Against the Odds: When the Quality is Bad But I Am

IV

-A Day Later-

   Today was a Friday. That meant they had their extracurricular class. The extracurricular classes switched every semester, and this semester, it was cooking. Devon wasn't a big cook, and he certainly wasn't a three-star Michelin chef, so the way he "branded" himself was sort of a lie. As much as he said he was good at everything, he really wasn't. He was the first to admit that no one was perfect. Even so, he strived to be.

The class's cooking teacher had mentioned what they would be doing in the class, which excited Devon. They would be making cupcakes. The only problem was that he needed a partner. And being that his cooking and baking skills sucked, he didn't want just anyone for his partner. He wanted a person who wouldn't judge, at least not too much.

Devon knew many people would ask him to be that "partner," but again, he didn't want just anyone. He specifically had someone in mind. He didn't exactly know if this "partner" would not judge his lack of baking skills, but if it were Sae, he knew he would be able to take it. So, as the class started to fill, he kept his head down and pretended to be busy so people wouldn't bother him or ask him. Devon would feel bad if he would have to turn down anybody this early in the morning, especially considering he went to bed around four AM.

Despite how desperate he was to be Sae's partner. He didn't want to come off as clingy and needy, even though that's how he was.

Anyway

Devon casually stood up, stretching his back to appear more laid back and nonchalant. He walked over to Sae and sat in the seat in front of him as there was no one there, and there was still some time before everyone was in the room. Sae didn't have a reaction to this, which was expected. Devon stared at Sae before asking him the question he had prepared.

"Can we be partners?"

He laced the question with as much confidence as possible, but his voice came out small. Without even realizing it, he fidgeted with the end of his hoodie's sleeve. Sae didn't seem to notice, which made Devon sigh a breath of relief. Sae only tilted his head and raised a brow.

"What?"

Ohh

Sae hadn't been here on Tuesday when the teacher announced the assignment they would do today. It made sense why he didn't understand. Devon exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. He couldn't help but chuckle a little too. He seemed so confused, and anyone would be if they were in the same situation. Devon watched as the corners of his mouth rose.

"What's so funny?"

"No, no, it's just I forgot you weren't here. Well, anyway, we're making cupcakes today, and I was wondering if you would be my partner."

Devon watched as Sae's expression came to one of realization. Sae shrugged his shoulders and smirked.

"What will I get from being your partner?"

Devon rolled his eyes. He should've expected this reaction from him. He really should have known better, being that nothing was easy to get when it was with Sae. Devon pulled his knees to his chest and faced Sae all the way. He mimicked Sae's action by shrugging his shoulders and smirking.

"You'll have a hot, smart, and good-baker partner."

He motioned the action of counting on his finger for every quality he listed, even though the last one was a blatant lie.

Oh well

He'd find out eventually. This time, his comment arose a laugh out of the latter. Despite the laugh's quiet nature, Devon couldn't help but smile at the other's reaction.