The library was quiet, its tall shelves casting long shadows across the stone floor. Mika had led Kuro there after their last class, muttering something about needing to "study," though he hadn't touched a book since they sat down. Instead, he lounged against the side of the table, arms crossed, pale eyes occasionally flicking toward Kuro.
Kuro tried to focus on the open text in front of him—something about fairy negotiation tactics—but every time he turned a page, he could feel Mika's gaze brush over him, cool and heavy.
"You're distracted," Mika said finally, his voice low and even.
Kuro's lips curved faintly. "Maybe because someone keeps staring at me."
Mika's expression didn't change, but his silence spoke volumes. He pushed off the table and stepped closer, his shadow falling across Kuro's open book.
"You can't focus if you're this easily shaken," Mika muttered. His words were sharp, but the way he leaned down, bracing one hand on the table beside Kuro, spoke otherwise. His closeness made the air thick, his breath brushing Kuro's cheek.
[Oh, f*** me sideways. He's doing it. He's actually doing it! Don't just sit there, Kuro—make a move before I combust!] Elvastia swore in Kuro's head, voice a blend of panic and disbelief.
Kuro swallowed, then lifted his chin slightly, refusing to shrink back. {Or maybe I'm not shaken,} he said softly. {Maybe I'm just… paying attention to the wrong thing.}
Mika's pale eyes locked on his, sharp and unyielding. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, slowly, Mika leaned just a fraction closer, their noses almost brushing.
"You really are an idiot," he whispered. But there was no venom in it. Instead, there was heat, restrained and burning just beneath the surface.
Kuro's heart hammered, but his voice stayed steady. {Maybe. But I'm your idiot.}
Mika's lips parted, the faintest flicker of surprise breaking his mask before he caught it again. His hand, still braced on the table, curled slightly, as if resisting the urge to touch him.
[Oh, for the love of all that's f***** holy—Kuro, if you don't get your f***** ass to kiss him right now, I swear I'll scream so loud the whole damn academy will hear me!]
Kuro didn't kiss him. Instead, he let the silence stretch, let Mika be the one to choose. His gaze softened, steady, daring Mika to close the space between them.
For a long, taut second, Mika simply stared at him, his eyes a storm of conflict. Then—he pulled back, just barely, though the warmth in his gaze lingered.
"Focus on the book," Mika said harshly, though his voice was rougher, quieter than before. He turned away, pretending to busy himself with another stack of texts.
Kuro exhaled slowly, smiling to himself as he flipped a page. Mika hadn't kissed him—but he hadn't pushed him away either. That was enough for now.
[You're insane. Absolutely insane. But… f***. That was close. Closer than I thought he'd ever let you get,] Elvastia grumbled, though beneath the curses there was a note of relief, almost pride.
Kuro didn't answer him. Instead, he glanced at Mika's back, at the stiffness of his shoulders, and whispered softly—only to himself—{Next time, I'll be the one to make the move.}