fluffbruary

“This day is going to suck from the beginning to the end!” Blair scoffs, closing the laptop she’s holding on her crossed legs, as she sits on the bed.

The tone of her voice, the abrupt gesture, and maybe even the fact that she threw the closed laptop on Dan’s chest wakes her boyfriend up.

“Ouch! What happened to the ‘good morning, my love’ kiss?” He complains, sitting up.

“Traitors don’t get anything like that!” She snaps, getting up from the bed.

“Okay, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear you!” Dan scoffs, insulted, as he follows her example, but he also goes to the bathroom, getting ready for the day.

“In which way would I be a traitor?” He returns to the topic, once he’s done, as he buttons up his shirt.

His hair is still freshly showered.

“Didn’t you pretend you hadn’t heard?” Blair strikes back. Dan glares at her, as he puts on his jacket, too.

“Well, to answer your question, this is a perfect start to being a traitor!” She grumbles, taking his already packed bag and dragging it to the threshold.

“See? This way I don’t have to go back to my place, which means more time to spend with you.” He smirks, leaning closer to her, but ends up kissing the ID document she draws from his bag’s external pocket. “If you didn’t have to leave, there would be plenty of time to spend with me!” She holds it against him.

“Blair, I’m not going on a fun trip, it’s work. It’s my job!” Dan tries to reason with her.

“Well. You weren’t supposed to be so quick to finish your new book and have it already published!” She growls, throwing a pillow that he dodges in time, as he steps closer to her.

“And you weren’t supposed to make me feel so good and inspired that I could finish it with so little effort!” He murmurs, bending on her, but also keeping her wrists blocked, before she can grab anything else as a barrier between them. He kisses her and she surrenders to him, pretty soon. “Mm.. nice, but don’t forget I’m still very mad at you!” She retorts, parting from him.

“So mad you won’t come along to the airport?” He pouts. “And miss the opportunity of saying goodbye to you, ‘Casablanca’ style?” Dan chuckles. “Blair. You know that I just have to take a flight to Boston and I'll be back in five days. Right?” His girlfriend tugs his collar shirt.

“Don’t you dare spoil the cinematographic drama, Humphrey!”

“Too bad I left my Humphrey Bogart hat at home.” “Liar; you don’t have any Humphrey Bogart hat.” -And now I know what to buy to you for Christmas!- “However, ‘Casablanca’ style or not, we’re going to be late if we don’t hurry up. I’m still wearing my pajamas!” Blair notices, heading towards the bathroom.

Dan takes advantage of that to take his bag downstairs

“Quick, Lonely Boy, come here!” Dorota calls him in a whisper. Dan obeys, questioning her with his look.

“I only have the time that Miss Blair’s shower will take for this. Let’s go in the kitchen, I made your favourite eggs and toasted bread with your favourite jam. Miss Blair is so mad at you that she won’t allow you to eat breakfast with her, but I can’t allow you to face a flight empty-bellied.” The domestic winks at him. “Thank you, Dorota, I didn’t know I had a second mother.” Dan starts to eat, but notices how Dorota is glaring at him. “Or rather a caring, very young big sister.” “That’s better.” She grins as he takes the first forkful of overeasy egg. “Now eat fast, I’ll have to trash the evidence before she arrives.”

“Do you have any idea why she’s so … I don’t know how to say it correctly… Pretty much impossible?” Dan dares to ask, as he keeps eating. “Didn’t you check the weather forecast? You’re lucky that you’re leaving on such a sunny day, but tonight they say there’s a thunderstorm coming. A very violent one.” Dorota informs him.

“Oh. Now everything makes sense.” Dan acknowledges. “That’s what she was checking this morning on her laptop.”

If Dan has learned something more about Blair in these few months together is that stormy nights scare the hell out of her. “And I’m leaving her alone, facing this, of course she’s so pissed off!” He figures out, smearing the jam on the bread.

“Well, it’s not that you can predict weather weeks before making plans.” Dorota justifies him.

“And I can’t even make a change in my plans. I can’t skip not even a book signing session this time, otherwise my Publishing House will destroy me…” Dan grumbles, as he finishes eating. “But I could…” “You could what, Lonely Boy?” Dorota asks him, great expectations in her eyes. Dan smirks. “Dorota, will you do a little favour to me?”

