Frustration

Chapter 14

"This place sure has changed," Fubuki comments as they settle down on a vacant table with their food.

"I guess so," Shu agrees. "The renovations aren't nearly as impactful if you're the one gradually scheduling them."

"Mhm," Fubuki hums, the logic making sense, then starts unsurely as though treading on thin ice. "That Lain guy..."

Shu perks up from his food, expecting some queries about Lain sooner or later.

"You're just his mentor, right?" Fubuki inquires, staring at Shu's expression which remains impassive.

"Yeah," Shu confirms confidently. Fubuki is really sharp, what did Lain say which aroused suspicion?

"It's like Aiger all over again," Fubuki sighs, dejected. "Shu, you're busy. And because you're a kind person, it doesn't mean that you have to make him your problem."

"Fubuki, I won't give up on him." Shu states sternly, a steely look imprinted on his scarlet hues. "Valt never gave up on me. You should know, after all, you and the rest of us also believed and supported Aiger and now, he's on a good path." Shu smiles serenely, genuinely happy. "You see, Lain, he's all alone. He has no friends nor family. He's not as fortunate as me or Aiger, it isn't fair to him."

"I see your point Shu," Fubuki eases, resigned.

"Fubuki, I'm not as kind as you think. It may be more selfish than that... A way to repent for my past. To bestow enough light on others that the darkened imprint Redeye left within is washed away."

"Shu," Fubuki breathes, worried, his mentor despite his stable exterior, lacks a healthy mentality and outlook.

"Hm, I should go and check on Lain." Shu says, eyes drifting to the clock. "You still have ten minutes, make sure to finish your food."

"Okay," Fubuki complies, though Shu takes and deposits his own unfinished food to the kitchen.

Fubuki knows that Shu is easy to take advantage of, with his willingness to help regardless of the impact it has on himself. He can also guess that Lain has little to no care for that and continues to rely and rely on Shu. While he's here, he'll distance Shu from Lain.

Because Fubuki isn't as selfless as Shu, and he doesn't want Shu to suffer all because of Lain's madness.

...

"Lain, how're you doing?" Shu calls out as he walks into the training room.

"Isn't it obvious, I'm not pathetic," Lain gruffs. "You're back early."

"Realised with your negligent care to your health, you probably were going to starve until lunch." Shu explained, walking over and passing Lain a protein bar with a bottle of milk.

Lain eyed the food, contemplating, then snatched it, sitting on the stool.

"Your pet isn't around."

"Lain, he's a student, like you."

"He's nothing like me."

"Nevertheless, please don't initiate arguments, luckily Fubuki is cool-tempered but everyone has a breaking point."

"Why should I care?" Lain grumbles, Fubuki wasn't his business in the least.

"Lain, don't be difficult. I want to help Fubuki, he may not show it, but he's struggling right now-"

Shu found his words muffled by the firm press of Lain's lips on his. Before Lain's hands settled on his shoulder to ground him, Shu instantly escaped taking three steps backwards, bringing the back of his fist to cover his mouth.

"Shu-"

"You didn't ask." Shu interrupts him coldly. "Do not test me Lain, also Fubuki will be back any minute now, I said it will not be known to him."

"Kay," Lain grits out. "So can I..."

"He'll be back soon, is it urgent? What's got you riled up?" Shu asks, in simcere worry, he can't bring himself to ignore his pupil.

"That stupid student."

"No name calling."

"That guy," Lain corrects, haughty.

"Alright, come with me," Shu says, leading him into the storage room.

As soon as they enter, Lain initiates, shoving his tongue inside Shu's mouth. Shu schools his face into a picture-perfect stoic expression. Lain rests his hands on the door, either side of Shu's head, heading to the rule of no suggestive body-contact.

Shu feels more aware of Lain's tongue prodding and intertwining with his own. Shu wouldn't mind if Lain's hand cupped his face, nor could he ignore the rampant beat of his heart- As soon as Shu fully comprehends his thoughts, he shuts them in the cavern of the tightly-closed box in his heart.

Lain notes the distracted haze in Shu's eyes and groans into the kiss. Who is he thinking about? That twerp of a student? Shu should only focus on him.

Lain bites Shu's lower lip causing his teacher to stifle a yelp and his eyes to widen. Lain smirks into the kiss, stressing the lip between his teeth.

Shu pats Lain's shoulder and Lain reluctantly parts.

"What is it?" Lain urges, he knows he has time.

"Listen carefully, Fubuki's back."

And true to Shu's explanation, slight noises of footsteps were palpable from the other side of the room.

"Urgh, scew that guy." Lain growls.

"Stop that, Lain." Shu berates, "come on, let's go."

Lain intentionally doesn't mention the red bite marks he left on his lips. Let Fubuki see who Shu really belongs to.