MUNDANE HURT: Chapter 3

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It was just past six in the evening—an unusually “good child” hour for Nishizaki to be home—but he had the misfortune of running into his aunt, Miyoko, at the front door. She wore a floral dress under a trench coat, her makeup excessively thick, as if she were keeping a vibrant tropical fish on her face. Disturbing, not to mention that makeup like that on someone over fifty was downright painful to see. Of course, Miyoko remained blissfully unaware. Twirling her oversized earrings that were nearly half the length of her earlobes, she sneered, “Oh, home so early today?”

“I was over by the library,” Nishizaki replied smoothly. He hadn’t actually studied, but technically, he’d been in that “direction,” so it wasn’t a lie.

“Heading out, auntie?”

“Yes, your uncle’s friends invited us out for dinner. Being an adult means handling all these social obligations. Your mother’s so lucky being a widow—no burdensome events for her. Must be nice, relying on her family without working, just leeching off of them,” Miyoko remarked, slipping her usual sharp jabs into every spare second. As she busied herself putting on her shoes, Nishizaki paused beside her and exclaimed, “Oh!”

“Your coat hem is stained. That bright red—could it be...?”

“What?!” she screeched, twisting around in panic.

Not finding anything, she actually removed her coat to examine the hem.

“There’s nothing here.”

“Sorry, must’ve imagined it. Oh, by the way, Auntie—you’re already ‘past that point,’ right?”

Her heavily made-up face turned beet red, and she shook with rage.

“Men shouldn’t talk like that. Do you have no shame?!”

“Well, they teach us in health class that it usually stops around fifty. You’re stressing over nothing,” Nishizaki replied, laughing heartily as he ascended the stairs. As he climbed, he heard her slam the door shut so hard it made the house tremble. You’re the one who started this fight, he thought, sticking his tongue out as he flopped onto his bed. Reaching for the cigarette on his side table, he took a drag, exhaling into the dim room and recalling his “mission” at the park.

After school, he had left campus with Nagano. The library was a thirty-minute walk away and involved a steep uphill climb. Normally, he’d take a taxi, but with Nagano there, he held back. By the time they were halfway up the hill, he was panting for breath. Why was he even bothering like this? Changing up his lunch routine, enduring a rough trail, all just to talk? He’d rather be at an arcade or hanging out with girls, but here he was. And it was because he was curious. Curiosity was a powerful thing.

There was a park at the top of the hill. He’d push through until then. Setting the mood is important; if you don’t set the right tone, even a girl who was all for it will turn tail.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he said as they approached the park. He was out of breath, but Nagano looked completely calm.

“I was wondering when you’d bring it up.”

So he’d been waiting for Nishizaki to start the conversation, despite his stony silence.

“Mind if we stop by the park?”

Nagano gave a small nod. The park next to the library was large, with a pond in the center and lots of towering trees. When the weather was warm, kids often wandered around with nets, catching bugs. There was a shaded area concealed from view, a spot he knew well—he’d met up with his ex, Mai, there a few times for some intimate moments. It was his go-to secluded spot for privacy.

As they walked along the path, Nishizaki grabbed Nagano’s wrist and led him over a low fence, taking him into a quiet cluster of trees. The space created by the surrounding branches made a natural enclosure. The evening sun filtered through the leaves, dimming visibility enough that their faces were just barely distinguishable. Nishizaki’s eyes fell on the thick trunk behind Nagano. It was the same tree he’d pressed Mai against, whispering to her in the dark, fueled by the thrill that someone might hear. For a while, he’d been hooked on doing it outdoors, sneaking off to places like stairwells or under bridges, until he’d grown tired of it after a month.

“What’s this all about?” Nagano asked, glancing around.

“Aren’t we not supposed to go past the fence? I thought there was a sign saying, ‘Do not enter.’”

Tired of his model-student lecture, Nishizaki pulled harder on Nagano’s wrist, cutting off his words with a startled expression.

“Nobody comes here, that’s why.”

He gave his best charming smile, one that usually earned him compliments from girls, but Nagano didn’t seem affected; his face remained displeased. Nishizaki tightened his grip on Nagano’s elbows, holding him in place.

“What do you think of me?”

A brief silence.

“What… do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. How do you feel about me?”

Nagano studied him intently, like threading a needle.

“You don’t follow rules, but… you’re interesting.”

The first comment irked him, but Nishizaki continued, shaking Nagano’s elbows playfully. “Is that all?”

“You’re… friendly.”

“Uh-huh. Anything else?”

