Archive of Our Own

There's something peculiar going on with Sakura, and Hayato can't quite put his finger on what it is.

It starts one rainy Tuesday morning. Class is set to begin in five minutes, so he's sitting at his desk and listening to Kiryu and Nirei talk while casting a look around the room. Sakura is still missing.

"Did Sakura-san say something about not coming in today?", Nirei ponders, his gaze on the clock.

They all shake their heads, not having heard from him since last night. It's unusual. Sakura may not be a diligent student, but he is a dedicated grade captain and normally shows up to class with time to spare. The last time this happened, he was sick, so Hayato can admit he's a little concerned. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Kiryu tapping away at his phone, presumably questioning Sakura about his whereabouts.

Then, with a minute left before the bell rings, the door slides open rather abruptly.

"Ah, Sakura-san!", Nirei calls out, "There you are! We were worried you weren't coming in."

Hayato breathes a quiet sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, the relief is short-lived, as the moment he takes Sakura in, he can immediately tell that he's not quite there. He seems distracted, if not downright confused, and only mutters a half-hearted excuse before sitting down in his chair. Normally, the other boy would blow a fuse at Nirei, insisting everything is fine and that they're not his parents or something equally ridiculous.

So, Hayato eyes him curiously. He tilts his head slightly, noting a barely-there flush on Sakura's face. Is he flustered? What could have possibly happened this morning?

"Are you alright, Sakura-kun?", he decides to ask.

It takes Sakura a moment to answer. It's clear he's warring with himself, trying to decide on whether or not to tell him the truth. Obviously, Hayato can understand wanting to keep secrets, but that doesn't mean he has to like this.

Eventually, Sakura nods. He's not even looking at him.

Hayato raises a skeptical eyebrow, and keeps his gaze on Sakura for a while longer even when no more words leave his friend's mouth. There's always a chance that the scrutiny will cause Sakura to break and spill whatever it is he's attempting to hide.

Class starts before Hayato can get anything out of him, but thankfully lunch break is fast approaching.

"Sakura-chan, what's up with you today?", Kiryu inquires as soon as their group has gathered in their usual circle. Hayato knew he could count on him, the other boy not the type to let something like this go either.

"Nothin', the hell are ya talkin' about?", Sakura replies but the cool guy act would work a lot better if he wasn't blushing down to his toes. Hayato narrows his eyes, distracted by his thoughts while the conversation continues around him. It doesn't matter what else they ask Sakura, or how he responds, Hayato knows he won't tell them anything, at least now right now.

Is someone blackmailing him? Unlikely. Hayato trusts Sakura to know better by now than try to hide something important like that. Also, he can't think of a single thing someone could use to blackmail him in the first place.

Then what could it be?

"'s not important", he hears Sakura say.

He sighs, although he was expecting this. Was it really not important? Perhaps he was simply held up by a slightly embarrassing incident that Sakura would rather not dredge up again? Hayato supposes he'll have to observe how the other boy acts tomorrow, just to be certain.

"We'll back off then", he offers benevolently. Sakura eyes him with rightful suspicion, but Hayato just smiles innocently. It won't do to have Sakura too aware of Hayato's observations, can't have him messing with the data.

Hayato puts Sakura's strange behavior out of his mind after this. Or, well, that's not quite accurate. He definitely remembers it, and observes Sakura more closely than normal, but when Sakura acts as he always does for the rest of the day, and the following day as well, Hayato decides it must really just have been an inconvenient encounter that Sakura didn't want to talk about.

Content, he allows himself to bask in his friends' presence during patrol that day, the worries pushed from his mind for once. It's sunny, which is a welcome reprieve from the rain they'd been dealing with for a good week. It's not like Hayato doesn't like rain, he quite enjoys it, but it is unfortunate when one has to patrol the town nigh every day.

He's already looking forward to a nice cup of tea and the next chapter of his novel when patrol comes to an end, ready to walk home with Nirei and Sakura. But then Sakura takes out his phone, which is a rarity in and of itself, but especially when he's around all of them. Who would be texting him?

Even worse, Sakura huffs in amusement when he reads whatever message he's received. Hayato furrows his eyebrows. Togame, maybe? They are friends, and Hayato has nothing against him. Or Tsubaki? Yeah, there's several options, it's definitely nothing.

Kiryu asks Sakura who it is, but instead of just telling them, he shrugs the question off and starts bidding them all goodbye. Hayato's brain comes to a screeching halt.

If it was Togame or Tsubaki, or even Nakamura or Tomiyama, then Sakura would just tell them. There'd be no need to hide that. So why is he avoiding the question? And why is he leaving?

"Aren't you walking home with us, Sakura-kun?", Hayato asks, pointing at himself and Nirei. He knows his tone is slightly off, his gaze too intense, but he's genuinely confused. Sakura doesn't have to tell them everything, obviously, but with the strange way he was acting the other day, and now this, alarm bells are going off in Hayato's head.

Sakura directs his eyes to stare at his feet, mumbling something incoherent before he says: "I got some other stuff to do, you guys go ahead."

Mhm. Sakura is a terrible liar, really, he could've at least come up with a believable excuse. Hayato narrows his eyes.

It's fine if Sakura wants to go do whatever, or meet someone, Hayato's not the boss of him. Still, he can't help but worry about how secretive Sakura is being. Is he afraid to tell them? Embarrassed? Hayato doesn't like the implications of either of those options.

At the end of the day, however, Hayato has no claim to any information about Sakura that the other boy doesn't want to share. He's his friend first and foremost, and he will act like it.

He hums, smile back in place, "Very well, then. See you tomorrow, Sakura-kun."

Nirei waves at Sakura and pulls Hayato along, a hand on his wrist. Hayato lets him.

