Lighter | Noriaki Kakyoin

7| Partners

The library has never seen so many students at once, even though I could count only about a few dozen people. Some, like me, came to watch and cheer, while others came as contestants.

"So you were here after all." A familiar voice finds its way to me from my back, making me hastily turn. Semi stares down at me with a tight upper lip. "You're not good at video games. Why are you here?"

"First of all, you are both rude and wrong for stating that." I pointed my finger at him so that my words would have more power. "And second, it's none of your business." My hand lingered in the air as I heard yet another familiar voice calling from behind.

"Yu-chan!" I could feel my cheeks burn with heat as Semi raised an eyebrow at me. I peeked behind me to see Kakyoin approaching us with a cautious smile stroking his face. He's never called me this before, has he? "I'm glad to see you came." His gaze fell down on me and only me, ignoring the man behind me on what I imagined was on purpose.

"Of course! Kakyoin, this is Semi. He's the third friend I mentioned earlier." I give them space to acknowledge each other. For a moment, I could swear Kakyoin's smile became more cat-like, his eyes growing sharper.

"Oh, then I must apologize for borrowing Yu-chan so many times." His grin didn't indicate he felt any sorry, though. "I simply cannot help myself, she's always so pleasant to have around. Don't you agree?"

"Yeah, sure. You're really full of yourself." Analyzing them from a step away, I could notice they were about the same height. However, Kakyoin had a much better posture, giving him the size advantage. They did look like those wild animals fighting for territory right now. The picture made a small chuckle escape my lips.

They both turned to me at the same time, their brows furrowed, making me instantly regret it. Kakyoin looked like he was about to say something, his hands on his hips very threateningly, but was interrupted by the coordinator's announcement. The tournament was about to start.

"Well, I'll have to leave you now." He messed my bangs softly. "I will make sure to give it my all since you'll be watching." I just nodded, still feeling the heat of his palm on my forehead.

"Close your mouth, you big-eyed buffoon." Semi grumped as soon as we were alone again. For the note, my mouth wasn't open, he was just mocking me. As for my eyes, maybe they were a little bigger than usual.

"You're gonna stay too?" I asked, not really sure which answer I preferred.

"Nothing better to do." He proceeded to go ahead to the crowd's designated place.

The games were even quicker than I expected. I was cheering for Kakyoin, but his matches ended so quickly I barely had time for it. He finished the racing game with a lap and a half of advantage, all the while with a serious and concentrated expression. He went on unbeaten, and that appeared to worsen Semi's mood.

"This is the last game! We got here rather fast, didn't we?" Our history teacher declared, and everyone's gazes fell upon the culprit for such a short championship. He didn't seem to notice, and if he did, he couldn't care less. "Now the last game is a little different. We want to encourage team play, and for that each of you will choose an eliminated player for a 2x2. Note that only one will receive the prize."

There was a small commotion between the contestants. I saw Kakyoin detach himself from the crowd to speak to the teacher. The latter called the coordinator, and they discussed for a few moments. They seemed to have given a thumbs up, but I couldn't hear much from here.

The next thing I knew, Kakyoin was walking towards the crowd. Towards me? My heartbeat raced as everyone watched him approach me and grab my pulse, delicately leading me away from the rest. His other hand cupped behind my ear so he could whisper something, and I could only pray he hadn't noticed me shivering.