------------------------------------- About ten minutes later, when every trace of Dan’s food has been cleaned, Blair reaches him in the kitchen.

“Woah! If you are trying to make it harder and harder for me to leave you, mission accomplished!” Dan welcomes her, admiring Blair in her ruffled layered watercolor effect long dress, where green mint and creamy melt in perfect harmony.

To complete her flawless outfit, there’s a very Ingrid Bergman style hat that she’s holding in her hand.

“But you’re leaving anyway, so there's no chance your words can butter me up.” She retorts, sitting at the table and grabbing a slice of toasted bread. “And speaking of butter, now I’ll have breakfast; you’re allowed to sit here and watch.”

“Oh, your cruelty is limitless.” Dan pretends to complain, his Drama Queen attitude at its greatest extent. Hidden from Blair, Dan and Dorota exchange an understanding gaze.

------------------------------------------ “It amazes me how there's the fast track, but not the traitors one; otherwise you’d be already inside the airplane!” Blair grumbles, as they're waiting for the gate number to appear on the screen. “Ah-ah, very funny.” Dan rolls his eyes. “Would you mind change this leitmotiv, at least for half an hour?” “I’m afraid I can’t, especially if I consider you a traitor twice.” She retorts. “Twice?” He frowns. “Yeah. Weren’t we supposed to grow together in our relationship? Then how do you dare have so much success, so fast, leaving me so far behind?” She groans. Once again, she’s exposing all her insecurities to him. “Oh, Blair.” Dan murmurs, hugging her tight. “You’re my Muse. My success is yours, as well.” “But I can’t get content with a success by extension, I need to shine on my own!” She protests, her face hidden in the crook of his neck. He puts his hands on her shoulders and pushes her a little, for her to look directly at him.

“And you will, my love. The moment you figure out what you really want and go straight for it; no one will stand a chance.” He assures her. “You’re going to conquer it all.” “Do you really think so?” Blair wonders, her eyes a little teary. “I’m sure, as I’m sure that that moment is getting closer and closer.” He smiles sweetly at her, fixing her hat on her head better. “Maybe you’re right, I just need to find my way.” She smiles back.

“Don’t forget you’ve been a Princess; that’s worthy of taking a whole year off!” He makes her laugh.

“And please note how more mature I became about the whole matter; to begin with I didn’t steal your ID from your bag.” She makes him laugh. “Neither did I make any phone call to your signing location in Boston, calling in a bomb threat to alert security.” “Oh, I’m more and more impressed.” He chuckles. “And you won’t throw a fit if the press publishes an article that praises my newest work, right?”

“Right.” She chews on her lips. “But the article should first focus on the fact that you’re a traitor, still wanting to leave me even after I confessed how bad I’m feeling about it.” - Not to mention the thunderstorm that’s approaching!- She adds in her mind.

“But… I’ve also comforted you about it and cheered you up.” Dan makes her notice.

“Yeah, but I guess that former Princesses get the right to remain moody as much as they please!” She glares at him. “Which doesn’t mean I’m not gonna spend as much time as possible with my boyfriend. I don’t regret asking in advance for that gate pass.” “There’s no mood of yours that can’t prevent me from enjoying your company.” He grins.

----------------------------

According to Blair’s plans, their ‘see ya soon’ kiss before the boarding moment has been so iconic that it could shame many modern and classic Hollywood romcoms. Her hat probably made the difference.

And as Blair watches from the big windows of the gate the airplane flying high in the sky, knowing it’s Dan’s, she can’t help sighing unhappily.

She finds some sort of consolation in booking a whole afternoon in her favorite spa.

She really needs to cuddle herself.

However, all the relaxation she manages to channel during that afternoon instantly fades away with the first thunder of that night.

She’s alone in her bedroom, trying to bury her head under the pillows, but it’s not working.

Fearing that she could get stuck outside in the middle of the storm, Blair preferred to remain home all night long. After all, she couldn't have foreseen that the thunderstorm would begin just a little after midnight.

She tries to distract herself watching a movie, reading a book, listening to music, but nothing seems to work.

