LMUC Ch 16

Suddenly, the hand gripping the steering wheel came into Ashley’s view. Bandages were wrapped around his arm, exposed beneath his short-sleeved shirt. Koi had bandaged it while he slept.

He steered with one hand and lifted the bandaged arm. After gazing at it for a moment, Ashley gently pressed his lips against the bandage. The warmth he felt reminded him of Koi, and he unconsciously sighed.

🏒

When Koi returned home, he sharply gasped at the sight of the motorhome’s lights on. Someone was inside. Of course, there was only one person it could be. His father was waiting for him.

He gulped, swallowing hard. Koi barely resisted the urge to turn and run. He had to face it eventually. It would be alright if his father wasn’t drinking. Since his mother left, his father had spent almost every day drunk. Even when sober, he rarely spoke to Koi. He would stare blankly into space, then leave the house, usually returning intoxicated.

For a while after his mother left, his father would hit Koi whenever he saw him. Koi constantly avoided him, often spending his nights outside in the cold dew until his father passed out drunk. After a few years, his father seemed to grow accustomed to Koi’s presence and began to ignore him. When drunk, if Koi stayed out of sight, he was treated as if he didn’t exist, which Koi preferred. Nobody enjoys being beaten.

When was the last time he was hit?

Koi suddenly remembered. It had been a while. His father’s bad habit should have resurfaced by now. If he was drunk, it definitely would have.

What should he do?

Unable to enter or flee, he fidgeted anxiously when the door suddenly burst open. Koi gasped involuntarily, coming face to face with his father.

“Koi!”

His father, his face pale, called his name first. Koi froze, unable to move. His father rushed out.

“Ah!”

His father grabbed Koi’s arm roughly, making him cry out. His father pulled him close, holding him firmly with both hands, and shouted angrily.

“You stupid kid! Where were you all night?!”

Koi’s eyes widened in surprise. His father wasn’t drunk. It had been a long time since his father, in his right mind and with clear pronunciation, had spoken to him – or rather, yelled at him.

Surprisingly, that wasn’t all. His father started sniffing Koi’s body. Koi, his face grim, could only let him do as he pleased.

“What the hell is this sweet smell? All over you… Is it that bastard’s pheromones?”

His father, after asking roughly, clenched his teeth. He realized that his son couldn’t smell. He immediately dragged Koi inside and shoved him into the cramped shower.

“Wash up, now! Wash off that disgusting pheromone!”

He turned on the shower, and cold water poured over Koi’s head. Koi frantically tried to undress but suddenly noticed the harsh bite marks on his chest. Not just there. His body was covered in marks, hidden beneath his clothes. Flustered, Koi covered himself again and looked back at his father.

“D-Dad, I’ll wash up, so… can you please get me some clothes?”

Seeing him busy fiddling with the faucet as if adjusting the temperature, his father turned around and quickly brought him his usual worn-out clothes.

“Lather up at least three times.”

His father threatened, then thankfully closed the shower door and retreated. Koi sighed in relief and began to wash himself. The shower was shabby and dirty compared to Ashley’s mansion, but he tried not to compare and quickly cleaned himself as his father instructed.

🏒

Koi stared at the floor, unsure of what to do in the awkward atmosphere. He was sitting across from his father at the small table, but his father remained silent. His eyes, usually blurry from alcohol, looked unusually clear. Koi was surprised that he was home at this hour. He was usually working or drinking. To be waiting for him, sober like this…

What did he want to say?

Koi’s heart pounded with anxiety and tension. Ashley had said he’d taken care of contacting his father, but his school and his father’s reaction would be different. It wasn’t even clear if he’d been gone for three or four days, and to only receive a call, through someone else, during that time, any parent would be angry.

Assuming his father still considered him his son.

As he thought this, his father suddenly spoke.

“Koi.”

“Yes, Dad.”

He replied quickly, and his father sighed briefly before falling silent again. This was a new side of his father. Unable to predict what would happen next, Koi simply waited for him to speak. When he finally did, his voice was even lower.

“Koi, are you on any medication right now?”

“Medication? What… I haven’t taken anything.”

