𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐓 ➛ ryusae

chpt 21 ➛ sae

After carefully selecting an outfit, Sae stood before his mirror, appraising his reflection. He'd opted for something comfortable yet sharp—a lightweight sweater in a brown color paired with light denim jeans and sleek sneakers. It was a subtle departure from his usual style, but one that still felt distinctly him. As he adjusted the collar of his sweater, he caught himself smiling faintly. It had been a while since he'd put this much thought into an evening.

By the time Sae stepped into the hallway room, Shidou was already waiting, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. Shidou had swapped his usual loud patterns for a dark button-up, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with black jeans and boots. His hair was slightly more tamed than usual, though the wild streaks still framed his face. When his gaze landed on Sae, his eyes lit up.

"Wow," Shidou said, his voice dropping into something low and appreciative. "You clean up nice, superstar."

Sae arched a brow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Nice? That's all I get?"

Shidou laughed, stepping closer and wrapping his hand around Sae's waist. "Okay, okay, you look incredible. I mean it." He leaned in slightly, his golden eyes scanning Sae from head to toe. "Almost too good. Makes me feel insecure."

Sae fingers brushed Shidou's collar as he straightened it with deliberate care. He let his hand linger just a moment too long, his eyes meeting Shidou's with a sly glint. "You look good too," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Almost makes it hard to focus on anything else."

Shidou's grin widened, a flicker of mischief igniting in his golden eyes. "Oh? Is that so?"

Sae tilted his head, his gaze steady and teasing as a faint smirk played on his lips. "And if it is?"

Shidou let out a delighted laugh, leaning in closer, the air between them practically crackling with tension. "Careful, princess. Keep that up, and we might not make it to the date."

Sae chuckled softly, brushing past Shidou as he headed past him. "Then you'd better hurry up. Wouldn't want to waste all my charm in one place." Shidou followed eagerly, his usual swagger in every step.

As they passed Rin and Isagi, who were now seated on the couch, and Rin glanced up. "Leaving already?"

"Yes sir," Shidou said with a grin, slinging an arm around Sae's shoulders as if to emphasise his point. "Got places to be."

Isagi gave them a small wave, leaning against the doorframe with an easy smile. "Have fun, you two," he said warmly.

Sae nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm, while Shidou, as usual, couldn't resist being over the top. He threw an exaggerated thumbs-up, his grin stretching wide. "Don't worry, we will loads of fun." he replied, his voice full of excitement.

The two stepped out of the dorm, the cool evening air greeting them as they walked down the path toward the campus gates. The sky above was still light, with soft clouds scattered here and there, hinting at the approaching sunset but not quite there yet. The grounds were peaceful, the distant sound of a few students chatting blending with the rustle of leaves in the breeze. They walked side by side, the difference in their energy clear—Shidou practically buzzing with excitement, while Sae moved with his usual quiet confidence.

Waiting at the curb was a sleek black taxi, polished to a shine that reflected the soft evening light. Its driver stood patiently beside the vehicle, occasionally glancing at his watch but wearing a neutral expression that suggested he was used to clients taking their time.

Shidou, never one to miss an opportunity for flair, stepped ahead and pulled the door open with an exaggerated bow and a playful smirk. "Your chariot awaits, my liege," he said, his tone dripping with mock formality.