The walk felt different than all the others before it. For once, Yu didn't trail behind or glance nervously at every corner; he walked at Taichi's side, their steps matching, their joined hands swinging faintly in rhythm.
When the wind picked up, Yu tucked himself closer, his hair brushing Taichi's jaw. Taichi almost lost it right there, the simple weight of Yu leaning against him making his chest tight with something he didn't want to name.
"You're warm."
Yu murmured, half-shy, half-grateful.
"You're freezing."
Taichi countered, shifting his grip so Yu's fingers were fully swallowed by his larger hand.
"Guess I'll just have to keep you covered."
Yu let out a breathy laugh, the sound fragile but genuine, and it lingered in Taichi's ears long after the school gates came into view.
---
Inside, the atmosphere shifted.
The chatter of morning filled the courtyard, but eyes turned almost instantly, murmurs rising in waves. Yu and Taichi didn't try to hide, didn't let go. They walked straight through the whispers like they belonged to a different world.
"Is she seriously holding Arifuku's hand?"
"Yu-chan's too pure for him…"
"Maybe Arifukua's got her handcuffed, look how close he's keeping her—"
Yu's ears burned, but Taichi's thumb brushed over the back of his hand, grounding him, keeping his steps steady.
It wasn't until they reached the main doors that the air went sharp.
Isuke Sasaki was waiting, surrounded by a small cluster of classmates who had already gathered to fawn over him, their voices tinged with sympathy about his mother's recent departure abroad. He looked every inch the golden boy—uniform pressed, smile practiced, posture impeccable.
But when his eyes landed on Yu and Taichi together—hands entwined, Yu blushing but staying close, Taichi openly protective—that smile fractured.
For just a flicker, the mask slipped. The warmth drained from his face, replaced by something colder, rawer.
The whispers surged louder, students caught between two poles:
The saintly council president and the delinquent beast with Yu in his arms.
Yu, trembling faintly, felt the shift but clung tighter to Taichi anyway. Taichi's smirk curled, sharp and challenging, as if daring Isuke to make his move here, now.
But Isuke didn't lash out that morning. He didn't throw a barb, didn't let his smile waver longer than the blink of an eye. Instead, he folded his arms behind his back, posture immaculate, and let Yu and Taichi walk past him, though his gaze lingered until they disappeared around the corner towards class.
Only the sharp clench of his jaw betrayed him.
---
Weeks slipped into a fragile rhythm. November's crisp air swept over the city, leaves scattering across the schoolyard, painting everything in copper and red.
For Yu, the steady pattern of class, homework, and study group with his friends became a kind of lifeline. He no longer went to club activities again—too many eyes, too many whispers—but Haruka Minami faithfully continued teaching him and giving him instructions and ideas. Patiently, Yu practiced in secret, his delicate fingers working thread into shape. Before long, he had a growing pile of crocheted scarves, mittens, and small, neat items hidden away in his drawers. He didn't want Taichi to see—not yet. He was waiting for the cold to settle properly, for the moment to be just right.
The biggest shift was how he carried himself around Taichi. Yu rarely let go now. His hand would naturally find Taichi's when they walked; at lunch, he leaned into his side, cheek pressed against his shoulder. If Taichi had to step away, Yu's gaze followed him until he returned, almost restless until his presence was near again.
Taichi… secretly loved it. The clinginess, the trust, the tiny gestures that meant Yu was letting himself rely on him fully. Each time Yu tugged on his sleeve or leaned against him in public, Taichi's chest tightened with an ache that was both warm and dangerous. He held himself back, careful not to scare Yu, but he treasured every touch.
Their friends noticed too. They shielded Yu more than ever—Sakura looping arms with him on one side, Fumiko hovering protectively, Souma and Yamato making sure no one cornered him in the halls. Yu was never left alone for long, and the security of it all let him breathe easier.
---
One chilly morning, the PA system crackled, and the principal's voice rang through the classroom:
> "Students, we are pleased to announce that preparations for the cultural festival are now underway!"
A cheer rippled across the room. Conversations sparked instantly—food stalls, haunted houses, theater productions, live music. Excitement overshadowed the usual gossip in a heartbeat.
Yu blinked, tilting his head.
'Cultural festival?'
DK01's voice hummed in his head, calm and instructive.
[It's an annual school event. Each class and club sets up something—cafés, games, performances. Families and guests visit. It's both tradition and competition. In other words… it's a big deal, Host.]