"What was that?", Nirei asks as soon as they're out of earshot.

Kiryu hums, something mischievous in his tone. Tsugeura seems to have no concerns, as usual.

"Seems like Sakura-chan's got a little secret", Kiryu giggles. Hayato does his best to seem amused as well, letting out a chuckle.

Nirei is frantically flipping through his notebook as he walks, Hayato has to pull him out of the way of an oncoming pole.

"Who could he be meeting with that he doesn't want us to know about?", Nirei asks. It sounds like he's speaking to himself, pen tapping at his chin, but it's loud enough for them all to hear.

"That's just the question!", Kiryu snaps his fingers, clearly entertained by the mystery, "What do you think, Suo-chan?"

Hayato is not amused by Kiryu's sharp gaze. The other boy comes off as very nonchalant and childish, occupied with his games and music and plushies, but his observational skills are exceptional, and he's more intelligent than people generally give him credit for. Hayato likes and hates it in equal measure.

"Well." Hayato tilts his head, smile firmly in place. "It's really quite intriguing. Sakura has many friends outside of Furin, of course, but we know all about them, so I don't see why'd feel the need to hide them from us."

"Which means it's none of them", Nirei chimes in, nodding.

They all make various noises of contemplation, before Tsugeura breaks the silence like a wrecking ball.

"Maybe he's got a girlfriend", he suggests.

The other three stop walking, all looking at each other. Nirei's eyes and mouth are wide open, whereas Kiryu looks like the cat who got the cream, a dangerous glint in his green eyes. Hayato holds onto his friendly mask for dear life.

"That makes so much sense!", Nirei breaks the stupor first, "Of course he'd be secretive about something like that, especially if the relationship is still new! You know how Sakura is with romance."

Indeed. Sakura's romance sensor enjoys quite the reputation. Hayato prides himself on the fact that it has yet to go off on him, it seems his acting skills are solid.

"Does he know any girls?", Tsugeura asks. He seems to be thinking very hard, Hayato's a bit concerned something is going to break.

Hayato mentally goes through any girls Sakura has been in contact with. There's not many, unless one counts the ones that the boys have saved when following up on their duties. There's Kotoha, but Hayato highly doubts it's her. There's also Shizuka, but she's got very obvious feelings for Nakamura.

"Well, it's not like he's short of admirers!" Kiryu throws a short but pointed glance at Hayato, who raises an eyebrow in return. "Maybe one of the girls he saved asked him out."

Hayato begrudgingly admits that that's…plausible. He can't really see Sakura reacting well to a confession from a random stranger, but who knows? Maybe if she's his type…

Jaw tight and hands curled into fists, Hayato tries to regulate his breathing. It works, his training never fails him, but his mind is still in upheaval. Sakura's allowed to have a girlfriend — though he might not, it's just a theory! —, he doesn't owe Hayato anything. He doesn't even know about Hayato's…interest in him, because he's too much of a coward to bring it up.

But is it really cowardice? He simply doesn't want Sakura to feel like he owes him anything, doesn't want to complicate things between them or make Sakura uncomfortable when he's fully aware he's one of the first real friends Sakura has ever had. He can't mess that up, he won't, even if it hurts. He can handle it. After all, if Hayato is anything, it's patient and disciplined.

"I suppose we'll have to wait and see", he says, affecting a cheerful demeanor. Nirei and Tsugeura nod along, but Kiryu tilts his head at him. The smile on his face seems amused at first glance, but Hayato can spot the serpent underneath.

"Yeah", Kiryu agrees, "Sakura's terrible at keeping secrets, I'm sure we'll find out more soon enough."

For the rest of the week, Hayato observes no further strange behavior in Sakura. He seems to be completely back to normal, fully engaged and present, and walks home with them every day. It's confounding, but ultimately relieving. Seems like the whole thing was a fluke. Perhaps they were all overthinking it and Sakura really was just meeting an acquaintance for something mundane and was only skittish about it because well, he's Sakura. Their beloved grade captain is well-known in all of Makochi to act like a slighted stray cat at any and all times. Not that anyone blames him, considering the way people treated him before he came here.

The peace only lasts until the weekend.

Around noon on Saturday, Hayato meets the others in front of Sakura's apartment building, everyone carrying various snacks and games. It's become a weekly ritual, their group going to Sakura's to study hang out. It's refreshingly normal, Hayato has never had something quite like this before, and he knows the others haven't either. It's nice, and he's looking forward to it.

Well, it would be nice, if a stranger's jacket wasn't haphazardly draped over some boxes in the corner of Sakura's bedroom. Hayato decides to ignore it for now, not trusting himself to bring it up, instead distributing the teacakes he brought among his friends as though nothing is out of the ordinary.

"Whose jacket is that, dude?"

Looks like even Tsugeura noticed it. Not all that surprising, considering that the clothing items Sakura owns can be counted on two hands, and this one definitely isn't among them.

Sakura is clearly embarrassed by the question, but to Hayato it's much more damning that he looks guilty. He's avoiding their eyes, cringing under their scrutiny as he scratches his head.

"Don't worry about it", he says. As if that's going to work.

In his periphery, he can make out his friends' confused expressions, and then an amused Kiryu nudging Nirei, who has begun to blush a bright pink. Kiryu tries to catch his eye too, but Suo is too busy searching Sakura's face. What is going on here?

"You can be honest with us, Sakura-chan!", Kiryu tries. His tone is light-hearted and teasing, and with a start Hayato realizes that he's acting weird. This won't do. If Sakura is indeed dating someone, then Hayato will be happy for him (and tease him, of course), because that's what a friend is supposed to do. Because they are friends. Just friends. It doesn't matter that Hayato's feelings don't quite align with that, it doesn't matter if the sight of the stranger's jacket causes something hot and ugly to burn in his chest. He is not jealous. He will not give into such irrational emotions, he is better than that.

