Warnings-None
Pairing: Shin Soukoku (Atsushi x Akutagawa)
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Atsushi Nakajima had never been one for deception, but desperate times called for desperate measures. As the latest social event of the Armed Detective Agency loomed closer, he found himself in a predicament that he couldn't solve with his usual quick thinking or tiger claws. He needed a date, and fast. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to ask anyone out, Atsushi found himself with no options left.
Enter Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the last person Atsushi would have ever considered for such a role. The brooding member of the Port Mafia was, in many ways, his polar opposite. Their relationship was complicated, a mix of rivalry, resentment, and an unspoken understanding. Yet, when Atsushi found himself backed into a corner, Akutagawa was the only person who came to mind.
“Why should I help you with this foolish request, Weretiger?” Akutagawa’s voice was as cold and sharp as always, his dark eyes narrowing at Atsushi’s awkwardly fidgeting form.
Atsushi winced at the tone but steeled himself. “I know it’s ridiculous, and you have no reason to say yes. But I need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend for this event. I…I don’t want to show up alone and be the odd one out again.”
Akutagawa stared at him in silence, his expression unreadable. Atsushi couldn’t tell if he was about to be insulted or flat-out rejected, but instead, Akutagawa simply sighed and crossed his arms.
“And why should I care about your social anxieties, Weretiger?”
Atsushi bit his lip, wondering the same thing. He had no leverage over Akutagawa, no way to make him agree to something so absurd. He had just been desperate and foolish enough to ask.
“Because… because if you do this, I’ll owe you a favor,” Atsushi offered, his voice trembling with uncertainty. “And I know you’d love to have something to hold over me, right?”
Akutagawa’s gaze flickered, just for a moment, with something resembling interest. “A favor, huh? Interesting. Fine, I’ll do it. But don’t think I’ll let you off the hook easily, Nakajima.”
The words were barely out of Akutagawa’s mouth when Atsushi’s heart leaped. He’d expected this to be more difficult, maybe even impossible, but there he was—Ryunosuke Akutagawa, his rival, agreeing to be his fake boyfriend for a night.
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The evening of the event arrived sooner than Atsushi would have liked. He felt a mix of anxiety and nervous anticipation as he made his way to the Agency’s gathering, with Akutagawa walking silently beside him. The mafioso was dressed sharply, a stark contrast to his usual black attire. Atsushi couldn’t help but notice how well Akutagawa cleaned up, not that he’d ever admit that out loud.
As they entered the venue, all eyes turned towards them. Atsushi could practically hear the collective gasp as his colleagues saw him arm-in-arm with Akutagawa. Kunikida’s eyes widened in shock, while Dazai’s lips curled into a knowing smile.
“Is that… Akutagawa?” Kyouka asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Yes, it is,” Atsushi replied, doing his best to sound confident. “He’s… he’s my boyfriend.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before the room erupted into a mixture of reactions—surprise, confusion, and even a hint of amusement from some. Atsushi could feel his cheeks burning with embarrassment, but Akutagawa’s presence beside him was strangely grounding.
The evening continued with Atsushi and Akutagawa playing their roles as a couple. They stayed close, exchanged a few words here and there, and even shared a brief, awkward dance. Atsushi was painfully aware of how forced it all felt, but Akutagawa was surprisingly cooperative, even going as far as to wrap an arm around Atsushi’s shoulders when someone from the Agency started asking too many questions.
As the night wore on, Atsushi found himself relaxing. The initial tension began to fade, and he started to enjoy Akutagawa’s company, even if it was just an act. There were moments when he caught glimpses of something softer beneath Akutagawa’s usual harsh exterior, something that made him wonder if this fake relationship wasn’t entirely fake after all.
When the event finally ended, Atsushi and Akutagawa left together, the cool night air a welcome relief after the heat of the crowded room. They walked in silence for a while, neither of them in a rush to break the moment.
“Thank you,” Atsushi said finally, his voice soft. “I know this was just pretend, but… it meant a lot to me.”
Akutagawa looked at him, his expression unreadable once more. “Don’t mention it. But remember, you still owe me that favor.”
Atsushi nodded, though his mind was already spinning with thoughts of what that favor might be. He had no idea what Akutagawa would ask for, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this night had changed something between them.
As they parted ways, Atsushi couldn’t help but wonder if their fake relationship might have sparked something real.
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830 words
:3