Yu's eyes widened, ruby irises shimmering with curiosity. Something about it sounded festive, joyous, almost magical. Something he'd never experienced before.
And already, he could feel Taichi's gaze on him, half-smiling, as if anticipating how this would unfold.
Yu sat quietly at his desk as the classroom buzzed, his small hands folded in his lap. Excitement bounced from one student to the next, but his chest felt tight, not from fear—more from uncertainty.
Cultural festival… The word itself seemed foreign, yet sparkling with promise.
"...DK01."
Yu whispered in his mind, lips barely moving.
"What if I… don't know what to do? Everyone sounds so confident. What if I mess it up? I don't… belong to something like this, do I?"
[Wrong.]
DK01 replied immediately, his voice sharper than usual, though not unkind.
[A cultural festival is about participation. No one is born knowing how to run a café or perform. They stumble, they laugh, they make memories. That is the point. Not perfection.]
Yu pressed his hands together, rubbing them nervously.
"Memories…"
[You've never had something like this before, Yu.]
DK01 added, softer now.
[That's why this matters. You'll be seen—but this time, not as a victim, not as prey for Isuke's schemes. You'll be seen as part of your class. As Taichi's partner. As someone who belongs.]
Yu's heart stuttered. Belonging. It was such a fragile, glittering dream. And yet, when he glanced over at Taichi in the desk beside him, catching the boy's faint smile, Yu couldn't help but feel maybe… maybe DK01 was right.
By the end of homeroom, the teacher clapped her hands to bring order.
"All right, Class 1-B, we need to decide what we'll present for the festival this year!"
Suggestions flew:
Haunted house, food stalls, plays. But after much debating (and some loud arguing), the vote settled—
"A maid café!"
The teacher announced at last, half-weary, half-amused.
"Our class will run a maid café."
The room exploded into chatter. Some groaned, some laughed, and already groups were forming to plan costumes, decorations, menus.
Yu blinked, wide-eyed and flushed. He'd never even been to a maid café, much less imagined dressing like that again in real life. Before his nerves could spiral, Fumiko Fujimori leaned across his desk with sparkling eyes.
"Yu-chan, you'd look perfect in a maid outfit!"
She gushed.
"Too perfect!"
Sakura Sato added, smirking.
"She'll steal all the attention. It'll be like… like a double debut."
Yu's face flushed scarlet.
"D-debut?"
"That's right…"
Fumiko declared, ignoring his stammer.
"Because you're also part of the Harmony Life Club, I heard the whole school is expecting them to perform on the big stage behind the auditorium. Don't think we've forgotten about your voice, Yu-chan!"
Sakura's grin widened.
"This will be your first idol moment. Once you sing, no one will doubt it—you'll shine."
Yu covered his face with both hands, groaning softly into his palms. The thought of standing on stage, singing before the entire school, was overwhelming. Yet deep down, a strange flutter stirred in his chest. Fear and… anticipation.
Taichi, watching from his seat, caught Yu's hidden smile behind his hands and felt his heart squeeze.
---
The next day after classes, costume sketches were being passed around, students buzzing over fabric choices and wig styles.
Yu held the paper gingerly, staring at the design—ruffled skirt, lace apron, ribboned headband. His pale cheeks turned crimson.
"I-I can't wear this…"
Yu whispered, voice barely audible over the chatter.
"I'll look ridiculous."
Fumiko overheard, clapping her hands together with delight.
"Ridiculous? You'll be the cutest one there, Yu-chan!"
Sakura added with a mischievous grin.
"She's already prettier than most girls. This'll just prove it."
Yu wanted to sink under his desk. His trembling fingers fidgeted with the corner of the page, and instinctively his gaze darted toward Taichi.
Taichi leaned lazily against the desks surface, arms crossed, but his eyes softened when he saw Yu's flustered face.
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to."
He said plainly, cutting through the teasing voices.
"If you're uncomfortable, I'll tell them you're out."
Yu shook his head quickly, panic flashing.
"No—I… I want to try. Everyone's excited, I… I don't want to be a burden again."
Taichi sighed, but the corner of his mouth curved into the faintest smile.
"Then…"
His voice dropped, low enough only Yu could hear,
"…I'll be watching. So if anyone so much as breathes wrong near you, I'll break their neck."
Yu's face went even redder. Somehow, the threat didn't scare him. It warmed him.