Nagano frowned thoughtfully, as if it pained him to think up compliments. This guy’s definitely not popular with girls, Nishizaki thought, now sure of it.

“How about something like ‘cool’ or ‘stylish’?”

Nagano, relieved to be handed an answer, repeated, “You’re cool.”

Nishizaki decided to get to the real reason he’d brought him here.

“There’s something I want your advice on.”

“The only thing I can think of advising you on is studying,” Nagano replied.

“There’s someone I like, but I can’t bring myself to tell them.”

Nishizaki laid it on thick, acting like he was pouring his heart out. But Nagano burst out laughing, catching him off guard. What the heck? He’s laughing when I’m being serious?

“What’s so funny?!”

“It just… sounds like you’re acting.”

Nishizaki’s face flushed. Damn, he totally saw through me.

“Honestly, Nishizaki, I’d have thought you’d just say it directly if you liked someone.”

Maybe he’s right; maybe confessions should fit your personality. Nishizaki mentally filed that away but kept going.

“Listen, the person I like is smart—a real brainiac, always glued to a textbook. Apart from being in the same class, we have zero in common, so keeping a conversation going is impossible. But I can’t help liking them. I hang around hoping they’ll notice me, but I don’t think they even realize I’m there.”

Nagano’s face turned serious, clearly catching on to who Nishizaki was talking about.

“Normally, like you said, I’d just tell them right away. But this time, I’m pretty sure it’d go badly.”

Nagano swallowed nervously.

“The person I like… is a guy. If I confess and he thinks I’m gross, I don’t think I could handle it.”

Nishizaki’s grip tightened slightly, showing his nerves.

“Honestly, do you think liking a guy is… gross?”

Nagano’s lips moved slightly, though no words came out. He seemed to be carefully choosing his response, which took a while.

“No, I don’t think it’s gross. There are all kinds of people in the world, so it makes sense that love comes in different forms.”

A textbook-perfect answer. Nishizaki was ready to take him at his word.

“Okay, so… if a guy confessed to you, what would you do?”

He pushed a little harder, watching as Nagano’s expression grew uneasy. When Nishizaki shook his elbow gently, Nagano finally looked him straight in the eye.

“I like you.”

Nagano froze, utterly silent, standing stiff as a board.

“I don’t know why, but I can’t stop feeling this way. I’ve never liked a guy before, so this is new for me. It feels messed up, like I’m some kind of creep. But I can’t stop.”

Nagano took a step back, and Nishizaki let go of his elbow.

“Do I gross you out?”

“No, it’s not that.” Nagano rubbed his forehead with his hand.

“Do you look down on me for it?”

“I don’t know what to do. I think you’re interesting, Nishizaki, but… I don’t know you well, and I’ve never seen you that way.”

Nishizaki took Nagano’s right hand and pressed it to his chest. He could feel Nagano’s hand trembling like a small kitten.

“Watching you run at the sports festival, I thought you looked incredible. I’m simple and easily impressed, I know.”

Nagano didn’t pull his hand away. Based on Nishizaki’s past experience, he knew this meant he had about a ninety percent chance.

“So… can I kiss you?”

“Huh?”

Nagano squeaked, sounding almost pitiful.

“Just once. If it grosses you out, you can shove me away.”

Nishizaki cupped Nagano’s cheeks, leaning in. It was a light kiss, barely a touch, like a quick peck he might give his mother’s cat. Nagano’s lips were cold and, unlike a girl’s, they were dry, rough as autumn leaves.

Nagano didn’t push Nishizaki away. Instead, he stood there like a stake driven into the ground, breathing in short, rapid breaths, as if on the verge of hyperventilating.

“Was that your first kiss, by any chance?”

Nagano didn’t deny it, just looked down, which made Nishizaki grin.

“Lucky me. But honestly, for a first kiss, getting stuck with someone like me must have sucked, huh?”

“Not really… it doesn’t matter…”

“Don’t worry; I’m not asking you to fall in love with me or anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I don’t plan on causing you any trouble, but I might ask for a kiss here and there. I’m nothing if not true to my desires.”

“...That’s…”

“Hey, aren’t you hungry?” Nishizaki asked, abruptly switching from love talk to food, leaving Nagano blinking, unable to keep up.

“Well… yeah, I guess…”

Toying with him like this made the conversation all the more fun.

“Just so you know, I really do like you,” Nishizaki said, flipping back to “romance mode” as he pulled Nagano into a firm hug, confident that he wouldn’t be pushed away.