"Is Sakura-kun perhaps experimenting with his fashion?" Hayato grins at the boy, as he should have done much earlier. "I never thought I'd see the day!"

Obviously the jacket is not Sakura's, but Hayato is nothing if not a menace. Secretly, of course, you'd never guess it from the way he conducts himself, which is just how he likes it.

"Oh, fuck off", Sakura responds, "It's not mine."

Time stops. Of course, Hayato already knew that. It doesn't matter, shouldn't matter. And yet, it changes everything. Because Sakura admitted it. Suddenly Hayato wishes they could have stayed in limbo forever. He'd rather keep guessing and worrying about whether or not Sakura is dating someone else than actually be confronted with the reality of it. Too soon, too fast.

Perfectly in character, Kiryu seems terribly entertained while Nirei grabs his notebook and tries to ascertain the jacket's owner from Sakura, but no dice.

"A girlfriend's, maybe?", is Kiryu's cheeky suggestion. The bastard.

Sakura lights up like a fire engine, shaking his head vehemently. He seems genuinely offended, which nurtures the treacherous seed of hope in Hayato's heart.

"No! The fuck?", Sakura denies the claim quite loudly, "I don't have a fuckin' girlfriend."

Curious, he really seems to be against even the idea of it. It's relieving, as guilty as Hayato feels for even thinking that, as there's no chance that Sakura is lying. He may avoid telling them things, or choose to ignore their questions, but he'd never lie to them outright. Hayato suspects it's half due to a sense of dignity and the inherent sincerity of Sakura's personality, and half due to the fact that he's an awful liar.

"Mhm?", Kiryu taps his chin, "A boyfriend, then? It's quite the big jacket."

Hayato wishes he would stop talking. Of course, a similar thought had crossed his mind the moment he'd seen the offending item of clothing. A denim jacket easily two sizes too large for Sakura, if not more. It could be a girl's, women come in all shapes and sizes, but it is also clearly a jacket meant for men. Of course, that also doesn't have to mean anything, but it certainly lends credibility to Kiryu's suggestion.

"I'm not fuckin' dating anybody!", Sakura blurts out. He's terribly flustered and it would be adorable if Hayato wasn't so busy thinking. Sakura doesn't seem nearly as put out at the idea of dating a man as he did when Kiryu suggested the jacket's owner was a girl.

Even if Sakura and this mystery person (man?) aren't dating, is there a possibility that they will in the future? It wouldn't be preposterous to assume that there's some interest there, if the guy lent Sakura his jacket. All hypothetical, of course. Still, would Sakura being attracted to men, or even dating one, make Hayato feel better or worse about this whole situation? He's not sure. On one hand, it'd mean there's still a chance for him, but on the other, it'd be a worse (indirect) rejection if Sakura picks a man who's not him.

A pathetic train of thoughts, really. Very immature. Hayato is so disappointed with himself that he nearly misses when Nirei suggests that the jacket could be Togame's.

Well, that would make sense.

Togame has clearly expressed interest in Sakura several times. Hayato and the others are convinced he has a crush on Sakura (even though Hayato is also sure he's with Shishitoren's leader? Oh well.). But would Sakura hide that from them? Maybe he would. If Togame really is making advances, and especially if Sakura is considering them, considering him as an option, he might be embarrassed about it.

They never find out whether the jacket is Togame's though, as Sakura simply shrugs and refuses to answer, instead suggesting they play a game. It's impossible to say no to Sakura, so despite everyone's burning curiosity, they fold quickly and begin squabbling about which game to pick. Well, except Hayato. He won't outright defy Sakura's wishes, but he can't turn his rattling brain off either. Togame wouldn't wear a jacket like that, would he? He doesn't spend much time with Shishitoren's second-in-command, but he's certain the man only wears jinbei and his souvenir jacket.

"Suo?", Sakura waves a hand in front of his face, successfully distracting him from his thoughts. Right. He's here to spend time with his friends, Sakura's mystery friend shouldn't interfere with this.

"What is it, Sakura-kun?", Hayato directs his best smile at the other boy.

For a moment, Sakura just looks at him. Hayato can feel his beautiful eyes roaming over his hands and face, contemplation evident on his face.

"You gonna play this time?", Sakura finally asks. Seems he's either found nothing suspicious, or decided not to bring it up. The uncertainty makes Hayato uneasy.

Still, he's going to make an effort to get out of his head. He's being ridiculous, truly. So he tilts his head and allows his smile to grow more playful.

"Eh? Why would I when I can watch Sakura-kun play?"

Gleeful, he does indeed watch as Sakura goes on to lose all of his rounds. He's simply delightful when he gets worked up.

When they all get home that night, there's a new group in Hayato's list of LINE chats.

Detectives 🔎

Kiryu Mitsuki

So what we we thinking? 🧥

Nirei Akihiko

We should probably leave it alone…

Sakura-san seemed very agitated.

Kiryu Mitsuki

Hmm…

We will keep an eye on the situation. 👀

Suo-chan?

With a sigh, Hayato figures he might as well join in. He settles into his bed before typing out a reply.

Me

Yes?

Kiryu Mitsuki

What do you think?

Me

I don't think it belongs to Togame.

Nirei Akihiko

Guys!!! 😠

Tsugeura Taiga

Good night everyone!!! 💪💪💪

Hayato rolls his eyes, vaguely amused. Tsugeura probably didn't read any of that.

