Nothing's Changed [Byakuya × Renji]

21 - White Lies

Ganju sat through his first few classes puzzled, replaying what he saw the night before; Renji leaving Mr. Kuchiki's apartment and saying "I love you", resting his chin on his hand, staring out the window across the classroom, trying to figure out if his friend had lied about going on a date to avoid hanging out with him or if he was lying about having an afair with their substitute teacher.

"Mr. Shiba?" a familiar stoic and hushed voice brought the young Shiba's attention back to school, his substitute in front of him, leaning a hand on his desk; bet over ever so slightly so only the intended student could hear him. "Yeah? What's up Mr. Kuchiki?" Ganju took his hand away from his chin and cleared his throat, nervously adjusting his bandana in the back, "am I in trouble? I did my homework this time I promise!" Byakuya just chuckled quietly to himself and shook his head, "no, you're not in trouble. Though I would like to visit with you here during lunch if that's alright with you."

Oh fuck! I'm in some deep shit- "Mr. Kuchiki I swear whatever it is you think I did I didn't do it!" he whispered in a panic, pleading with his hands together in front of his face as if his life depended on it. "You're not in trouble, I just want to talk about what happened yesterday and earlier this morning with Renji,"

Ganju could feel his palms and armpits sweating a little more than normal, fidgeting with his bandana more "I'm really not in trouble? And can't we talk about it now?" he squinted out of nervousness, nervous for what? He didn't really know. "I really wouldn't want to take up any more of your class time than I already have, just meet me be here at lunch please," Byakuya calmly explained then stood up straight and walked back to his desk, resting his hands on his desk before taking his seat, his eyes fixed on the student he finished talking with.

Whilst he sat at his podium he couldn't help but notice multiple pairs of eyes on him, not just because he was the teacher—it was due to Ganju's outburst earlier that morning. He cleared his throat and picked up his pen, "eye's on your books please everyone, I would appreciate if you finished your reading before lunch." The raven spoke with slight annoyance and watched as his students returned to reading and jotting down important historical events or figures that they would need for their mid terms in the coming week.

The hours before lunch seemed to drag on. Both for students and their teachers, every tick of the clock felt like a year of their lives; every tick was just a reminder to Byakuya that he would have to talk with Ganju about his relationship with a certain spunky teen. Can't be that hard, he thought to himself just don't say everything, it'll all be ok he tried to calm his rising nerves and quickened heartbeat, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand and releasing a worry filled sigh whenever the lunch bell rang—glancing up to see Ganju stay seated, acting as if he was still reading and taking notes.

The older of the two felt a wave of relief wash over him; he stood up once the rest of the students had left, making his way over towards his still nervous student, sitting on the desk next to him. "I understand you're confused about my relationship with Renji, will you let me explain?" he spoke in a gentle tone, wanting to soothe the obviously confused teenager in front of him.

Said teen set his pecil down on his history book and nodded as he looked over to his substitute "yeah, that would be kinda nice." Defensive sarcasm oozed through his words and made Byakuya frown slightly while he tucked some of his hair behind his ear, "you see Renji and I have known each other for a long time, since we were both children." He started, releasing a nostalgic sigh with a faint smile that wished to morph into a giant grin.

"He and my little sister became really good friends and the three of us grew up together, he's like family to me. Don't you tell your sister you love her?" He asked while he raised a quizative eyebrow, tacking a small lie onto the truth. "I mean, sometimes we do," the muscular student leaned back in his seat and rested his hands on the back of his head, "but Renji said he had a date, he didn't say no when I asked him if you guys were on one either he just left, wanna explain that?"

That stumped the eldest Kuchiki. He pondered for a moment, trying to think of whatever excuse that he could until he thought of one, his confidence faltering as he started to speak without thinking. "He had his date before he came over to my place and from what I heard it went well, he just got a stomach bug and thought it was better today, guess not." Byakuya shrugged while tucking invisible strands of hair behind his ear out of habit, taking a quick glance at the student in front of him to see if he lied successfully

"Oh, poor guy," Ganju frowned a bit while he slouched in his chair, removing his hands from the back of his head to grab his phone from his pocket, "it's still lunchtime, can I go get some food?" the older of the two nodded and stood up, walked back over to his podium and started to gather his things. "Go ahead, have a good lunch Mr. Shiba."