“H-hey…” Nagano stammered as Nishizaki tightened his hold, hugging him tightly.

“I can’t get enough of you,” Nishizaki murmured, his heartbeat quickening as he got caught up in his own words. Even if it was half a joke, saying “I like you” made his excitement spike. This was entertaining.

After the confession, he left Nagano and went home to give him some time to process. Though it had only happened an hour ago, remembering Nagano’s serious reaction and that awkward first kiss brought a slight smile to his face. Tomorrow, seeing how Nagano would act toward him after the kiss would be something to look forward to.

“This is the best way to kill time,” he murmured to himself.

If only Nagano had a smartphone or even a flip phone, Nishizaki thought, he could send a text saying “I like you” to keep the pressure on… but it was frustrating to wait. With no other option, he sent Yuzuki a message on social media: “Close to scoring those shoes!” Yuzuki read it immediately, but no reply ever came.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

Sitting by the window in the school cafeteria, Nishizaki absentmindedly watched the scenery outside while eating his hamburger set. The cafeteria at Shirakashi East High School, rumored by students from other schools as a “must-visit spot,” was designed by a well-known interior designer who was an alumnus of the school. The spacious area was furnished with a variety of tables and chairs arranged in a stylish, café-like way. Although the prices were high, the food was delicious and included nutritionally balanced menus for athletes, making it extremely popular. By lunchtime, it was as crowded as a packed train.

The cafeteria also had a second floor restricted to teachers, student council members, and a select few students who had special permission. Known as the “VIP Room” among the general student body, entry required a pass, which Nishizaki possessed—courtesy of his uncle’s connections. Officially, it was because of his contributions to charity activities back in middle school, but that was just a cover; with money and the right connections, anything was possible. Thanks to this pass, Nishizaki could enjoy his lunch in peace on the second floor, unaffected by the chaos downstairs. Since each pass holder could bring in up to two guests, some students even approached him specifically for access. Yuzuki, who had tasted the VIP treatment once, pestered him endlessly with “Take me up there again,” which had become more than a little annoying.

Thinking of Yuzuki, Nishizaki was reminded of their bet, which he’d been so close to winning but now seemed to be slipping away. He might have to introduce Yuzuki to his busty ex. Annoying. He decided he’d stay quiet and wait for Yuzuki to bring it up if he wanted to discuss it.

It had been nearly four weeks since that confession at dusk. Nagano’s lack of outright rejection had made Nishizaki think he had this in the bag, but it turned out he’d been too optimistic.

The next day, Nagano had opened his trademark reference book on his desk as usual. Nishizaki approached him directly, greeting him with a casual, “Morning.” Nagano’s shoulder visibly flinched, so he couldn’t have missed it. Yet, he didn’t even look up or respond.

“About yesterday—I’m sorry if it was too much.”

Nagano’s ears turned red, a small but telling reaction.

“I thought about it, and my feelings haven’t changed, but I promise I won’t be a bother.”

Nagano, still looking down, finally raised his head, his face flushed as he looked at Nishizaki.

“I want to focus on my studies.”

“What?” Nishizaki couldn’t help but blurt out.

“So, it’s not possible. Class is starting soon… You should take your seat,” Nagano said, quiet but firm.

The soft but clear dismissal hit him. Did that mean “no”? That initial kiss and his warm reaction faded fast. And the reason? “I want to focus on my studies”—what kind of excuse was that? Was he actually being rejected because of studying? Did that mean he was just in the way? If Nagano wanted him to back off so badly, he could’ve just said yesterday, “Don’t come near me; you’re a distraction.”

As he returned to his seat, Nishizaki’s mood soured. All the effort he’d put in felt completely wasted. He could’ve spent that time chatting up girls, enjoying himself without the hassle. Even if it wasn’t groundbreaking, at least it wouldn’t have left him feeling like this.

He shot a venomous glance at Nagano’s hunched figure a few seats in front of him, mentally cursing, You can stick with your damn textbooks and jack off to them for all I care.

Normally, that would’ve been the end of his “playtime.” But despite the clear rejection, he found himself testing the waters with Nagano a few more times. Maybe it was the study excuse or the way Nagano seemed hyperaware of him—Nishizaki’s instincts, which were usually spot-on about these things, told him there was something there. And after declaring that his feelings hadn’t changed, he didn’t want to look like someone who’d back down after a single rejection.