He shook his head quickly, and his father looked at him suspiciously.

“Suppressants, or something.”

“No… I haven’t even presented! You know that.”

He said, feeling somewhat wronged. His father stared at him silently for a moment, then sighed deeply. Koi watched with mixed feelings as he covered his face with his hands and leaned on the table. Unsure how to react, he waited for his father to speak again.

“I was worried… that you might have been caught up in it and presented.”

Another shaky sigh followed. Koi finally understood the reason for his father’s anxiety. He was worried that Koi might have become an Omega. His father worrying about him was unimaginable.

“It’s okay, I can’t even… smell anything anyway.”

He hadn’t considered that Ashley’s pheromones might be all over him. Since Ashley had just presented, he wouldn’t have any suppressants, and it would be natural for him not to be able to control his scent.

As he thought this, his father spoke.

“If it were a normal Alpha or Omega, I wouldn’t have thought it was this dangerous. But that kid presented as a Dominant Alpha, didn’t he?”

“What?”

He asked back in surprise, and his father widened his eyes, looking surprised.

“You didn’t know? At all?”

“Uh… no…”

A Dominant Alpha. He hadn’t even imagined it. He’d thought Ashley was just a regular Alpha or Omega.

Well, even if he were an Alpha or Omega, it wouldn’t be ordinary.

Correcting his thoughts, Koi, with a confused mind, managed to formulate a question.

“Really? How do you know?”

“That woman told me, that bastard’s father’s secretary.”

His father gritted his teeth.

“She said that their young master presented as a Dominant Alpha, and that you were with him the whole time, so it almost caused a big accident.”

“Oh…”

Koi mumbled blankly, speechless. Dominant Alphas and Omegas are much rarer than regular Alphas and Omegas, so many people never encounter them in their lives. Therefore, they weren’t heavily covered in the school curriculum, and Koi had thought he would never meet one. While many Dominant Alphas are celebrities and frequently seen in the media, how often would someone encounter them in everyday life?

But it had happened. Moreover, he was there during the presentation.

“The amount of pheromones must have been enormous.”

His father sighed again and added with relief,

“It’s practically a miracle that you weren’t affected. Thank goodness, thank goodness…”

Koi felt slightly relieved by his calmer tone. But suddenly, his father’s demeanor changed again.

“Don’t ever see that kid again.”

“What?”

Koi asked back involuntarily, and his father raised his voice, his tone ferocious.

“Do you know how hard it is to live as an Alpha or Omega? They have heats all the time, and Omegas get pregnant! Imagine having a baby without knowing whose child it is, my god! And Alphas go around raping people during their heats. Do you think you can handle that?!”

His father spat out the words with disgust. Seeing Koi’s pale face, he yelled,

“If you hang around that kid, you’ll definitely present or mutate someday. It’ll be too late to regret it then! Cut ties with him immediately, understand? Remember what I said! If you don’t, you’ll definitely regret it!”

After his final warning, his father stormed out, breathing heavily. Koi sat there blankly, staring in the direction his father had gone, then suddenly jumped up. He had to hide the clothes Ashley had bought him. If his father found them, there would be another uproar.

He hurriedly pulled out a box from under his bed and was putting the new clothes among the previously gifted ones when his phone suddenly chimed. Koi’s face fell as he checked the screen. It was Ashley.

[I’m home now. Sweet dreams. See you tomorrow.]

Koi quickly replied, [Yeah, see you tomorrow], and waited. Only after the unread notification disappeared did a smile appear on his face.

〈What do you know about Alphas and Omegas!〉

His father’s words suddenly came to mind. Koi sat down for a moment, lost in thought.

What if I had presented then, too?

🏒

“The bike’s gone.”

Ashley, preparing for school in the morning, was startled by Koi’s sudden call but quickly smiled.

“Oh dear, that’s a problem. What happened?”

He already had a solution in mind, but he asked leisurely. Koi hesitated, stammering, unable to speak easily.

— Um, well, I think I… left it at your house.