He puts his phone away and lies down, deep in thought. This is an unfortunate situation, and Hayato isn't sure what to do. It's clear this whole business is affecting him more than he'd like, which is unusual for him. It's been a long time since he struggled to rationalize or suppress his less pleasant feelings. And jealousy really is most unbecoming. He shakes his head at himself, sighing. His master would be displeased to find him hung up on something so trivial.

Unfortunately, Hayato has to admit to himself that he is only human. Ignoring these feelings doesn't seem to work, so he will simply have to live with them. However, he needs to get a grip on his behavior. He cannot keep letting this infect the way he interacts with the others, clearly Kiryu has already figured something out, and Sakura is not emotionally unintelligent either. Hayato would rather not risk him getting a whiff of his unsavory thoughts.

Decision made, Hayato squeezes his eyes shut. He will be a good friend to Sakura above all else.

His resolution is tested the very next day.

Once again, Hayato is walking Nirei and Sakura home, when Sakura strides right past his own building.

"Where are you going, Sakura-san?", Nirei asks.

Sakura avoids their questioning gazes, arms wrapped around himself as he shrugs.

"Just meetin' someone."

Really? Hayato can feel his beloved control slip through his fingers like sand, but he tightens his fists and manages a simple laugh. It doesn't sound nearly as cheerful as he had planned, but it'll have to do.

"Eh, Sakura-kun? Why are you keeping secrets from us?", he inquires. It's enough of a teasing jab to come off as playful, though Hayato feels anything but. Does Sakura not trust them? Is that it? Does he think they'd be angry?

He tries not to judge whatever Sakura's thought process might be. After all, the other boy has experienced so much rejection in his life that there's a good chance his brain has blown this whole thing out of proportion. Hayato also knows that new habits are hard to pick up, so he is aware that this is not indicative of any harbored distrust. Still, it's hard to experience Sakura skirting around their questions like this and going off to meet some mysterious person he refuses to tell them even the name of. How bad could it possibly be?

"'s not a secret, goddammit!", Sakura rolls his eyes, "I'm just not sure about it yet, no need to make a big deal out of it."

Speechless, both Hayato and Nirei stop in their tracks. He's not sure about it yet? What else could that mean other than the obvious? Hayato wishes Sakura would just get it over with, rip the band-aid off so to speak, so he can go home to nurse his wounds and get over his pesky feelings. But no, it seems Sakura is hellbent on drawing this out for as long as possible.

"What?", Sakura growls.

"Nothing, nothing", Hayato waves him off with a heavy heart, "Enjoy yourself, then."

God, Sakura truly unravels something inside of him. Usually, he doesn't mind it so much, despite the fact that it makes him more vulnerable, but these days it bothers him immensely. He takes a deep, centering breath.

Before anything else can be said, Hayato feels Nirei tugging at his sleeve.

"Suo-san, shouldn't we -", he begins. Shouldn't they what? Nirei was the one who was against playing detectives and now he wants to — what? — question Sakura further?

Normally, Hayato would be interested in that, stick around to tease some more answers out of their grade captain, but not today. Hayato honestly just wants to go home and meditate. He needs to clear his head.

Gently, he pries Nirei's hand off his shirt and steers him away, throwing a smile and a wave over his shoulder.

"See you tomorrow, Sakura-kun!"

As they walk away, Hayato can sense the nervous energy radiating off his fellow vice captain. Nirei is chattering away about something insignificant, clearly just filling the silence for the sake of it. Hayato tries to listen, but his mind is far away.

"Suo-san?", Nirei stops walking. A glance backwards tells Hayato that Sakura is long gone.

"What is it, Nire-kun?", Hayato smiles at the other, also coming to a stop.

Nirei is wringing his hands, a nervous look on his face. Patient, Hayato watches the birds in the nearby tree until his friend has figured out what he wants to say.

It doesn't take long until Nirei's features settle into a determined expression, his hands now clasped. Hayato raises an eyebrow.

"Are you alright?"

Hayato blinks. That's not what he was expecting.

"Why wouldn't I be?", he smiles.

Nirei bites his lip but doesn't back down.

"The whole thing with Sakura-san…", he tilts his head, "It seems like it's getting to you a lot. You know it's not because he doesn't trust us, right? He's probably just feeling awkward about his first relationship!"

That's the whole problem, isn't it? Hayato sighs. It's very sweet of Nirei to attempt to reassure him, but unfortunately it does not work. No matter, Hayato promised himself he'd be a good friend to Sakura, and that involves not letting his feelings get in the way.

"You're right", he nods, "I suppose I'm just a little worried."

Not a lie, per se. He is worried that whoever Sakura seems to be considering a relationship with isn't going to be good enough for him. Of course, he trusts Sakura's judgment, he's been an amazing judge of character since Hayato met him, but still a sliver of concern remains. No one's judgment is perfect 100% of the time, not even Hayato's, though he'd be reluctant to admit that out loud.

Nirei nods. "I get that. But I'm sure whoever it is will treat Sakura-san very well!"

There's a glint of something else in Nirei's eyes as he waits for Hayato's response. Something considering and intelligent. Hayato puts on his best smile.

"Of course", he agrees breezily and begins walking again. He has no interest in discussing this any further.

The next morning, Nirei seems to have given up on respecting Sakura's privacy, as he immediately fills Kiryu and Tsugeura in on yesterday's conversation. He leaves out the details, but does let them know that Sakura went to meet up with his mystery person again.

"I really wonder who it is!", Tsugeura exclaims, "He must be taking it very seriously."

"Right? I never took Sakura for the secretive type, he really seems to want to do this right", Nirei nods.

The whole thing makes Hayato feel vaguely sick, but he hums in agreement anyway.

"Who could it be?", Kiryu taps his chin, looking down on the rest of them from his perch on the lockers, "Since he's so secretive about it, do you think it's someone we know?"