- Maybe some lavender tea will do the miracle. - She decides, going downstairs. That’s when she hears some strange, disquieting noises coming from the front door.

She knows her house so well that she can easily move in the almost complete dark.

“Get the hell out of my house!” She snaps.

“Blair, calm down, it’s me!” Dan pleads, as a lighting lights his face up.

“Dan?” She narrows her eyes at him, turning the lights on in the process.

“Yep, it’s me. So, please, can you put that tea strainer down?” He replies. “Oh, wait, in which world is that supposed to be a weapon?”

But she’s still too shocked to notice his usual sarcasm.

“Dan?” Blair asks him once more.

- I should have read the box better; maybe lavender tea can cause hallucinations… -

Right at that moment, a very violent thunder makes her yelp. Dan rushes to her.

“Yeah, I’m here, my love. Dorota told me about the storm, and also gave me a copy of the keys. I just couldn’t let you face all this alone.” He explains, holding her in his arms.

“I was alone, indeed. My mother and Cyrus left yesterday for their umpteenth holiday together. Dorota is with Vanya, taking care of their babies…” “I knew that, too. One more reason to be here with you.” Dan nods.

“And, despite the heart attack I was about to have at the beginning, when I caught a glimpse of you getting in, in such a furtive way; I really appreciate this surprise, honey, but…” she mumbles, parting from him. “You’re drenched to the bone!”

“That’s what happens when you get off the cab halfway through, because due to the traffic it’s taking too long, and you run outside in the middle of the storm.”

Blair stares at him, very impressed.

“Oh. Come with me, before you catch the flu.” She brings him upstairs in her bedroom.

“I just wonder…how? Weren’t you supposed to have your fansign in Boston?” She asks him as she helps him get rid of his drenched coat and jacket.

“And I did; and hundreds of people came to me, not just a few dozen, like last time.“ He gloats, still very thrilled. “So I made my Publishing House happy and after the meeting I was free to do whatever I wanted, such as coming back to you.” He smiles, unbuttoning his shirt.

“Just how? Due to the weather there is no flight available to or from New York…” Blair makes him notice as she takes his clean clothes.

“And there was none, indeed; but, lucky for us, trains are the only few things who don’t stop working on rainy, stormy days; so I just needed a cab to take me to Massachusetts where there’s a train heading here in a little more than three hours.” He astonishes her with his answer.

“You’re crazy!” She tries to reproach him, but the truth is that she can’t help smiling at him. “Yeah. For you.” He displays a crooked smile, before kissing her shortly. “Now, do you want to join me in the shower or prefer to wait in your room, among lightning, flashes, harsh wind and thunder?” 

As he’s finishing his rhetorical question a thunder rumbles, making Blair take her clothes off in record time and follow Dan on the shower who’s big enough for two.

Once Dan adjusts the water at the right temperature, they both stay under the fixed shower head, as they kiss, Blair arms wrapped around his neck as he gently holds her waist. Blair stretches her hand long enough to grab the L’Occitane Almond shower oil. She puts some on her and Dan’s hands and then both smear it on each other’s body, with slow, sensual caresses.

When Blair’s hand reaches Dan’s lap, it goes on without saying that he’s already enjoying those attentions a lot. A thunder, a bit more violent than the others, abruptly breaks that idyllic moment. Blair jolts, standing on her tiptoes, and being so close to Dan the consequence can be one only.

“Oh.” escapes from Dan’s lips.

“I’m sorry.” Blair murmurs, sheepishly.

“Oh, c’mon, Blair, are you really apologizing?” Dan chuckles, holding her closer and enjoying the sensation of being within her as if it was the first time.

“Mm.. I am not, really. I’ll tell you more. I guess I’m finding something pleasant about thunderstorms…” She moans, kissing him as she welcomes his increasing thrusts.

“I love you!” Blair exclaims, reaching her first orgasm of that night.

Dan chuckles.

“What?” Blair glances at him, with curiosity as they part.

“You said it the first time during fireworks and the second time now, during the roar of thunder… You have the tendency to say that only when I can’t fully hear you.”

“But I’m saying that and I mean it. Isn’t it enough?” She strikes back.