---
Later that week, the Harmony Life Club gathered in the music room to discuss the cultural festival's stage performance. Sheet music rustled, instruments tuned, and voices overlapped as excitement buzzed.
Haruka Minami immediately tugged Yu to sit beside her, slipping her arm protectively through his.
"Yu-chan's sitting with me today!"
She announced with mock authority, shooting a pointed glance toward the back of the room.
Because in that back corner, smiling like the sun itself, was Isuke Sasaki. Already girls had gravitated toward him, eager to chat, offer notes, or simply bask in his glow. Haruka, not trusting that smile for even a second, wasn't about to let Yu get caught in his orbit.
"Don't worry, Yu."
She whispered as the club leader began handing out song lists.
"I'll make sure you're safe. You just focus on singing with me."
Yu gave her a small nod, clutching his sheet music nervously. He could feel Isuke's eyes flicker toward him now and then, that perfectly polished mask never faltering—but Haruka was right. The cluster of girls around him kept him at bay, laughing at his every word.
Yu stayed pressed at Haruka's side, comforted by her warmth and the simple reassurance that he wasn't alone.
The music room hummed with energy, clubmates tuning instruments and warming up their voices.
Isuke Sasaki sat with his usual regal ease, every bit the perfect prince. A circle of girls clustered near him, laughing softly at his remarks, scribbling little notes on his sheet music for him. His smile was flawless—serene, warm, untouchable.
But his eyes weren't on them.
Every chance he got, his gaze slid to Yu.
The boy sat stiffly at the front with Haruka Minami plastered protectively at his side, clutching his sheet music like a fragile bird clutching to a branch. The nervous tilt of his shoulders, the faint blush on his pale cheeks, the way his long white hair slid forward like a veil over those ruby eyes… Isuke's perfect smile twitched, threatened, barely held in place.
'That voice… that trembling figure… that fragility is mine. Mine alone. Why does Taichi still breathe the same air as him? Why does Haruka sit so close, as though she has a claim?'
He forced his mask tighter, laughing politely at something one of the girls said, even as his nails bit crescents into the sheet music under the desk.
"Alright, Yu-chan, why don't you try the opening line?"
The club leader prompted, gesturing toward Yu.
Yu froze.
"M-me? Right now?"
"Yes!"
Haruka chimed in, nudging him with a gentle smile.
"You'll do great, Yu. Just take a deep breath."
Yu swallowed, his knuckles whitening around the sheet. Then—hesitantly—he opened his mouth.
The first notes drifted out like spun silver.
Soft, trembling at first, then steadying, ringing clear and pure. His voice was nothing short of angelic—soaring, delicate, aching with a kind of innocence that made the room still.
Haruka's eyes widened, stunned. Then she broke into a grin so wide it nearly split her face.
"Yu-chan! You're amazing! You sound just like a real professional singer! We have to practice more songs—I have so many anime theme songs, openings, outros—omg we can cosplay as the characters and post the videos! This is so perfect! The stage was made for you!"
Yu flushed scarlet, shaking his head rapidly.
"N-no, no, it's not—don't say that…"
"Yu-chan, I mean it!"
Haruka insisted, bouncing in excitement.
"Everyone's going to fall in love with your voice at the festival!"
Yu ducked his head, embarrassed—but his trembling had shifted into something different now. Not fear. Shy pride.
Isuke, for once, couldn't move.
He sat frozen, the smile on his lips fixed, glassy. His heart thundered in his chest. That voice—he hadn't expected it. He hadn't prepared for it.
He felt the pull of it like a hook through his ribs. A desire so sharp it ached.
'How dare he sing like that… how dare he show that kind of beauty before anyone but me?'
The girls at his side whispered excitedly, some giggling.
"Wow, Yu-chan's voice is so beautiful, like an angel."
Isuke's mask almost cracked then. His smile quivered, his teeth clenched tight behind it.
Inside, he burned.
'No. That voice will belong to me. Him. All of him. His trembling hands, his flushed cheeks, his voice… no one else will hear it. No one else deserves it. Mine. Mine, mine, mine.'
He applauded politely when Yu finished, his hands clapping with perfect grace—but his eyes never left Yu.
---
The practice wrapped up in a burst of chatter. Everyone was buzzing about Yu's voice, already tossing out ideas for songs and harmonies.