“Oh, no…”

Ashley sighed loudly on purpose. He could picture Koi flustered with apologies. He imagined Koi sweating, unable to ask him to come pick him up. Ashley stopped teasing and suggested in a gentle voice,

“Alright, Koi. I’ll come get you.”

— Really? Is that okay?

Koi exclaimed, relieved, then asked worriedly,

— What if you’re late…?

“I still have time, it’s fine.”

Ashley spat out the toothpaste foam in his mouth and continued,

“Meet me at the usual spot where I drop you off. It’ll take about 30 minutes.”

— O-Okay. That’s fine.

Koi replied hurriedly and added softly,

— Thanks, Ash…

“It’s alright, Koi. See you later.”

After cheerfully hanging up, he quickly rinsed his mouth and left the bathroom. Today was a good day. The sunlight was brighter than usual, the breeze was gentle, and the sky was so blue.

Besides, Koi had called him in the morning and asked him to pick him up.

He had been planning to tell Koi he’d pick him up in the mornings. It was a given as a boyfriend for someone who didn’t have a car. Actually, he wanted to pick him up even if Koi had a car.

Seeing him at school in the morning wasn’t enough. He wanted to see Koi’s face even five minutes earlier. Ashley quickly pulled a t-shirt over his head and put on jeans and sneakers as usual. His steps were light as he slung his bag over his shoulder and went downstairs.

Should he start picking him up every day from today?

Picking up your boyfriend was natural. Of course, Koi hadn’t admitted it, but Ashley knew he liked him, so in his mind, they were already dating.

Whistling, he stepped outside and looked around for his bike. He found it where Koi had said it would be. Except, it wasn’t the old, beat-up bike he knew.

…Huh?

Ashley was bewildered by the unexpected sight. Leaning against the wall of the mansion was a brand new bike, nothing like the one Koi usually rode. He wondered if this was the right one, but there couldn’t be another bike.

Examining it closely, Ashley frowned, a thought striking him. This bike looked familiar.

Where had he seen it…?

Just then, he noticed the cat sticker on the handlebar. It was Ariel’s favorite cat character. Then, his memory returned completely. This was the bike Ariel used to ride before she got a car.

Why did Koi have this?

Even though he knew there was no other explanation, Ashley took out his phone and called Koi. After a few rings, Koi’s voice answered, and Ashley asked casually,

“Koi, it seems like the bike’s different. Is that right?”

— Oh, yeah.

Koi replied cheerfully from the other end.

— That’s the one. The one with the cat sticker on the handlebar.

“I see.”

Ashley spoke gently, but his expression wasn’t smiling at all.

“I’ll be there soon, Koi.”

— Yeah, see you soon.

Koi hung up, oblivious. Ashley stared at his phone for a moment, then pulled the bike towards his car parked nearby. There was no trace of a smile on his face as he loaded the bike into the trunk, got into the driver’s seat, and started the car. As he drove towards Koi, all sorts of delusions and jealousy churned within him.

🏒

“Hi, Koi.”

Ashley, sitting in the driver’s seat, spoke first. Koi, standing by the roadside where they had parted the previous day, brightened up and greeted him back.

“Hi, Ash.”

Oh, Koi hesitated. He felt a pang of guilt, remembering how they had parted.

But he didn’t have time to dwell on it. He might be late for school, and the traffic was increasing, so Ashley couldn’t leave his car parked by the road indefinitely.

He quickly opened the passenger door and sat down, and Ashley started the car. Sinking into the comfortable car seat, a stark contrast to his usual bike, Koi thanked him.

“Thanks for coming, Ash. I completely forgot I left my bike.”

Ashley smiled, his gaze fixed ahead.

“I completely forgot about it too, yesterday.”

It was natural for them both to be distracted. Ashley had just presented, and they’d had a small argument.

〈I like you.〉

Remembering Ashley’s words, Koi’s face flushed. He quickly looked away, pretending to be preoccupied, trying to find something to say. Thankfully, Ashley spoke first.

“Was everything alright yesterday?”

“Uh, yeah.”

Koi stammered involuntarily and quickly added,

“Yeah, it was fine.”

Should he have left it at that? He worried, feeling guilty, when Ashley spoke again.