Dan smiles oh so sweetly, staring at her with the most loved-up glance ever.

“Of course it is, my love.” He whispers, pulling her closer. “More than you could ever guess.”

And then his lips are glued to hers for the umpteenth time. “About your fear of the thunderstorm…  This triggers in me an idea to help you. Something a little whimsy but I’m sure it could work.” He whispers in her ear, mysteriously. “Oh. I like whimsy. Tell me more.” She urges him.

“Let’s finish our shower first.” He suggests.

Once they’re clean and dry, both wearing a bathrobe and Blair with a towel wrapped around her head, as a turban, they move on her bed.

Outside, the violent storm shows no sign of abating and Blair keeps staring at the window, scared.

Dan places his index under Blair’s chin, for her to look at him. “Blair, my love, don’t focus so much on the storm.” He advises her.

She scoffs. “Yeah, right, brilliant! Don’t focus on the storm. How did I not think about it before?” She resorts to all her bitter sarcasm. “Oh!” Dan undid the belt of her bathrobe while she was busy talking, and now his hand is caressing her vagina, his fingertips softly massaging that oh sensitive spot. No intrusion yet. “Focus instead on all the pleasure I’m going to give to you,” Dan goes on, his voice so soothing, his caresses so delicate, so patient. “Mm…” She starts relaxing.

“And on the pleasure you’re going to give me.” Dan adds, using his free hand to take Blair’s one and bringing it onto the belt of his bathrobe.

“Oh. Do you mean at the same time?” She asks him as she undoes his belt.

Dan just nods.

“But… we have never done such a thing before…” She makes him notice, as her hand is already awakening his resting cock. “I do know. What’s more perfect than a wild, stormy night to try?” He winks at her as his hands trace her inner thighs.

Blair bits her lower lip as she cups his cock in a fist, feeling it getting immediately hard for her. At the same moment Dan inserts his middle finger inside her, slowly, exploring.

Her hand starts to slowly move up and down, drawing a low moan out of Dan’ lips.

His finger pushes inside her and out, constantly, increasing the rhythm, before adding his index.

“Oh god, Dan, don’t stoooop….” Blair pleads, her other hand taking good care of his balls, too. “Only if you dooon’t stop.” He jolts, enjoying all the sensations.

Their eyes locked, both studying the powerful effect they have on each other. “Can you still hear the thunderings, Blair?” He asks her,as he pants,  inserting his ring finger, too.

“Whiiiiich thunderings?” Blair replies, shamelessly climaxing.

Dan smiles triumphal.

Even more when her skillful hands make him come as well.

They both pant for a while, before kissing, so needy, so hungry.

“I love you, Blair.” He murmurs against her lips, making her smile wider.

They rest for a while, tenderly cuddling. They fall asleep like that, without even realizing it.

It’s Blair who wakes up first, around sunrise.

She stirs, in a way that wakes up Dan as well.

He smiles at her, keeping silent. “You know, Dan, Chuck didn’t want me around during thunderstorms…” she decides to confess, as she plays with his hair. “Really?” He frowns, caressing her legs.

“Yeah, he said he couldn’t stand that too weak, childish side of me; surely not worthy of the strong woman the mighty Chuck Bass needed by his side…” she grumbles.

“I can’t find any remedy to Chuck’s stupidity, but surely I’ve just found one more reason to love thunderstorms.” He chuckles, kissing her temple.

 “I found one reason to start to like thunderstorms a bit more, especially how we managed to turn it into a storm of pleasure.” She kisses him.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Dan recalls something, getting up from the bed. “What?” Blair wonders, as she observes him reaching his bag.

“When I was at the Boston Duty Free, I saw something that instantly made me think of you.” He hands her a little package. “Aww. A gift.” She beams.

“You keep saying you still have to find your way…” He explains, as she opens it.

“So… you’ve bought me a compass.” She giggles, as she stares at the round, silver object in her hand. “I know, it’s stupid, but it’s just a little thing to make you smile…” He shrugs, sheepishly.

“Can you hear outside? The storm is over now. No more noises covering my voice…” She winks at him, filling him with expectations. “I love you, Dan Humphrey. I may still have to figure out which my way is, but I know for sure with him I want to walk it with.”