"Not necessarily", Nirei shakes his head, "He might just want to prevent us from interfering."

Kiryu agrees. "Fair enough. We would totally look them up on social media if he gave us their name."

Thankfully, before the conversation can derail to guessing at possible matches for Sakura, the door slides open and the man of the hour walks in. Hayato's eye immediately zeroes in on the bruise peaking out from his shirt collar. His heart drops into his stomach, blood growing cold in his veins in a second.

Well, that's that then.

"Sakura-san!", Nirei yells out, seemingly having spotted the same thing Hayato has, "What happened to you?"

"Huh?", Sakura walks over to them. It presents Hayato with a better view of his neck, which he must say he doesn't appreciate. The skin is pale and smooth as it usually is, bar for the blot of fresh pinks and reds marring it. Hayato feels a cold anger course through him that he quickly suppresses. Sakura is his friend, nothing more, he should be happy for him. He will be happy for him.

"Mhm", Kiryu had gotten up while Hayato was lost in his own head, and is brushing a graceful hand against the offensive spot, "Did you get into a fight, Sakura-chan?"

Ah. Is that what the others think? Perhaps not all is lost, but Hayato doubts it. Sakura bears no other signs of a brawl, after all. It's no surprise to him therefore, when Sakura shades his head in denial.

"Then what's this?", Kiryu taps Sakura's neck again, and is subsequently pushed away. But the damage has been done, Hayato is sure everyone is now thinking the same thing he is.

Everyone except Sakura, who despite bearing the bruise, seems none the wiser. Helpfully, Kiryu turns his phone's camera on him, so Sakura can see it for himself. He doesn't look surprised or even embarrassed, as Hayato would have expected, he only looks slightly miffed.

"So what?", he rolls his eyes, "S'not like I never get hit."

Without warning or apparent reason, Sakura turns his attention to Hayato. He meets the gaze with a practiced smile, but can't quite manage to tear his eye away from Sakura's neck. God, he hates feeling jealous. He has no right to it in the first place, but even if he did, it's terribly unbecoming. He's supposed to be better than this, but all he can think about is how much he wishes it was his teeth that left this mark.

Sakura's lips move but Hayato doesn't pick up on what he says. Kiryu's reply clues him in that it must have been a statement of befuddlement.

"Eh? We're just wondering who gave it to you", he says, "Can't blame us for being curious!"

God, must they do this? Hayato has lost any and all curiosity in who it might be that Sakura has apparently become so intimate with so quickly. He'd like to just forget about the whole ordeal, honestly.

Alas, the universe has never been so kind as to grant his wishes.

"Good on you, Sakura-kun! Wouldn't have taken you for the type", Tsugeura comments, sounding as proud of such a thing as only a straight man can.

Sakura, however, still looks confused. Which is a bit odd, truly, it's clear that they all know what's going on. Hayato would have expected Sakura to be blushing up a storm by now.

As usual, Nirei is the one to get to the point.

"Uh, Sakura-san…It's just, well, I'm not accusing you of anything! But that bruise looks a little like…"

"Spit it out", Sakura hisses.

"A hickey!", Nirei suddenly shouts, way too loud, "It looks like a hickey."

Hayato cringes internally. He did say he doesn't want to hear this, but a part of him is very much still curious. Hopefully they can just get it over with now. All of this secrecy is getting to him. Ironic, he knows.

"Huh!?", is Sakura's panicked response, "What the fuck? 's not a fuckin' hickey!"

Kiryu tries to placate him but it seems this is what finally brings out Sakura's usual reaction. He's bright red and stammering angrily as he denies the accusation.

"That's disgusting, what the hell!"

Hayato tilts his head in consideration. As much as he hates this whole situation, he does not enjoy seeing his friend this distressed. Whether it is a hickey or not, and whether or not Sakura wants them to know about it, this is clearly freaking him out.

Swiftly, Hayato gets out of his chair and places a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder. It's warm even through the layers of his summer uniform. Some of the residual irritation inside of Hayato melts away, the proximity to Sakura making it all feel far away.

"Sakura-kun." He delights in the immediate effect his voice has on Sakura, the boy's shoulders dropping and his mouth closing. His eyes grow wide as he looks at Hayato. "It's alright."

"No, it's not!", Sakura grumbles, much calmer now though still clearly mortified, "Ya think I'm -"

"Smooching someone on the down low?", Anzai chimes in from across the room. Hayato is very proud of himself for not throwing him the withering glare he deserves.

He feels Sakura move towards the voice, probably mostly on instinct, and tightens his grip. It works to keep Sakura in place, his mouth opening to respond, but then the speakers crackle and come to life.

"GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!", Hayato's hand leaves Sakura's shoulder as he hurries to cover his ears, "I ASK ALL GRADE CAPTAINS AND THEIR SECONDARIES TO PLEASE JOIN ME ON THE ROOF! THANK YOU!"

Glad for the distraction, though less happy about what is likely to be another session of looking at tomatoes, Hayato and his fellow captains take their leave.

On the roof, Enomoto gives his report, but Hayato regretfully cannot focus on his words. Against his own will, Hayato feels his eye being drawn to Sakura once more, the bruise on his neck stark against his pale skin and the white shirt he's sporting.

His mind races with ideas of who it could be that got so close to the other, got to touch his neck with permission. Presumably. Hopefully. His stomach hurts.

Sakura looks at him, an eyebrow raised. Hayato just smiles.

Over the following weeks, a strange new routine establishes itself.

They don't talk about it, not really. Looks are thrown, meaningful glances exchanged, strange bruises ignored, but no more words are said on the topic. It has been unanimously decided that they'll give Sakura the time he needs to adjust to his new situation and open up to them on his own volition. Because surely, he will do that eventually.