“What’s with that bike? I haven’t seen it before.”

“Oh? Ah.”

Koi was relieved the conversation had shifted to a safe topic and quickly replied,

“Ariel gave it to me. The wheel on my bike broke, so I can’t use it anymore.”

“The wheel?”

Ashley frowned.

“It was still working? That thing?”

“It was working, that’s why I was riding it.”

Koi felt a bit hurt that Ashley was mocking the bike that, despite being a piece of junk, had been his primary mode of transportation, including getting him to school.

“It did its best.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ashley nodded, but it looked perfunctory. As Koi felt a pang of sympathy for his old bike, Ashley turned the steering wheel, taking a curve, and asked,

“So, how did Ariel happen to give you that bike?”

“Oh? Uh…”

Koi answered smoothly.

“I was riding my bike and fell, and the wheel broke. I was walking home with it when Ariel saw me while she was out jogging… She said if I had an accident while riding that thing, the cheerleading team would be in big trouble, so she gave me that one.”

“I see.”

Ashley’s reply was short compared to Koi’s long explanation. The misunderstanding was cleared up.

During the short drive, less than 20 minutes, from the mansion to Koi’s usual waiting spot, the various delusions that had filled Ashley’s mind crumbled into meaningless nonsense. However, the jealousy remained.

“I should have bought you one.”

“Huh? What did you say?”

“Huh?” Koi asked, not catching the low murmur. Ashley grinned at him and replied, “It’s nothing.”

“Oh…” Koi, puzzled, didn’t press further and looked forward again. The car stopped at a red light, and Ashley tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, lost in thought.

I can’t rush this, or I’ll scare Koi.

I should just lock him up. Is it too late now?

We agreed not to think like that. Get a grip, Ashley Miller.

It’s okay to think about it. You had so many lewd fantasies about Koi last night, and now you’re being coy?

Koi is just too cute, what can I do?

Exactly. So, let’s lock him up. Then you can do all the things you imagined.

Should I?

“Wait, why are we agreeing on this?”

“Huh? Wha—?”

Startled by Ashley’s sudden outburst, Koi turned to him. Ashley quickly smiled and said, “Nothing, it’s nothing.” The light turned green, and as he started driving, Ashley calmed himself down. Watching Ashley’s behavior, Koi felt a pang of sympathy.

He must be having a hard time because of the pheromones…

But to even ask him to pick him up… Koi felt pathetic. Why did he forget his bike? Even if he was distracted, how could he!

Sighing softly, Koi gripped his bag straps and made a resolution. From tomorrow, he would definitely remember to take his bike. Forgetting it was rude to Ariel, who had given it to him.

“Koi.”

“Ah, yes.”

Snapping back to attention at Ashley’s sudden call, Koi quickly responded. Ashley said, “I’ll pick you up from tomorrow.”

“What? No, you don’t have to!”

Koi quickly declined.

“Why should you go out of your way? It’s okay, I can ride my bike.”

“I’m not okay.”

Ashley cut him off. To the surprised Koi, he added casually,

“It’s natural to want to see the person you like even for a minute longer.”

Following this, Ashley smiled at Koi. Koi blinked, his face slowly turning red. He should say something, but nothing came to mind. He had just told Ashley he didn’t like him yesterday, so this wasn’t right. He was crossing the line again! Even if he couldn’t help it this time, he couldn’t let it happen again. Say something! Reject him firmly! Quickly, you slowpoke!

“Um, well…”

“We’re here.”

Just as he was about to speak, Ashley interrupted him. As Ashley said, the school was right there. Before Koi could say anything else, the car made a wide turn and stopped in front of the school.

“Ash!”

“Ash, you!”

As soon as Ashley appeared, there was a commotion. Koi watched from a few steps away as the ice hockey team swarmed around Ashley.

“What happened? A cold again?”

“Are you sure you’re allowed to get sick this often? What do you use all those muscles for?”

“Wow, you look pretty good for someone who’s been out for a few days. You didn’t just skip because you didn’t want to come, did you?”

“No, idiot.”