“Oh, Blair.” He bends on her, kissing her.

“Now I can head towards my train a lot happier.” He smiles, as he starts to dress.

“Oh. So are you already leaving?”

“Well, if I catch the next train I can still be on time on my schedule and reach Worcester in the afternoon.” He explains.

“So, which are the next stages of your book signings?” Blair asks him casually, getting up from the bed as well.

“After Worcester, Springfield, Hartford and Providence… Why?”

“Because, all of a sudden these places sound so much more appealing than all the events I could take part in here… Worcester included.” She reveals, before going to the bathroom to dry her hair better.

Dan’s face lights up.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” “I’m saying that you should buy two train tickets and help me pack my stuff as I’m getting ready here…” Blair winks at him, as she combs her hair.

“Alright. And Blair?” “Yeah?”

“I’ve checked the weather forecast over there and it’s gonna be all sunny and cloudless.” Dan informs her, as he takes her rolling suitcase. “Good to know,” She pokes her head out of the door. “But we can always pretend there’s a thunderstorm!”

--

THE END

Notes:

~~~

An old bag, filled with few clothes, books and notebooks hung from his shoulders. He walked forward, taking slow deliberate steps, letting himself feel every movement. He was truly walking into this enormous building. Perhaps he could still turn back, maybe catch the train and... no he will do it. His grandma who has put so much faith him; he cannot let her down.

The principal, spoke warmly and welcomed him. He listened carefully to all the instructions, making mental notes to never break any of them. Perhaps while doing so, he looked a little to serious, that the older man smiled and said, "Don't worry, son. Life is just beginning."

The classroom was full of commotion. Boys spoke loudly, talking about almost everything from studies, to heaven and earth.

Spotting the empty last bench, beside the window, Scorpio quietly took his seat. Hoping none of the other boys will notice his presence. Desperately praying no one will try to strike up a conversation. Alas! His hopes were shattered when he saw a tall, well dressed boy walking towards his bench.

He expected, mockery, cruel laughter but when the stranger spoke he was not sure how to respond.

"Is this seat taken?"

Scorpio slowly nodded his head.

"May i sit beside you?"

The uncharacteristical warmth in his voice was quite strange for Scorpio. He had encountered his fair share of boys coming from wealthy background, some rude and some pretending to hold a sense of politeness while humiliating others, but this stranger was somehow different.

The introductions followed and once the teacher arrived, the boys halted their conversation.

~

That evening after dinner, the hallway was filled with students, standing in front of the notice board.

"Move aside, you have been standing here for too long!" A boy said trying to take a careful look. Someone shoved him slightly, to look at the list.

"Looks like we are not in the same room." A tall student announced to his slightly shorter friend nearby. Then walked away quietly. Gloominess coloured both their faces as they sat on the bench nearby, speaking softly before they had to reluctantly go to their separate rooms.

Scorpio felt terrible at that sight. Having friends but not being able to stay with them, or share sweets with them at midnight while talking would be terrible, he pondered looking absentmindedly at the trees in the campus.

"Let's go!" Another boy shouted, too loudly for the teacher passing by, to give him a stern look. He and his friend have fortunately been assigned the same room.

Scorpio's lips curled up faintly as he saw their delightful faces.

The tall boy from before was nowhere, Scorpio noticed. Just a this thought came to mind, a warm hand, with slender fingers pocked him softly on the back.

" Tauxo...louve?" Scorpio said. As soon as he said that the boy standing in front of him chuckled slightly. Scorpio immediately looked away, his cheeks turning red. Why did he have to say his name? And that too like a spell?

"We are in the same room."

Scorpio muttered to himself, as they stood in front of the notice board.

"Yes. Shall we see our new room?"

Most boys had moved to their rooms and few who still lingered around the notice board slowly collected their bags and left.

~

The room was spacious. Two study tables, two beds, two closets, a big window which looked onto the school grounds.

Tauxolouve sat lazily onto one of the beds and claimed it his for the time being. Then slowly looking up, as if embarrassed by his own action, asked sheepishly.

