The bell rang loudly throughout the crowded school, signalling that the long day had finally come to an end. Students rushed around frantically, all trying to leave the grounds as soon as possible. Not Kiibo. Everyday after class he would wait at the doors for Ouma to emerge so they could walk home together and 'study', or so they liked to call it.
It had been a few minutes since everyone had evacuated, leaving a lonely robot standing alone. Ouma was late. He wasn't usually like this. Looking down, Kiibo checked his watch. 3:50. School had ended fifteen minutes ago and there was still no sign of anyone.
He sighed, adjusting his hat back on to his head, but it still seemed to cast an ominous shadow over his eyes which seemed to go with his mood. He was contemplating on leaving, convinced that maybe Ouma went home early. It was strange, though. He would usually inform Kiibo on why they couldn't walk home on the days he couldn't, which was rare. This was like a tradition for them and for either to miss out was...different.
After about another five minutes, Kiibo nodded, pulling the strap of his book bag further up on to his shoulder. He turned and stepped forward, his foot barely hitting the ground before a voice sounded out from behind him. "Wait, Kiibo!" He looked over his shoulder at the sound of his name, eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.
Before him stood Ouma, hands behind his head with a smile on his face. A wave of relief washed over him and a large weight seemed to have left his shoulders. He turned back again, the smile immediately wiping off his face as he saw two other people accompanying his boyfriend.
Behind Ouma, two taller boys stood. One had lime-green hair and multiple piercings and rings decorating his ears and fingers. The other looked to be more cautious with dark-navy, almost ebony locks. He, too, wore a hat, hiding most of his face.
Amami and Saihara.
They had more classes with Ouma than Kiibo did, only by one or two, but it still hurt.
"Sorry I'm late! I didn't get the homework given, so I asked Saihara and Amami for help!"
"You..needed two people to explain a subject to you for...nearly twenty five minutes..? You know I have the knowledge of nearly everything taught in school, right?" Kiibo pursed his lips, ignoring the heavy feeling in his chest.
"Algebra is haaard!" he whined back, pouting childishly.
With a deep inhale, the robot closed his eyes and nodded, still not fully convinced. "Very well. Are you coming?"
Ouma nodded and walked forward, dragging the two other boys by their arms. "I promised them they could walk with us. That's okay, right?"
Kiibo clenched his jaw, finally exhaling loudly. He wanted to deny the proposition, but these were Ouma's friends. They make him happy when he cannot. But, there is still something off about them. How they're always seemingly asking him questions and listening intently. How they can always laugh together. How they are always set on making him smile. It wasn't a secret that both Amami and Saihara harboured some sort of attraction towards Ouma, and said boy was completely oblivious to it.
He would always overpass their compliments, only to say them right back. He was a generally nice person, which was a blessing and a curse.
'"You're so cute, Ouma!"
"You're so handsome, Ouma!
"I'm not! You guys are!"'
The words rang through Kiibo's mind, making his artificial blood boil to the brim with anger.