Ashley laughed and lightly punched the last guy who spoke in the chin. The guy pretended to fly back and then returned to the group, and the crowd chattered noisily. Koi watched them, feeling a strange emotion.

Is this what friendship is like?

Koi had eaten with them and sometimes hung out, but it was always brief. It was nothing compared to the time they spent together, and it would likely remain that way. Their bonds had been formed long before Koi entered the picture.

I’m… a little envious.

He felt a pang of loneliness at the weight of a friendship he could never have. Then, Ashley turned around and held out his hand towards Koi.

“Come here, Koi.”

Huh?

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on Koi. Flustered, Koi looked around, then back at Ashley. Ashley smiled and beckoned him with his finger.

“Ah… Okay.”

Koi nodded involuntarily and hurried over to him. Ashley naturally put his arm around Koi’s shoulders, pulling him close, and leaned his head against Koi’s, looking at his friends. Koi stumbled momentarily under Ashley’s weight, but Ashley’s arm around his shoulders steadied him.

The silly banter continued. Koi still didn’t say anything, but he no longer felt like an outsider. He listened to Bill’s jokes, his face flushed.

🏒

“You didn’t reject me because you like Bill, did you?”

Ashley asked as soon as they were alone, and Koi shook his head vehemently.

“What… No, absolutely not.”

He shook his head so hard, then waved his hands, feeling dizzy, and finally stopped to catch his breath. Ashley crossed his arms and looked down at him disapprovingly before unfolding them.

“Good.”

“Definitely not.”

Koi emphasized once more and turned around abruptly. I like you.

Even though I can’t say it…

Behind the dejected Koi, Ashley rested his chin on his head and draped his arms over Koi’s shoulders. Koi’s knees almost buckled, and he cried out,

“H-Heavy!”

“I like it.”

Koi struggled to remove Ashley’s arms but found them too heavy to lift even one at a time. They were incredibly thick and heavy. Koi changed tactics, trying to push one arm off with both hands, but eventually gave up, exhausted.

“Ugh, ugh.”

Ashley slowly walked, practically draped over Koi, who staggered forward. A classmate from their next class acknowledged them, and Ashley, leaning on Koi, raised a hand in greeting. Meanwhile, Koi continued to groan and walk desperately. He had carried heavy loads at his part-time jobs, but this was heavier than anything he had ever experienced. Of course. This was a person weighing probably over 100 kilograms.

But despite the immense physical strain, his heart felt strangely at ease.

Don’t we feel like we’re back to normal…?

Like before Ashley confessed, before Koi developed feelings for him beyond friendship. Ashley was being casual, and Koi forgot about the awkward atmosphere. It seemed possible. If they continued like this, as if nothing had happened…

“A-Ash.”

Koi spoke first, his voice breathless from the effort. Ashley replied from above.

“Yeah, what is it?”

Koi felt a slight vibration on the top of his head. He groaned and asked,

“What happened with the ice hockey team? Are you… still playing?”

“Hmm… I don’t know yet.”

Ashley paused, as if searching his memory.

“I’m not sure. The teachers know, and I told the coach, but they probably need time to think. There’s nothing against the rules about me playing, but…”

Every time Ashley spoke, his chin tapped against the top of Koi’s head. Koi endured it and listened. Ashley continued in a nonchalant tone.

“Since I just presented, we don’t know anything about my rut cycle or anything, so it’s hard to make a decision right now. But I think they’ll give me an answer within a week.”

“I see.”

Koi panted. So it was a secret from the others until then? Judging by their earlier conversation, everyone thought Ashley had another cold. Maybe they would announce it after deciding on Ashley’s future, or maybe they would keep it hidden until graduation. Whether or not someone had presented didn’t need to be public knowledge; it was a personal choice. Even if he played, it was only a risk factor for their own team and wouldn’t significantly affect the opponents. It was up to the coach to decide.

Even without Ash, the team is still in danger…

As he thought this, a forgotten memory surfaced. If Ashley had presented, he should have a pheromone scent, but the others seemed completely oblivious.