"Do you mind if i take this bed?"

Scorpio smiled faintly before nodding his head.

Over the course of the next few weeks their friendship deepened. Now they could be spotted together everywhere.

"Here." Tauxolouve said putting four mangoes on the table, looking extremely pleased with himself.

"Where did you get these?"

Scorpio asked lowering his voice. His eyes scanned the dining hall to check if any of the other students were eavesdropping.

"I have my ways."

When Scorpio pressed further, Tauxolouve finally raised his hands and said.

"The cook gave."

"His son had brought some mangoes for him from their village. The kind man chose to share some with us."

"Or you pestered him and he surrendered." The teasing tone in his voice was hard to miss.

Which only made Tauxolouve laugh as he slowly started peeling the mangoes; hiding them from any prying eyes. Scorpio smiled softly.

~

"I am telling you that is not how it works."

Scorpio said trying his best to keep his voice at an suitable level for the library. While Tauxolouve looked entirely unconvinced, as his friend described the verses to him. A knowing smile already forming at the corner of his lips as he expected Scorpio to present not only a theory but to also explain it severely.

The old librarian heard the exchange from a distance as he neatly arranged the books on the shelves. Over the course of the last few weeks, these two have become his greatest source of amusement. Unlike some of the other students, who often forgot to return books or left them scattered as they went, these two youngsters showed an immense respect for the library and the books and for him. And while their discussions mostly involved in convincing each other on certain topics or debating on various crises, some of which often lead to hilarious conclusions.

~

On one such bright Saturday morning, when most students preferred to sleep in and conserve most of their energy, these two showed up.

"Good morning, sir". They greeted in unision.

The librarian smiled, delighted at their presence. "Very good morning to you both, Scorpio and Tauxolouve."

They spend most of the day reading various stories after completing their respective assignments.

"This is hilarious." Scorpio laughed softly, pointing at a paragraph on the page. When Tauxolouve read it, he looked mortified.

"How can you find a ghost running behind a boy funny?"

"It is written, very well."

Tauxolouve could appreciate the literary talent but to find a ghost running behind a boy in a creepy forest funny was something. Still he smiled softly looking at Scorpio.

"What?" Scorpio asked rubbing the few droplets of tears from the corners of his eyes.

"You look happy."

Scorpio stopped laughing and for a few seconds stared at the bookshelf on the other side of the table. His heart indeed felt calmer and lighter. Something he never expected to happen in this new school.

"I am."

They both smiled lightly after Scorpio said that.

A great day indeed, the librarian thought as he heard the exchange.

By afternoon, thick layer of clouds have started to form, accompanied by strong wind.

"You two should leave before it starts raining heavily."

But the advice fell on deaf ears as the reading progressed.

A loud sound, brought them back to reality and when they looked at the window, the sense of doom finally landed on their shoulders. The rain came, and fell in thick drops accompanied by frequent lightning and stronge wind.

The librarian sighed.

"Should have left earlier."

He handed Tauxolouve his second umbrella. Which he took gladly, while looking extremely embarrassed.

They ran holding hands. Barely managing to hold the umbrella straight. Rain water soaked through their clothes as they took shelter under a tree.

"I don't think the rain is going to stop anytime soon." Scorpio said.

A girl wearing a transparent raincoat, stopped her scooter on the road.

"Do you two need any help?" She asked loudly.

Scorpio looked up and for a few seconds remained stunned.

"No, it is alright. Thank you."

"Where are you two going?" She asked again.

"To (school's name)."

"I am going in that direction. I can drop you two."

"We are alrig-"

Tauxolouve who had been silently watching the interaction unfold, softly smacked Scorpio's hand. The girl did not notice that.

"He means. Thank you very much. We need help."

Both of them instantly regretted as they embarked on the journey. As they were barely managing to keep their balance on the scooter. Scorpio sat on the middle, clutching the small bag to his chest, and trying his best to not bend forward too much.