Thinking it would come off as natural, Nishizaki had casually invited Nagano to walk to the next class together, only to get a curt, “I’d rather go alone,” in response. He ended up trailing along behind him, feeling miserable. Even though he’d told himself to give it up, the next day he’d still asked the housekeeper to prepare him a packed lunch, a contradiction he couldn’t quite shake. Mustering up the courage to say, “Let’s eat lunch together,” only to get a flat “No” in return chipped away at his resolve each time. It felt humiliating, and he kept wondering why he was getting so worked up over something that was supposed to be just a game. But despite everything, he kept approaching him. All this effort, only to feel defeated each time, was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet each time, he’d find himself thinking, Maybe next time, unsure of when to stop.

After being turned down repeatedly, Nishizaki finally lost his temper. “Don’t you know what polite conversation is?” But Nagano countered with his usual “I’m too busy studying,” a shutdown that left Nishizaki defeated. Yeah, right, he thought. Just admit that guys creep you out. But he bit his tongue, knowing any further pressure would only make things worse. With finals coming up, Nagano’s excuse about studying wasn’t entirely unconvincing.

Finals ended in the second week of December, but classes continued through the 23rd, with the cafeteria open as usual. Today, the final rankings were posted outside the teachers’ room. Nishizaki’s score would be somewhere in the middle, as always, and if it fell below that, it would be adjusted accordingly. It was an unspoken arrangement—grades could be bought if you had the money. This world treated the rich well.

Sick of getting rejected, Nishizaki had almost accepted that things with Nagano were probably hopeless, but he still left his seat and went down to the first floor. No, it was hopeless from the start, he thought, choosing not to dwell on it. With about ten minutes left of lunch, the cafeteria was nearly empty, and he spotted a familiar face—Yuzuki, sitting with his usual three friends. His “fly” squad that only buzzed over when they wanted a free lunch. After whispering something to his friends, Yuzuki separated from the group and headed over with a pleased expression, though he’d been giving Nishizaki the cold shoulder ever since the “close to getting those shoes” message.

“Did you see the final rankings?” Yuzuki asked.

“Nope. I assume Nagano’s on top as usual?”

“That’s the thing,” Yuzuki said, grinning slyly. “He’s not. Dropped from first to twenty-fifth.”

“Are you serious?”

“Dead serious,” Yuzuki said with an enthusiastic nod. “Twenty-fifth is fine for regular people, but for Nagano? All that studying, and it didn’t pay off.”

Nishizaki went to see for himself. Sure enough, the guy who was usually second had taken the top spot, with Nagano all the way down at twenty-five. Back in the classroom, Nagano was sitting at his desk, staring blankly out the window, his trademark reference book absent from his desk. This unexpected crash in his rankings had hit hard. Nishizaki considered saying something sympathetic, like, Rough time on the test? or Not feeling well? But there was a sense that it was better not to touch on it.

Just then, Yuzuki stood in front of his desk, blocking his view, smirking.

“So, did you see the rankings?”

Keeping his voice low, Yuzuki whispered so Nagano wouldn’t hear.

“Yeah, I saw.”

“Crazy, right? Nagano really did drop.”

Yuzuki’s own scores hovered just above average, nowhere near the twenty-fifth spot, so this drop in Nagano’s ranking hadn’t affected his own standing. It was pure schadenfreude for him.

“What do you think will happen if he keeps dropping?”

If Nagano’s scholarship depended on maintaining high grades, he’d probably have to leave school. But Nishizaki wasn’t about to offer that information, so he brushed him off with a “Don’t know.” When the bell rang, Yuzuki returned to his seat. As his view opened up again, Nishizaki’s eyes met Nagano’s, sending a jolt of unease through him. He hadn’t been talking about anything incriminating, but he felt he’d been caught. As he scrambled for an excuse, he realized how ridiculous it was to care. He’d tried everything, and Nagano had only pushed him away, treating him as an unwelcome intruder. He was seriously considering bowing out of this “game” for good. At this point, it didn’t matter what Nagano thought of him. So focused on studying that he pushed others away, only to watch his grades plummet? That was just karma. Serves you right, he thought, feeling unexpectedly refreshed by the conclusion.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the tedious class ended. The moment the teacher left, Nagano got up from his seat, heading directly toward Nishizaki rather than toward the teacher’s desk as expected.

“I need to talk to you.”

The words were so unexpected they nearly startled him. This was the first time Nagano had initiated a conversation since the confession. Up until now, whenever Nishizaki had approached him, he’d only backed away or outright avoided him. The idea of the usually aloof guy coming over of his own accord was baffling. Small talk would be welcome, sure, but with his recent ranking drop, Nishizaki couldn’t imagine it was going to be a “good talk.”