It's hard.

Most of the time, Hayato can ignore the looming dread and go on as usual, as though nothing is wrong. Because for all intents and purpose, nothing is wrong. He should be glad that Sakura is coming out of his shell, that he's opened up to someone in this way, found a different kind of love to experience. And he tries, he tries to be happy for him when they part ways every Thursday, Hayato knowing that Sakura is off to his weekly date night; tries to be happy for him when he finds him engrossed in his phone, typing out messages awfully slowly, but with laser focus. He tries, but he doesn't often succeed.

Frustration is an emotion Hayato is familiar with, but it's been a long time since he last felt it so deeply. He doesn't want to be jealous, doesn't want these ugly feelings to eat away at him, corroding his soul, doesn't want them to shake up his careful image, loosen the tight grip he keeps on his anger. Sakura doesn't deserve his ire, he'd never want to make him feel like he did anything wrong. It's not his fault that Hayato is hopelessly in love with him.

Sighing, he tries to enjoy the companionship between them as they walk out of the school gates together on yet another Thursday. It's just the two of them for a change, the first time in a while they've been completely alone.

They chat amiably about their friends, and other developments in Makochi. It's nothing special but it still makes affection bloom in Hayato's chest, a warm smile stuck to his face like glue. He just loves being in Sakura's presence, revels in his gruff demeanor, his sweet blushes, his obliviousness and bravery, his conviction and innocence. He's an amazing leader, a wonderful friend, truly one of a kind. Hayato is lucky to have met him, no matter what shape their relationship does or doesn't take.

Still, it's difficult to let go of the shapeless shadow between them. He wishes Sakura would just reveal his secret. It wouldn't end the torture, not really, would probably kick off a new kind, but at least he would know.

"Off to your enigmatic rendezvous again?", Hayato asks.

Sakura just nods. They are both aware this question is unnecessary, the change in schedule unacknowledged but universally known.

He hums, avoiding Sakura's gaze. Despite the other boy's naivety, which Hayato usually loves to exploit, he can be terribly perceptive. Hayato dreads the day he looks him in the eye at the wrong time and sees it all laid bare.

"Are ya mad at me?", Sakura suddenly asks.

Huh. So he has noticed something. Hayato should have known.

"What makes you think that?"

His eye is still trained on the path in front of them, mapping out familiar houses and trees. If he looks into Sakura's earnest eyes now, takes in the determined set of his mouth, his furrowed eyebrows, he might just be an honest man for once in his life. He'd rather not though, so he stubbornly looks ahead.

"Ya won't even look at me", Sakura points out, voice an unhappy grumble.

Well, there goes his resolve. He's afraid he would grant Sakura anything, if he only asked for it. Sighing, Hayato stops in his tracks and puts on his best friendly face.

"You're right", he meets Sakura's gaze at last, and is immediately scrutinized.

"What'd I do?"

There's a weariness, if not a touch of fear, in Sakura's voice that threatens to break down Hayato's carefully constructed walls. He wanted to badly to not burden Sakura with his childish feelings, did his best to hide them away all this time, yet it seems he's hurting him anyway.

He supposes he can afford a smidge of honesty for once, if only to stop Sakura looking at him like this. He sighs deeply.

"Sakura-kun…", Hayato smiles, "Let me correct you first, I am not angry with you."

Sakura only tilts his head, impatience pulling at the edges of his mouth. Hayato is aware of the fact that this is holding Sakura up, that he's got someone to meet, presumably at a certain place at a certain time.

"What is it then? 'Cause ya clearly got some kinda problem with me."

It seems Sakura is trying to turn this into a fight. He will be disappointed once more, as Hayato has no interest in fighting him anytime soon, or ever.

Instead, he prepares himself to let go of a tiny bit of control. It's alright, he knows, it's not like he has never shown himself to have human emotions. But usually, what the others see of him is carefully curated, with few exceptions. He also knows that what he's about to say has a large chance of upsetting Sakura further, yet he is left with no other choice. How does Sakura do it, he wonders, to always be so earnest?

It's not like Sakura has never hidden things from them, he does so frequently and is in fact doing it as they speak, nor is he always honest. However, he is always sincere, cannot be anyone but his truest self, and expects others to be the same. It's admirable, though Hayato can admit he sometimes finds it foolish. At least, he used to. Nowadays, he'd give anything to be like that.

"I know I'm the last person who gets to complain about things like this", Hayato directs his gaze to the clear sky above them. He's not courageous like Sakura, unable to look his friend in the eyes now. "But I suppose I do find it upsetting that you don't trust us with your secret friend."

It's not even a particularly crazy thing to say. He's sure Sakura is well aware of the fact that his friends are insatiably curious about his relationship, and he's smart enough to know that they might be hurt by his refusal to speak about it. Still, the admission weighs on him.

Sakura, in response, flinches. He seems upset for a moment, guilt visible in every line of his face, but it soon transforms into anger. That's more in line with what Hayato expected. Because the thing is, Sakura would not be angry if it had been anyone else who brought this up, yet Hayato is the most private person in their friend group, if not their whole class. He has no right to be chastising someone else for the same behavior.

"Gimme a break", Sakura mumbles, "Ya don't trust us with anything. I don't even know yer favorite color."

Hayato sighs. He knows, god, he knows. And usually, they're all very patient with him and his antics, but it makes sense Sakura would have enough of them now.

"I know it's entirely unreasonable for me to feel this way", Hayato shrugs, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping him against his will, "But I do."

This is getting dangerous, his brain suddenly alerts him. They're getting too close to the core of it, the real truth Hayato does not want, cannot, let Sakura know. He will not mess this up for him. If Sakura finds out how he feels, it'd burden him, it'd leave a stain on his new relationship, and on their friendship. He can't allow that to happen.

