sthella

You are now currently hiding behind a stack of tires in the Vagastrom garage, watching Sho through a gap in the rubber. He was at his food truck aggressively flipping a spatula.

Man, where is she? Sho’s thought pierced through your brain, clear as a bell. I spent three hours perfecting this broth because she said the cafeteria’s soup tasted like dishwater. If she’s over there hanging out with that asshole Leo again, I’m gonna lose it.

You winced. You weren't with Leo; you were five feet away, feeling like a creep.

Shohei let out a loud, frustrated sigh, leaning over the counter of the truck. "Hey! Anyone seen my Senpai?" he shouted to a group of passing mooks. "If she’s slacking, tell her I’m taking her free meal credits!"

Lies. I’d never actually charge her, his mind added immediately, accompanied by a mental image of you smiling after a mission that made your heart skip a beat. She looked so tired yesterday. I just want her to sit down for five minutes so I can make sure she actually eats something that isn't a damn energy drink.

You couldn't take it. The sweetness of his concern, layered under that prickly exterior, was too much. You tried to slip away, but your boot caught on a metal scrap.

Clang.

Shohei’s head snapped toward the tires.

Found ya.

"Senpai? What are you doing skulking around like a stray cat?" Shohei walked over, wiping his hands on a grease-stained towel. He had that signature smirk on his face, the one that usually meant he was about to make your life difficult.

"You avoiding me? I didn't think you were the type to get scared of a little wrongdoing."

"I'm not avoiding you, Sho," you lied, stepping out and trying to keep your expression neutral. "I'm just... busy. Inspector stuff."

"Right. Busy hiding behind tires." He stepped into your personal space, his scent enveloping you.

She’s lying, his thoughts rumbled. Her heart’s racing. Is she sick? Did Hyde say something to her? If that bastard brother of mine annoyed her, I’m gonna go snowboard over his favorite lab equipment.

"You're acting weird," Sho said aloud, his eyes narrowing. He reached out, his fingers catching a lock of your hair. "You haven't been to the truck in three days. You cheating on my cooking with the Mystery Diner? Or is it Jin? You like those fancy Frostheim plates better than mine?"

Please say no. I’ll make whatever you want. I’ll even learn how to make that weird dessert you like.

"No one's cooking is better than yours, Sho," you whispered, the truth slipping out because his mental pleading was so earnest.

Shohei froze. A dark, dusty pink creeped up his neck. "Tch. Obviously. Don't say stuff like that so casually, y’know? It’s embarrassing."

God, I love it when she says stuff like that. I want to pull her into the truck and never let her leave. Keep her right there where it’s warm.

You felt your face heating up. "I... I have to go!"

You bolted before he could see you melt, leaving Shohei standing in the garage, his hand still suspended in the air.

What did I do? he wondered, his thoughts suddenly small and wounded. Did I tease her too hard? Dammit, Sho, you’re an idiot.

The distance lasted exactly four more hours. Sho had cornered you in the quiet corridor leading to your cathedral after classes ended. He didn't say a word; he just grabbed your wrist and pulled you into a small, shadowed alcove, pinning you against the cool stone wall.

"Alright, Senpai. Level with me." His voice was low, devoid of its usual playfulness. "What's the deal? You won't look at me, you won't eat my food, and you run every time I breathe in your direction. If you hate me, just say it. I'd rather you hate me to my face than... whatever this is."

It’s killing me, his mind whispered, the thought heavy with a vulnerability you’d never seen. I can’t focus. I almost put salt in the chocolate cake. If she leaves, this whole foodtruck thing doesn't even matter.

Your heart broke. You realized that by trying to respect his privacy, you were causing him more pain than the truth ever could.

"I don't hate you, Sho," you said, reaching up to cup his face. "I could never hate you. I was just... overwhelmed by how much I like you."

Shohei’s breath hitched. "Huh?"

Wait, for real? She likes me? Me?? FOR REAL??

"For real," you murmured, leaning in until your lips were inches from his. "I like the way you worry about me. I like that you perfect recipes just to see me smile. And I love that you'd snowboard over your brother's equipment for me."

Shohei’s eyes went wide. "How did you—?"

He didn't finish the question. He crashed his lips against yours, a desperate kiss that tasted of longing and relief. His hands slid into your hair, pulling you closer until there wasn't a breath of space between you.

As the kiss deepened, his thoughts became calm.

Finally. Her skin is so soft. I’m never letting go. I want to tell her everything. I want her to know she’s the only thing that makes this fresh hell of an academy bearable.

You pulled back just a fraction, your forehead resting against his. "You're the only thing that makes it bearable for me, too," you whispered.

Shohei’s grip tightened, his eyes shimmering with an intensity that made your knees weak. "You’re reading my mind, aren't you?" He let out a shaky, disbelieving laugh. "Of course you are. You’re always one step ahead of me, Senpai."

I don't even care, his thoughts sang as he leaned down to nuzzle your neck. Read everything. See every embarrassing thing I think about you. See how much I’m completely, hopelessly besotted with you.

"I see it," you murmured, tilting your head to give him better access.

Shohei groaned, his lips tracing the line of your jaw. "I’m gonna make you the best dinner of your life tonight," he muttered against your skin, his voice thick with emotion. "And then I’m gonna keep you in my room and make sure you never have a reason to run away again."

I’m gonna marry this girl, he thought with a sudden conviction. I’ll buy her a better ring than that Sage's thing. Something that doesn't curse her. Just something that says she’s mine.