Lighter | Noriaki Kakyoin

4| Weird

"So, did you know Yubi is dating Kakyoin, Semi?"

We both choked on our food as Chiyoko acted like an angel delivering his message. This right here is one of the reasons why I sometimes searched for a quiet place to have lunch alone.

"It's not true! She's mocking me!" I tried hitting her, but she shrunk away like the giggling snake she is. "Why do you do this to me?"

"Is there something I'm missing?" Semi finally composed himself after taking a sip or two of water.

"Oh, haven't you heard?" I gathered all my inner strength to give her the angriest stare I could manage. "Those two are onto something. They even had lunch together."

"I cannot believe you broke our trinity. And for what? Some d-"

"Okay! I'll have to stop you right there." Semi didn't know boundaries when it came to mockery. It was both what made him funny and the reason for our occasional fights. "We just happened to meet by chance, that's all." I returned all my attention to my food to make them think I didn't care about this topic. Which I did, by the way.

"The transfer student is a suspicious guy. I heard people saying he's been acting strange." His tone immediately dismantled my act, and my hunger dissipated with it.

"What do you mean? Where did you hear this?" So much for my 'I couldn't care less about Kakyoin' character.

"Chill, I heard gossip on the corridors." Fully aware he has our undivided attention, he straightened his posture and continued the show. "People say he's always checking behind his back. Not only that but also every sudden sound puts him on his edge." The mention reminded me of that day when he showed more worry than necessary to that noise on our way back. "He's a scaredy-cat."

"Don't call him that." It felt wrong sitting here listening to this, though I wasn't sure what my motivation for defending him was. "He's a very kind guy, actually."

"Yubiii... You've already fallen victim to his enchantment." Chiyoko cried out as she wiped invisible tears. "You can't let his charms blind you!"

"I don't say this a lot, but Chiyoko is right." I did giggle this time, but I wasn't agreeing with all this. "Pretty guys will only fool you into giving them your skin."

"So good to know mine is safe when I'm around you, Semi." I snapped, sensing the tinge of jealousy on his tone. "Stop with the mockery, you two. This isn't funny."

"Not for you..." Chiyoko pointed out, her being the one having the most fun in all this mess.

The rest of the day went on, but I couldn't shake this conversation out of my head.

...

It was my turn today to make sure the class was kept clean and organized, so I waited for everyone else to leave.

"You're staying for cleaning today?" Kakyoin came to me when we were alone. After I nodded, he set his bag back to his desk. "I will lend a hand."

"There's no need, though help is appreciated." I gave him my best smile, happier than normal to have time alone with him.

We resumed our usual silence as we worked, and I enjoyed his company even without words. There was always a controlled discipline to everything he did, not at all like a scaredy-cat.