"It's fine", he says quickly, preventing Sakura from getting a word in, "Go ahead, Sakura-kun, we wouldn't want you to be late."

There's several moments of silence following this statement, Sakura clearly about to say something when he gets stuck in his head without forewarning. His face goes through an indecipherable journey, filtering through different emotions too quickly to grab hold of one of them. He seems confused, then upset, then embarrassed, oddly enough. His usual flush brightens up his face as his eyes widen.

"I gotta go", Sakura blurts out.

Hayato tilts his head in confusion. He had expected a more thorough confrontation, but perhaps Sakura has realized how late he is for his date and that this simply isn't worth his time.

"Yes. I shall see you tomorrow, Sakura-kun", he acquiesces calmly and turns to leave. He feels Sakura's eyes on him until he rounds the corner.

Oh no.

Has Sakura figured him out after all? Is that perhaps what his face journey and subsequent panic was about? Hayato hopes not, but he supposes all he can do now is wait and see. If Sakura did puzzle it out, then he will surely bring it up sooner rather than later, he's not the type to just sit on things like that.

What would Hayato say if he is confronted with his feelings? Especially knowing Sakura would just awkwardly reject him? Should he consider denying it? It wouldn't be difficult to convince Sakura that he misinterpreted something, yet somehow Hayato doesn't think he'd have the heart to do that.

He sighs. For now, there's nothing he can do, so he goes home and tries not to think about what Sakura might be doing right now. He only half succeeds.

After a rough night, Hayato arrives at school early as usual. He takes a few minutes to ground himself before the rest of the group arrives, just taking some deep breaths and thinking through his plans for the day. Once the others get there, they fool around as they always do, chatting about nothing in particular. Sakura acts no different than usual, but he won't quite meet Hayato's eye. In fact, he seems to be actively avoiding him. Lovely. Hayato feels his heart squeeze dangerously in his chest.

He hopes their friendship can still be salvaged.

Classes go by as usual. He tries to take notes, but finds himself distracted by the sight of Sakura next to him. He's dozing off, head on his empty desk. There's a blush high on his cheekbones that seems to have been permanently stuck there since he arrived this morning, and his breathing is slow and measured. He looks beautiful.

By lunch break, Sakura has still not met Hayato's eye even once. He talks to him, but does so with his head firmly turned away. Is he so terribly to look at? Can Sakura see something on his face even Hayato is not aware of? He feels himself losing his grip, desperation clawing at the walls inside of his heart. This cannot become their new normal. He resolves to speak with Sakura as soon as the opportunity arises, clear the air between them even if it hurts. Hayato will accept the rejection with grace if it means they can stay friends.

His thoughts are interrupted by a gasp coming from his right. It's Tsugeura, his gaze trained on something outside the window.

"What is he doing here?"

More boys go to check out whatever it is Tsugeura has seen, many gasping just as he had. Exclamations ring through the classroom, surprise and anger in equal measure. Hayato's curiosity is peaked. What is inciting such a strong reaction in his classmates? He's about to get up and see for himself, when Sakura's voice breaks through the chaos.

"Everybody calm down!", he points at Tsugeura, "Who's here?"

Anxious look on his face, Kakiuchi reaches Sakura first, putting his hands on his shoulders.

"It's Endo Yamato."

Well, Hayato can admit he wasn't expecting this. What could Endo possibly be doing here? He was under the impression that his business with Furin was officially over, peace having been declared between the two factions. Hayato doesn't know Endo well, has no interest in him either, but he feels he has enough of a grasp on him to know that he's not stupid enough to show up here on his own for no good reason. So what does he want?

Around him, outrage has sparked among his classmates. Everyone is angrily muttering or yelling, throwing out confused questions or declarations of war.

"It's fine", Hayato's ears pick up on Sakura's voice. The other boy, while exasperated, seems relaxed enough that Hayato doesn't worry too much. If anyone knows Endo's intentions, it would be Sakura. "He's -"

Before Sakura can enlighten them, the classroom door slides open and one Endo Yamato saunters through the frame, smug as ever.

Silence. Then the noise returns, worse than before. Hayato sees Kiryu and Tsugeura begin to move, and doesn't hesitate to join them. Sakura might not suspect Endo of foul play, but Hayato doesn't trust him. It won't hurt to be on the defense, considering the guy is unpredictable and downright insane.

Sakura appears out of nowhere, putting himself between his friends and the intruder. Endo looks terribly happy about it.

"Whoa, whoa", Endo lazily raises his hands, as though that would ever make him look innocent, "I come in peace."

Hayato doubts that somehow. He doesn't think he's here to start another turf war, but that doesn't mean he's not hear to start trouble.

Also, Hayato just hates his stupid face. This man had the gall to hurt the people Hayato cares about, to hurt Sakura, and then show up as though everything is fine? He's not letting that slide.

"Figured I'd get this back to you", Endo winks at Sakura, "I had the time."

Only then does Hayato register the item Endo is holding. It's out of character for him, usually he'd have analyzed the man from head to toe the moment he walked in, but with Endo, Hayato finds it difficult to think straight.

Sakura had told them, after it was all over, what Endo had said to him. That he had fallen for Sakura. It makes Hayato shudder, just the thought of it. This deranged maniac better stay away from Sakura or Hayato might do something he'll regret.

Now, the man is holding Sakura's water bottle. The one Hayato had gifted him. How did he…

"You're dating Endo?", Kiryu asks.

So that's how it is? No wonder Sakura didn't want to tell them, surely ashamed of dating such a monster. Endo must have manipulated him into it somehow, maybe even threatened him. What, is he holding peace with Furin over Sakura's head to get him to date him? Hayato wouldn't put it past him.