“What happened?” Koi asked, unable to smell anything and thus unaware if Ashley emitted any pheromones. But the others would be able to smell it and would surely have reacted. “Are you taking suppressants?” he wondered. Ashley readily answered,

“I can control it to some extent. It’s not perfect, but I brought suppressants just in case.”

“I see…”

Koi, dragging his feet with Ashley still leaning on him, cautiously started, “Um, Ash.”

“Yeah?” Ashley responded immediately. Koi, confirming they were alone, continued, “Well, I didn’t know yesterday… but it seems I had a pheromone scent on me. That was your scent, wasn’t it?”

“Well…” Ashley hesitated before replying, “Yes.”

He had to tell him, even if he didn’t want to. Ashley reluctantly detached himself from Koi and walked beside him instead. Koi, momentarily dazed by the sudden loss of weight, listened as Ashley confessed honestly,

“I can manage it at school, but when I’m back at the mansion, I have to release my pheromones. It’s not good for my brain if they build up.”

“Oh, I see.”

Yesterday, Koi had tried to learn as much as possible about Dominant Alphas online, but there was still a lot he didn’t know.

“Um, you presented as a Dominant Alpha, right? Your father’s secretary told my dad. She said it was fortunate I didn’t present as an Omega because of your influence.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

Ashley’s reply was slightly delayed, unlike before. Koi, tilting his head to see his face, noticed something was different. He quickly realized what it was.

“Your eyes.”

“Hmm?”

Koi stared at his eyes and asked, “Um, your eye color looks a little different. Is it because you presented as a Dominant Alpha?”

His previously clear silver-blue eyes had changed to a dark indigo. Recalling that Dominant Alphas’ eyes turn purple, he asked, and Ashley readily answered,

“For now, yes. I’m wearing colored contacts.”

“Ah…”

So that’s why they were that color. Koi, readily accepting the explanation, then frowned. “Didn’t your friends think it was strange?” he asked, his face full of concern.

Seeing his worried expression, Ashley chuckled. “Nobody cares about other people’s eye color.”

Ashley added lightly, “Do you remember my eye color before I presented?”

He expected Koi wouldn’t, but Koi responded as if waiting for the question.

“Of course. They were such a beautiful silver-blue!”

“Oh…”

This time, it was Ashley who was flustered. He looked at Koi’s unexpectedly serious face, embarrassed, and looked away. “Most people don’t pay that much attention to other people’s eye color,” he said lightly.

But Koi disagreed. That couldn’t be true. No one remembered Ashley’s beautiful eyes? Impossible!

Ashley doesn’t seem to realize how much other people admire him.

Thinking this, Koi looked up at him seriously. Would Ashley understand even a little if he told him?

“Why?” Ashley smiled, looking down at him. “Am I too handsome?”

“Uh…”

Hearing his teasing tone, Koi realized his previous thought was wrong. Ashley Miller was fully aware of how attractive he was.

“So, none of your friends know? That you presented.” Koi changed the subject.

“Right,” Ashley said. “Only a few teachers, the coach, my father, and his secretary know I presented. …Well, there is one dangerous individual.”

“W-Who?” Koi asked, tense. Looking down at him, Ashley spoke with a serious expression,

“There’s someone who keeps sneaking into my house. That person knows my secret.”

“R-Really? What should we do? Shouldn’t you install a security system or something?”

Ashley shook his head at Koi’s question. “No, there’s no need. They’re really small, not even half my size.”

“Still, you never know. Even you, what if someone attacks you while you’re sleeping? It’s dangerous.”

“Hmm…” Ashley seemed to think for a moment. “That’s true. They snuck into my house when I was sick, and it almost became dangerous.”

“See! So, nothing happened, right?”

Looking down at Koi, who reacted instantly, Ashley continued with a serious face, “I don’t think they were trying to kill me, but they somehow bypass the front gate security and come to my house every time. They’re a truly terrifying presence.”

“Bypass the front gate security?” Koi repeated his words, then realized something was odd. He hesitated, and Ashley nodded seriously.

“Yes, they somehow found a way, going around the mountain to get to my house.”

