beaming | keith kogane

XIX | home

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"YOU NEED TO COME HOME," I dropped my bag onto Perla's desk, the girl jolting up at the sound. Her curls moved, bouncing back and forth as she looked up at me. "What? Why?" I sighed, massaging my temples before shoving my hands into my pockets reluctantly. "My mom's home and doesn't think I 'apologized' to you properly; you know you're like her daughter."

Perla's lips stretched into a wide grin, "I'll be back tonight, then." I let out a sigh of relief, my eyes closing briefly before opening. I nodded at her, my own lips stretching into a small smile. "I don't know how much longer I could've handled her nagging," The classroom doors opened again, revealing a less red-eyed Y/n.

Her eyes were red and puffy earlier and although Romelle and Allura asked about it, she refused to give the truth. It was obvious something more was going on, but I wasn't sure what to do about it. I approached her, "Sorry about not coming over to work on the project. I know I said that yesterday, but I mean," I awkwardly paused, unsure how to continue.

She didn't say anything, continuing to stare at me briefly before grinning slightly. "Don't worry about it, okay? Your mom came over and that meant a lot, but definitely let me meet Kosmo too." Before I could process what left my mouth, my cheeks were in flames as I spat it out. "How about tonight?" Her eyes widened in realization over what I just said.

"I-It's because I mentioned you to my mom and now she's all up on my ass about wanting to meet you—" I used multiple hand gestures to explain my situation, but I think it entertained her more than it informed her. Y/n giggled at my movements but nodded meekly. "I get what you're saying, Keith, but I don't think I can make it."

I felt my heart drop into my stomach for a little bit, but I nodded anyway.

"Yeah, no, I get it. It's on such late notice anyways," I awkwardly laughed again before slowly moving back to Perla. Surprisingly, Lance was away from her desk and was busy talking to Shiro about something. Perla nudged my elbow, looking up at me from her seat. "I thought you're supposed to ask a girl out before asking her to meet your parents?"

"Parent," I corrected her. It sounded cold, but she knew that I meant it in a joking manner. As much as I missed my father, dark humor helped me cope. "Okay, okay, parent. Still, you can't even take her out on a movie date before asking her to meet Krolia?" Yeah, Perla and my mother were so cool with one another that she's allowed to call my mom 'mom' or 'Krolia'.

I shrugged, turning away with pink cheeks. "We went to the mall together before, that counts as a date, right?" Perla shook her head and clicked her tongue as I raised my eyebrow. Does having a boyfriend suddenly qualify her as a date maker? "No, no. You two went out as friends, you need to have the intention to take her out as more than that."

"To take her out as a target?"

"Keith, no—"

I grinned, chuckling lightly. "You know what I meant, Perls. Either way, what makes you think that I have the intention to ask her out in that way anyways." Perla quirked a brow and pointed at me cockily. A smug smirk was plastered on her lips and I realized how easily she could see through me in that one moment.

"The fact that you even thought about it is enough for me to know, Kogane. Not to mention, you searching for the qualification of one hangout as a 'date'." My cheeks became warmer and I turned away even further, making Perla laugh since the right side of my body was facing her now. Perla shook her head, "You're too easy to read, Keith."

I rolled my eyes, huffing. "No, it's that you can read me really well to the point that it's scary." Perla smacked my arm, a playful way to tell me to go away. Mrs. Guienevere walked in confidently as we all filed into our seats, fidgeting or paying attention wholeheartedly. Once she reached the front of the room, she put her hands into her pockets before taking them out.

Instantly, confetti fell from the air. "It's nearly Thanksgiving break, people. That means that I don't want to do work and neither do you, so you won't have any assignments except that project," As soon as she finished her sentence, she sat down. "Also, Keith, Alfor wants to see you. Take your stuff with you as well." I grew confused but followed through anyway.

I grabbed my things, my peers glancing at me as I left, but I only searched for one gaze. E/c locked onto my purplish-gray eyes and I gave her a small smile and light wave, walking away to the headmaster's office. I didn't even have to knock, the door squeaking open. My mom was on the right side, Kosmo beside her as well.

He seemed happy to see me, barking as his tail wagged happily. I let my hand comb through his fur, Alfor watching the scene calmly before turning his gaze to me. I locked eyes with him as well, blinking back. "Your mom just got off duty, correct?" He asked me, looking me in the eyes as I nodded meekly. I had no idea where this conversation was going.

"It's Thanksgiving, it's meant for families, so I'll be excusing you on family leave for the upcoming days until Thanksgiving break." He sighed, opening a manila folder and sifting through some documents before closing it again. Oh? I grinned slightly, looking at him with an intrigued look. "So, you're dismissed," Alfor clarified, sighing once more.

"And it's all excused, the staff will be informed," He reassured with a gentle smile. Now looking at him, I realize the tiredness in his eyes and crow's feet that marked his eyes. His dedication never failed to impress me as I smiled more and nodded curtly.

"Thank you, sir."