“Uh… what’s up?” he asked, no point pretending he hadn’t heard now that they were this close. Nagano’s eyes darted around, as if wary of anyone overhearing.

“This isn’t the place to talk.”

Nagano’s voice was lower than usual, and he seemed to be breathing heavily, as if even speaking was a strain. Nishizaki wondered if he actually wasn’t feeling well.

“Could I get some of your time after school?”

“Sure, I guess.”

At Nishizaki’s answer, Nagano gave a small nod and returned to his seat. Why the sudden change of heart? Nishizaki thought. What could he possibly want to discuss in private? Maybe it’s about that… could it be related to the confession? Or maybe, with his grades slipping, he was finally fed up with this guy who kept pestering him and wanted to make it clear once and for all, “Don’t talk to me again”—that prediction felt spot-on.

He doesn’t have to go through all this trouble; I’d back off if he’d just ignore me. He muttered in his head at the sight of Nagano’s shiny, worn-out jacket from behind, knowing, of course, his thoughts would never reach him.

◇:-:◆:-:◇

After a dreary afternoon class, Nagano approached Nishizaki’s desk with his worn, overstuffed bag slung over his shoulder. Standing before him, Nagano gave off an odd intensity.

“So, where do you want to talk?”

Nishizaki asked, but Nagano just looked around uncomfortably, as if at a loss for words. For someone who had initiated the conversation, he sure hadn’t thought it through. Typical of someone without a clue.

“Don’t you usually go to the library? How about we talk on the way?”

“No… I need somewhere quiet… somewhere where we won’t be disturbed.”

He shot down Nishizaki’s suggestion and only gave his own vague preference. With a sigh, Nishizaki mulled over options. Karaoke would be ideal, but Nagano probably couldn’t afford it, and offering to pay would likely just trigger that stubborn pride of his, leading to yet another sulk. Running out of options, Nishizaki finally leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone,” and suggested the hidden refuge of the old school building, where he happened to have a key.

“How do you have the key to this place?”

“Aren’t students supposed to stay out?”

Annoyed by the barrage of questions, Nishizaki told him, “I’ll explain later—just keep quiet for now.” He led him up to the second floor of the old building, into a wide classroom where all the desks had been moved to the back. Sunlight filtered through a gap in the curtains, casting the room in an orange glow. As Nishizaki settled into a worn swivel chair, dust swirled in the air. Meanwhile, Nagano wandered around, curiously inspecting the space.

“This place is incredible,” Nagano said, his voice filled with admiration. “I’ve always wondered what it looked like inside. The details on the columns are impressive, and the inlaid wood on the walls and ceiling—it’s a shame they don’t use it.”

To Nishizaki, it was just a place where he could nap in peace, dust and all. They could faintly hear the shouts of the baseball team practicing from across the grounds, though this secluded classroom offered the calm Nagano had requested. Despite that, Nagano seemed hesitant to get to the point.

“So, you said you had something to tell me?”

Nagano stopped pacing, then slowly walked closer. Despite the silence and the fact they could talk easily from a distance, he came so close that their knees nearly touched, looking down at Nishizaki with a strange intensity. The uncomfortably close distance was suffocating, making Nishizaki want to back away, but he was trapped against the podium.

Nagano’s body swayed slightly as he leaned in, suddenly gripping Nishizaki’s wrists with surprising force, raising them to face level.

“I… can’t do this anymore.”

Nagano’s gaze was intense, his eyes bloodshot and red with an urgency that was unsettling. Nishizaki was genuinely afraid.

“Can’t focus.”

“Can’t focus on what?” Nishizaki asked.

Nagano lowered his gaze. “On studying,” he answered quietly.

“Well, what do you want me to do about that?”

Nagano looked up again, his face trembling.

“I… I can’t stop thinking about you, Nishizaki.”

His face was flushed a deep red, not just from the setting sun, and his cheeks were twitching slightly with nerves. Wait, does he…? Nishizaki’s heart pounded in his chest.

“Every time I try to concentrate, I remember you. That day… at the park… the k-”

Nagano fell silent, his face now a burning red, his trembling fingers refusing to let go of Nishizaki’s wrists.

“Am I… am I some kind of pervert for thinking about it over and over?” His voice was almost desperate, as if about to break.

The realization hit Nishizaki like a wave, making his head swim. This guy… he likes me? Like, really likes me? He’s been thinking about that kiss, so much that he can’t even study? The thought that Nagano, the same guy who’d been coldly pushing him away, had been agonizing over a kiss made Nishizaki’s lips curve into a grin, fighting back laughter.