Understanding the implication, Koi closed his mouth. Looking at his increasingly reddening face, Ashley added in a low voice, as if sharing a confidential secret, “And do you know what their mode of transportation is? Not a car, but a bicycle. A beat-up, rusty piece of junk, practically.”

Ashley deliberately grimaced at Koi, whose face had turned as red as a tomato. “How can I possibly win against someone who drags that thing around the mountain? Isn’t that terrifying?”

“I-I don’t know!”

Koi quickly turned and ran towards the classroom. Of course, Ashley easily caught up with him in a few strides.

“But Koi, you know what’s even scarier?”

Koi didn’t answer and ran desperately. Ashley jogged alongside him, saying, “Well, they got a new bike!”

“Stop it!”

Unable to bear it any longer, Koi swung his fist. It was a weak punch, and it missed anyway. But even though the fist only grazed his arm, Ashley suddenly cried out, “Ouch!” and collapsed. Koi, who had continued running, turned around a beat later and shouted in surprise, “A-Ash?”

What should he do! Koi paled and rushed back to Ashley. Ashley remained crouched, clutching his arm with his other hand until Koi approached. Koi asked anxiously, “A-Ash, are you okay? I’m sorry. Your body must be weak after just presenting… What should I do? I’m so sorry.”

Should he call 911? He frantically reached for his phone when Ashley suddenly grabbed his arms. Koi’s eyes widened, and he saw Ashley smiling.

“Gotcha.”

“You tricked me!”

Koi struggled belatedly, but to no avail. Ashley stood up and pulled Koi close, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“This time, you walked right into my trap.”

“Y-You tricked me.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Ashley said, not sounding sorry at all. Koi tried to get angry, but all he felt was relief.

I’m glad you’re not hurt…

Seeing him sigh in relief, Ashley smiled. If they weren’t at school, he would have kissed him. Suppressing his desire, Ashley walked, holding Koi close. As they walked side by side and Koi’s breathing calmed down, he suddenly remembered their earlier conversation.

“Um, Ash.”

“Yeah?” Ashley responded immediately, as always. Koi, mustering his knowledge, asked, “About what we were talking about earlier, so you release your pheromones at home, but not usually? Does that mean if I go to your house, I’ll be exposed to them?”

“Yes.” Ashley answered readily but felt nervous inside. Koi might say he wouldn’t come to his house anymore. It couldn’t be helped. This was all because of his messed-up presentation.

He braced himself, but Koi unexpectedly nodded. “I see. Okay.”

“…That’s it?”

Ashley, taken aback by the simple response, involuntarily looked away from the front and down at Koi.

“Huh? Uh…” Koi blinked, confused, and scratched his head. “Don’t I just need to wash up well? It’s okay, I shower twice a day.”

He added with a bright smile, “I didn’t present even though I was with you the whole time you were presenting.”

He didn’t mention that his father had told him to stay away from Ashley. After all, Koi had no intention of obeying.

〈Let’s stay together.〉

Remembering Koi’s words, a slow smile spread across Ashley’s face.

“…Okay,” Ashley said. “Let’s stay together.”

“Yeah.” Koi nodded. It didn’t matter what his father said. He would never leave Ashley.

Resolving this, Koi smiled brightly at Ashley. “I’ll stay with you.”

At that moment, Ashley clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, restraining the urge to hug Koi and shower him with kisses. We’re at school, he repeated like a mantra. I have to hold back, for Koi’s sake.

They weren’t officially dating yet. Only Ashley considered them to be. He longed for Koi to acknowledge it, to make it official, but no one knew when that day would come. Every day, every hour, every minute, every second felt too long for him.

“Koi,” Ashley said as they reached their classroom. He felt Koi’s gaze on him but continued to look straight ahead. “I can’t wait much longer.”

Huh?

Koi blinked, unable to respond immediately. Ashley released his arm from around Koi and entered the classroom first. He sat down, leaving Koi standing there hesitantly. Koi entered the classroom after a moment’s hesitation, glancing at Ashley, and sat down next to him. Ashley gave him a deliberate smile.

So, admit it before then, Koi. Your feelings.

