Let's forget about the rest *Naegami oneshots*

I'm keeping an eye out

Warning:
This story includes mentions of self-harm and depression.
___________________________________

Makoto POV

Ever since Byakuya found out I'm depressed and prone to self-harm, I've noticed some changes in his behavior. They're small, but they're there.

For example, he seems to pay me more attention. Every time when I'm by myself, I catch him glancing over at me. Or when I'm talking to someone, he inches just a little bit closer.

I only noticed this because, well quite frankly, I've kinda been watching him too. It's just that, now that he knows, I'm a bit scared of what he might do now.

So far I don't really know what to think of it all, so I suppose for now I'll just have to wait and see.

"Hello, Makoto." Celeste greets me while standing next to my desk.

"Hey, Celeste." I answer back. We just got paired up for a group project where we have to showcase our ultimates combined. I guess the teacher paired us up since gambling and luck kinda go hand in hand. Even though the teachers recognize me as the ultimate lucky student, my classmates decided to give me a new title, seeing how unlucky I really am. So new they usually refer to me as the ultimate hope. 

"So unfortunately I have the displeasure to be paired up with you. The only student present who is not special in any way whatsoever." She begins while looking down with sad eyes and furrowed brows. All to drive home the fact that she is the victim here.

"Luckily for you however I will do my very best to steer this project the right way. All you have to do is do exactly as I say. Do you understand? " Her face caresses an innocent yet dominating smile to silence anyone who would dare oppose her. Including me.

"Yes sure." Arguing is just asking for more trouble anyway. I remember Hiro trying once and she completely lashed out at him. It was almost scary how quickly her demeanor can change.

"Good, I knew we would see eye to eye." And with that, she makes her way back to her desk for the next period.

Timeskip

School had been exhausting. I can't wait to get back to my dorm and listen to some music. The hallways of the school were almost empty. It was my turn this week to stay and clean the blackboard, so everyone else had already left. At least, that's what I thought.

"Say Naeggi," Byakuya was walking in the hallway right behind me.

"Ah! Togami, hey. I thought you'd left already." I laugh nervously while scratching the back of my neck. 

"What was that you and Celeste were discussing in class?" He said clearly ignoring my last statement.

"Ah well, we got paired for that class project." Why did he even want to know? Why is he keeping in check with me? He only hums in response, however. 

"Be careful alright. Don't let her walk all over you." That kind of caught me off guard. Just as much as with how he reacted when he found out about... that. I remember how scared and tired I was. I had lashed out at him and bared the wounds buried in my heart, my biggest weakness. And yet, despite that, he consoled me.  Byakuya Togami consoled me in my most weak and pathetic state. I still don't entirely trust it, but right now this does seem like a lot of work for him just to get at me.

"Are you actually concerned about me?" I ask a little apprehensively. 

"I just know how... persuasive she can be." he paused looking for the right word.

"Ah yes, that's just her. Don't worry I can handle myself." He didn't seem very convinced. Ouch. 

"Alright. If anything gets out of hand, come to me about it." It seems more like a command than an offer. Still, the sentiment is appreciated.

Then, it finally clicked with me. The strange changes in his behavior. It seems like that's just his creepy way of being protective. Byakuya really isn't as terrible as everyone thinks he is. Realizing that, a smile grows on my face completely out of my control. I don't mind it though. I'm happy.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." And with that, he left again.

That moment still stuck with me though. I can't really say why. I guess it was just unexpected. All this time I might have been wrong about his true intentions. If he really cares, then I guess I can relax. 

Again I caught myself smiling without me having anything to do with it. My cheeks warming comfortably along with my chest. I put on my headphones and turn on some music. My body fully relaxes while my mind drifts off along with the notes playing. Uchiage Hanabi by Kenshi Yonezu and Daoko, it's a sappy love song, but I was in the mood for something like that.

Then a new realization hit me. I like Byakuya Togami. During the song, he keeps popping up in my mind and I've had a crush before, so I know what it feels like. Still, this is something I will not pursue. Doing so will only cause another bad ending. So for now, I will push them aside until I grow numb.

I turn off the music and notice on my screen that Celeste had sent me a message. Let's just get to work.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay this was very cliche, I'm sorry.

But y'know what, most of these chapters here will be anyways lololololo

Thank you so much for reading, if you have any suggestions or requests, please feel free to ask~