Tauxolouve held on the little grab rail on the scooter's back with one hand and holding Scorpio with the other, keeping him steady. Which simultaneously balancing the umbrella, so that their bag will not get drenched in the rain water. Neither of them dared to look at the guard rail.

"We must look ridiculous." Scorpio said.

"Under any other circumstances, i would have laughed." The self-deprecating tone prominent in Tauxolouve's voice.

Their prayers were finally answered, as behind the dense line of trees the school building came into view. The scooter came to a halt in front of the gate.

Tauxolouve thanked her and smiled politely.

The girl smiled back at both of them. Scorpio looked timid, and found the words struck in his throat. Tauxolouve gave him a side eye glance, while continuing the conversation.

He suddenly found the trees in the distance rather interesting. As she was about to start the scooter, he hurriedly said.

"Thank you."

Witnessing his reaction, (Y/N) chuckled lightly, which only made things difficult for his heart. So much so that even after she drove off, he lingered there, motionless for a few seconds.

Tauxolouve sighed before gently pulling him inside the school building.

Inori began to feel antsy. She looked at her phone’s watch.

Teacher Tsukasa’s door was usually open, but she was reluctant to knock. Inori waited for another 20 minutes until she realised that her class adviser was not alone. There were murmurs behind it. She could hear two voices of men having a playful banter and then a loud giggling.

Inori came closer and placed her right ear on the door while holding her phone ready to send a text to Hikaru.

Teacher Tsukasa was definitely not alone by himself.

“You have to go now, Jun-san. Stop. Stopppp, this. Isn’t the. Right time. And place,” Tsukasa pleaded in a staccato voice.

“Hmmmm… I… miss…. you. Do I have to warn Kago-san that you are mine?”

“He’s like a father to me. Surely, you wouldn’t think that?”

“Akeuraji, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know when someone desires you. I can see it from their eyes. Even…”

“Even what?”

“Hitomi’s father. Takamine-san.”

Inori couldn’t believe her ears. Takamine-sensei, the assistant school director?

“They only wanted to support me. Your jealousy is over the top. You know how much I’ve always been loyal to you ever since I was a teenager.”

Inori noticed that her adviser’s voice went soft.

“I was ready to commit transgressions if you gave me the signs. I was a fool… for you. It hasn’t changed.”

“And it was a correct thing that I waited for you.”

Oh my god, Teacher Tsukasa! Inori pulled her hair. Unsure if she struck gold. This was the second time she caught her adviser and the science teacher being lovey-dovey.

They have a long history, huh.

She thought of sending Hikaru a text when the door opened.

Aghast, her mouth a complete O, she dropped her phone.

“Ah, your visitor is here, Akeuraji-sensei.”

Jun glared at her. She struggled to get up hastily putting the phone inside her uniform skirt’s pocket.

“So you are the one who keeps taking Tsukasa’s precious time?”

“Uhhhh…” Speechless, Inori found herself in need of water.

The science teacher’s eyes gleamed like a laser beam zapping at her. She was worried that she would fizzle out like a pulverised shrimp. Inori’s image of the cigarette smoke surrounding him still haunted her.

“Stop it, you!” Tsukasa lovingly taps Jun’s arm, then continued, “don’t scare the girl. Go to the cafeteria and get us a table.”

Inori couldn’t shake off the intimidating gaze, she secretly swallowed her saliva.

“Yes, Inori-san, don’t keep him too long. It is our lunch break.”

Eekkk!!!

The poor girl could only nod. barely moving from where she stood.

“Cut it out, Jun. You are scaring her.”

“I am not.”

He winked again. She didn’t have a crush on Jun Yodaka, but she could see his appeal. The small face contributed to his young looks complementing Teacher Tsukasa Akeuraji’s fresh appearance. And his eyes? They reminded her of Aurora borealis she saw from a host of TV documentaries. They matched together. She could see it now. Jun took the other man’s hand and squeezed it.

“See you later then.”

Then he walked leisurely outside. No doubt toward the school cafeteria.

“I am sorry, Inori. Don’t mind him. He’s a good person. I can see that you know the real score between us.”

Teacher Tsukasa’s face was red all over. It even spread to his chest.

“I… I … can keep a secret, Teacher Tsukasa.” Her heart was pounding fast.

“Atta girl! I know that I can rely on you.” A smile broke out from his cheeks.

He invited her in and began to discuss the upcoming school fair.

Who could say no to Teacher Tsukasa?