Another student entered, and the teacher began the class. Ashley glanced at Koi, who was sitting up straighter than usual. His tense expression clearly showed how much Ashley’s words had affected him. Looking away from Koi and towards the front, Ashley thought, I might not be able to hold back anymore and just kidnap you.

🏒

“One, two, three, end!”

Everyone stopped moving in unison at Ariel’s call. The music stopped at the same time, and a few seconds later, everyone relaxed, catching their breath. Koi also gasped, bending over to take deep breaths.

Cheerleading practice was harder than he thought. The amount of exercise was far greater than he anticipated, and the team members’ stamina was incredible.

Since joining the team, Koi had felt a constant sense of atonement towards all cheerleaders, including his teammates. He had never imagined the hard work, training, and tears hidden behind their bright smiles and energetic performances. More than anything, they were dedicated to their roles.

“We will lead Buffalo High to victory!” Ariel shouted, and everyone echoed her words. Koi shouted along, moved by their pride.

But the moment of inspiration didn’t last long. Koi always had extra training.

“You don’t have enough muscle,” Ariel would often say, poking him critically. And she had a point. All the cheerleaders had developed toned muscles through repeated physical training. Among them, Ariel, as the captain, was the best.

“Ariel even won an amateur boxing match,” the vice-captain had once said proudly of their captain. Koi had been impressed, but at the same time, the memory of Ashley’s bruised face sent a shiver down his spine.

“Alright, everyone, good work today.”

As they were tidying up, Ariel clapped her hands to get their attention. Everyone looked at her, and she continued, “The homecoming game is coming up soon, so we’ll be getting fitted for our uniforms. We’ll prepare them in advance, so if anyone has any problems, please let me or the vice-captain know. This game is practically the start of the season, so we have to do it right.”

“Yes!”

“Okay!”

Ariel nodded at their enthusiastic replies, then suddenly smiled. “So, to celebrate, how about we all go to Green Bell together today?”

“C-Celebrate?” Koi stammered amidst the cheers and the flurry of everyone getting ready to leave. Ariel frowned at him. “Yes, is there a problem?”

“No, well… it’s just…” Koi hesitated, unable to speak, and averted his gaze. He really didn’t have any money today. His income had drastically decreased because he only worked weekends, and even then, he often had to miss work for practice. He was worried he might get fired soon, so every penny counted.

And now, Green Bell?

If it were a cheap fast-food place, he might have managed, but Green Bell was out of his budget. Should he just say he couldn’t go?

He really wanted to go. He had finally started to open up to his teammates and fit in. It would be great to spend time with them and chat. He wanted a group of friends like Ashley and his friends, but reality wouldn’t allow it. And he had to buy a new uniform, too. He was truly broke.

As he was torn between his desire to go and his empty wallet, Ariel, untying her hair and letting her long locks flow freely, said, “You should come today. It’s a bonding experience for everyone.”

The vice-captain popped her head out from behind Ariel. “You’ll regret it if you don’t come. We’re going to choose the design for the new uniforms there.”

Koi asked cautiously, “Um, even with the new uniform… will I still be wearing a skirt?”

“Oh, of course,” the vice-captain replied, singing dramatically like a Disney character, and turned back to finish packing her things. It seemed there was no way around it. Koi suppressed his desire to go and faced reality. He didn’t even have enough money for a soda. There would be other opportunities. He would look forward to that day.

“Well…” he began.

“Are you trying to skip because you don’t want to wear a skirt?” Ariel interrupted, frowning. Koi was startled and shook his head.

“N-No, it’s not that. Well, I want to go, but…”

“Then come. You’re not a guy to us. Of course, you’re not a girl either, so you’re… something else.”

Was that better than being called a jalapeño? Koi thought for a moment, then quickly snapped back to attention. “No, of course I know you don’t think of me as a guy. And yes, I’m not a girl either. But, well…”

He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence. Ariel said, “We sold your piece of junk.”

“Huh?”

He blinked at the sudden statement, and Ariel continued, “Your scrap metal bike, we sold it. My dad did.”

“Sold it? That?” Koi repeated her words, bewildered. Ariel nodded readily.