses. Even though he’d known Niko only for eight months, and really only got closer to him four months ago, Ren already knew him well. Niko was easy to understand and talk to; which was surprising, considering how different he and Ren were.

But he saw how much happier Kai was with Niko, and that alone already said a lot about the latter. Moreover, Niko was the first person Ren wished to become long-term friends with other than Kai. Because Niko had this trustworthy energy, though he didn’t realize it himself.

“Is everything okay?” They heard Kai’s voice and broke eye contact, looking towards him. “You guys look so serious.”

Niko showed an honest smile this time and shook his head. “We’re good. Just talking.”

After studying their faces for a beat, Kai leaned in to place a kiss on his boyfriend’s head, sniffing the tousled blonde hair before straightening back up. Niko’s blush went all the way to his ears, but he seemed very pleased with the display of affection. It was nice to see their intimacy developing during their months together. Not to mention very amusing.

“Get out of my chair,” Kai demanded, turning to Ren.

“Oh, wow, don’t I get a loving kiss on the head too?” Ren pouted playfully.

Niko’s caramel eyes narrowed as Kai rolled his own, shoving Ren off his chair. 

Ren laughed and obliged, going to his own desk. “You’re a bunch of ungrateful people,” he said with pretended hurt. 

“Yeah, yeah… Go ask Akiyama to comfort you,” Kai snarked indifferently.

Ren glanced at Akiyama from the corner of his eye and saw him laughing at something one of his friends was saying. Then, he turned his uninterested gaze forward.

“Nah, I’m good,” he replied, shrugging, just as their teacher came into the room.

“I cannot wait to see you fall in love so I can tease you back,” Niko grumbled to him before turning forward.

Simply chuckling, Ren opened his notebook. “Don’t hold your breath. I have a lot to accomplish before that happens.”