Yu, overwhelmed, was gathering his sheet music with shaky hands, eyes cast down. Haruka Minami hovered protectively at his side, back towards him, intercepting stray comments before they could pile onto him.
That was when Isuke finally stood.
Smooth, poised, his perfect smile never wavering. He moved with deliberate calm, weaving through the crowd toward Yu like a predator closing in on prey. His shadow stretched long across the floor, swallowing Yu's smaller frame.
"Yu-chan."
He said warmly, the tone polished silk.
"That was—"
"Sasaki-san!"
Two girls called, rushing to his side with bright eyes and fluttering lashes.
"Could you help us with the harmonies? We were just wondering how you always keep your pitch so perfect—"
Another chimed in, tugging at his sleeve.
"And will you come check our dance steps too? You're the best at keeping time, and we need your advice!"
For a split second, Isuke's smile almost slipped. His eyes flickered, cold steel beneath the porcelain.
But Haruka Minami was watching, lips curved in a tiny, knowing smile. She had sent them.
Isuke's jaw tightened imperceptibly. He was cornered—politeness demanded he respond to the girls clamoring for his attention. With a graceful bow of his head, he turned toward them.
"Of course. I'd be happy to help."
But as he was drawn away, his gaze snapped back to Yu. The sight of Taichi approaching, slinging Yu's bag casually over his shoulder, Yu lighting up like dawn when he saw him—hand slipping easily into Taichi's—made something inside Isuke tear, just for a heartbeat.
His smile remained perfect. His heart was poison.
---
Outside, the air was cool, carrying the bite of early November.
Yu clung to Taichi's arm as they walked, the warmth of his hand never leaving Taichi's. His cheeks were still pink from practice, but this time the color was softer, shy.
"I-I was so embarrassed…"
Yu confessed, pressing his face briefly into Taichi's shoulder. His long hair brushed against Taichi's sleeve.
"Everyone staring like that… it was awful."
Taichi glanced down at him, brow raised.
"Embarrassed? Why? You sing just fine at karaoke with us."
Yu's head snapped up, eyes wide, flustered.
"Th-that's totally different! Karaoke is with friends—it's not the same as a whole crowd watching! Don't say it like it's nothing!"
Taichi chuckled, deep and low, the sound vibrating through Yu's chest where he clung.
"You're too cute when you get worked up, you know that?"
The words hit Yu like a spark. His face went scarlet. He ducked, burying himself further into Taichi's side to hide his expression.
"…D-don't say things like that outside…"
But his laughter bubbled up anyway, soft and sweet. The warmth in Taichi's voice, the steady arm he clung to—it soothed the nervous knot in his chest, filled his heart with something tender.
Like a clingy lover, Yu pressed closer, hugging Taichi's arm tight, as if the world might take him away if he let go.
Taichi let him. More than let him—he angled his body to shield Yu from the chill breeze, hand brushing against Yu's long hair with unconscious care.
"My basketball club's setting up a food stall."
Taichi said after a moment.
"We'll be busy, but… I wanna spend time with you too. So let's make a plan."
Yu peeked up at him, still flushed, still shy.
"A… a plan?"
"Yeah. You tell me when your café shift and your performance stuff is. I'll sneak away when I can, and we'll make sure to meet up."
His smirk softened into something more tender.
"No matter how busy the festival gets, we'll stick together."
Yu's heart fluttered. He nodded quickly, a smile trembling onto his lips.
"Mm… okay. Together."
He leaned his head against Taichi's arm again, already picturing it—the noise, the chaos, the excitement—but as long as Taichi was there, he could face it.
---
The following days blurred into a busy rhythm of festival preparations.
Class 1-B poured themselves into their maid café, desks pushed into neat rows, tablecloths sewn from leftover fabric, cardboard signs painted with cheerful hearts. The girls squealed over costume fittings, and Yu… well, Yu had gone scarlet the moment his maid uniform was handed to him.
Taichi had leaned against the back wall, arms crossed, watching with a crooked grin.
"Don't you think it's perfect for you, Yu? You'll definitely look cute in that."
Yu hugged the folded costume to his chest, glaring weakly at him.
"D-don't look at me like that! It's only for the café!"
"Mm. Sure. Still cute, though."
Yu's blush deepened, but a tiny smile tugged at his lips. He clung to Taichi's sleeve all the way home that day, muttering about "pervert beasts" under his breath, though he never once let go.