“Don’t just stand there—say something. You usually never shut up.” Nagano’s voice was thick with frustration.

Finally, Nishizaki raised his head, feeling the thrill of holding the ultimate trump card: Nagano likes him. Straightening his shoulders, he met Nagano’s gaze confidently.

“Even if you’re asking for help, that’s really up to you, don’t you think?”

“Up to… me?” Nagano stammered.

“Yeah. What do you want, Nagano?”

“I… well…”

“Want me to tell you how you can get all the kisses you want?”

As he gently untangled Nagano’s trembling fingers from his wrists, Nishizaki stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked up at him with a sly smile.

“It’s really simple. Just say, ‘I like you. Will you go out with me…’”

Before Nishizaki could finish, he was pulled into a tight embrace. He’d held girls before, but being hugged by another guy was a first. Nagano’s brute strength made him feel like he was being squeezed breathless.

“P-please go out with me…” Nagano’s voice was trembling. Nishizaki, feeling crushed, tapped Nagano’s back, but Nagano’s grip didn’t ease.

“Oh, wait, I meant… I like you, so… please go out with me…”

“Okay, okay. I’ll go out with you, just… let me breathe a little.”

Nagano finally relaxed his hold, but barely had Nishizaki caught his breath when Nagano’s hand grabbed his chin, tilting his face up. And then their lips crashed together. It wasn’t anything like a romantic kiss—just a clumsy press of lips, without a trace of finesse. Even giving Nagano the benefit of the doubt, it was terrible. Just their mouths mashed together; what was he supposed to feel from this? As abruptly as it began, Nagano pulled back, his face beet-red. Their eyes met, and Nagano quickly looked down, shyly.

“Nagano,” Nishizaki called softly, and Nagano lifted his gaze.

“Tilt your head down a bit and open your mouth.”

Nagano obediently parted his lips. Nishizaki wrapped an arm around Nagano’s neck and kissed him again. This time, it wasn’t just a dry clash of lips. Warm, slick sensations—the soft give of real intimacy—replaced the earlier fumbling. Nishizaki moved his lips deliberately, then gently slid his tongue in.

Nagano jolted, his body trembling like a shy girl experiencing her first kiss. But a guy’s mouth didn’t feel any different from a girl’s. Nishizaki let his tongue trace the inside of Nagano’s teeth, teasing the hesitant tongue into play. Gradually, Nagano began to respond, his own tongue hesitantly joining in. The kiss became deeper, wetter—something far more sensual.

Even though this wasn’t leading to sex, it started to feel like foreplay. Nishizaki didn’t stop, letting the moment linger.

The distant chime of a bell tolled five o’clock, the sound cutting through their feverish haze. It was like a signal; their lips parted, almost instinctively, at the same time. While they’d been kissing, it had felt natural, but the small gap between them now made everything they’d just done feel absurdly embarrassing. What the hell are you doing, seriously making out with a guy? Nishizaki internally groaned at himself.

As he rubbed his hands against his uniform pants to distract himself, Nagano’s hand reached over, squeezing his hand. His heart pounded so wildly it was almost painful. Nagano’s thumb traced gentle circles on the back of his hand, squeezing it every so often in a way that felt oddly intimate. When Nishizaki looked up, their eyes met. Nagano’s gaze was soft, like he was dazed, and he didn’t even blink.

“So… what now?” Nishizaki asked, his voice slightly lower than usual.

“I… should go to the library,” Nagano said.

“Just skip it today.”

The words slipped out, and to Nishizaki’s surprise, Nagano simply replied, “Okay,” and squeezed his hand again.

“Let’s stay here a little longer,” Nishizaki said, “then we can head home together.”

“Alright.”

“You know, you’re good-looking, but… maybe a little too serious.”

Nagano gave his hand a small tug, and the momentum brought Nishizaki close enough to bump against him. Nagano pulled him into another tight embrace. The strength of his arms radiated an unmistakable I like you. It was like Nagano’s entire body was declaring his feelings.

Man, I’m irresistible. Turning this straight-laced nerd into a total lovesick puppy… I’m amazing. The thought sent a shiver of excitement through Nishizaki.

A fling with a guy was uncharted territory. It wouldn’t be the same as with a girl. He had no idea what was coming, but that was part of the thrill. For the first time in a while, Nishizaki felt like his dull school life might actually get interesting.

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