Endo takes a step towards Sakura, causing their grade captain to back up. Right into Hayato.

"Endo", he says. He keeps a smile on his face that he knows does not look friendly. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

If Endo really is Sakura's…boyfriend, then Sakura sure does not look happy to see him. Is it only embarrassment, or is it something more? Hayato can't risk it.

"Mhm", Endo looks him up and down, "You are…?"

Very mature. It's obvious he's trying to get a rise out of him, and Hayato absolutely loathes to admit that it's working.

Sakura reaches out to rip the bottle from Endo's hand before another word can be spoken.

"Thanks", he says, "Now get out."

Hayato watches as Sakura tries to push the man back out the door, but Endo doesn't budge. He's big, bigger and taller than all of them.

"But Sakuraaa", Endo whines, a grating sound, "I'm having a conversation with your little friend."

He turns his stupid smile back to Hayato, who meets his gaze with cold anger. This man has overstayed his welcome, it's clear Sakura wants him gone.

"S-sakura-san", Nirei finally pulls himself together enough to say, "Are you really -"

"No!", Sakura groans, "We're not fuckin' dating."

Hayato wants to believe him, wants to believe that this is all an unfortunate misunderstanding. But it all just lines up too well.

"You don't have to lie to them anymore, babe", Endo pouts.

Hayato sees red.

With poise that can only be awarded to his years of training, Hayato pushes Sakura behind him and strides forward to meet Endo. He knows he's losing his grip, nails digging into his hands where they're clasped behind his back, but he can't go back now. Endo is taking advantage of Sakura, and if not that, he's clearly bothering him, having somehow convinced him to go out with him.

If Sakura looked happy to see him, if he admitted to the relation with pride or at least some joy in his eyes, Hayato might reconsider his next step, but alas.

"Suo", Sakura reaches for his arm but Hayato shakes him off. He's not thinking clearly, the only thing on his mind is getting Endo out of here, and if he's lucky, making him bleed.

"I don't know -", Hayato says, voice level but lower than he usually speaks, "What you think you're doing, but I'd advise you to leave this school and our grade captain alone before you regret it."

Endo just grins at him. He looks like he's having fun, and Hayato is sure he is. It seems the man lives merely to antagonize others.

"Oh?", is the response he gets, "And what are you gonna do, huh? I don't remember you getting a hit on me last time."

Internally, Hayato scoffs. That's all he's got? Well, he won't be so lucky today. Confident, Hayato takes another step forward before swiftly, and forcibly, kicking Endo in the stomach. The other man stumbles back a step, an ecstatic laugh echoing through the silent room.

"Good for you, Sakura!", Endo laughs, "Seems like you've got a chance, eh?"

Hayato doesn't register the meaning of these words through the haze of his anger, too busy zeroing in on possible weak spots as he advances once more. He doesn't get very far, as all of a sudden, a hand grabs his arm, holding him back.

At first, he strains against the hold, but with a glance backward, realizes it's Sakura who's touching him. He looks upset, so Hayato stays put, though he continues to be vigilant. One wrong move on Endo's part and he's willing to disappoint Sakura to put him in his place.

Is he overestimating his chances? Perhaps, but he thinks it's worth a try anyhow.

"Leave", Sakura demands.

It seems that Endo has indeed gotten what he wanted out of his little visit, as he shrugs and nods instead of ignoring the request like Hayato would've expected him to.

"Well, it was nice seeing you all." At that, he waves to the whole room. "I'll see you on Thursday, Sakura."

Another painful confirmation that it was indeed Endo that Sakura has secretly been meeting every week. God, it was Endo who gave Sakura those bruises. The mental image is too much to bear.

Hayato barely registers the murmurs and whispers of his classmate, the charged atmosphere surrounding them all, as he tries to work through his feelings. He takes a deep breath, then another, pictures the Dojo, the mountains, a peaceful lake. It does rather little to quell the rolling waves in his stomach.

"Damn, Sakura!", Anzai's voice comes out loud enough for Hayato to pay attention, "Endo? Seriously?"

They were all thinking it.

"No!", Sakura shakes his head frantically, "He was just fuckin' around."

If he was, then why did Endo have Sakura's water bottle? Why did they meet every Thursday? Why was Sakura (presumably) texting him all the time, letting him near his neck? He never expected Sakura to lie to their faces so bluntly, especially in perfect view of the truth.

"Well, it does make sense…", Nirei remarks, "You've been sneaking away to meet with someone for a while and you won't tell us who it is…We figured you were dating someone, and if it's Endo, I understand why you didn't say anything."

Hayato was thinking the same thing, but hearing it out loud breaks the last thread of sanity he was holding onto. Lips pressed tight, Hayato frees himself from Sakura's grip and makes for the classroom door. He knows it's damning, that everyone will surely see right through him now, but he can't bring himself to care. An escape is what he needs, damn the consequences, there's no damage control he can do and nothing reasonable he can say, not before he clears his mind. Maybe if he finds a quiet spot, he can meditate, do some breathing exercises, it should help him pull himself back together into something that resembles a person.

The roof. It's the best place he can think of right now that doesn't require him to leave the premises. He does consider doing that too, but the idea of bumping into Endo again is enough to send him up the stairs. Hayato only hopes the rooftop is empty, he really has no patience for a well-intentioned lecture from Umemiya right now. As much as he respects the guy for his vision and kindness, Hayato has no interest in taking his advice.

Thankfully, his prayers have been answered for once, as he finds the roof devoid of other human life. Only a few birds are perched on the high fence, overlooking the peaceful quietude of Makochi. He's sure another fight will break out sooner rather than later, but at least right now, the only sounds he can hear are cars and quiet chatter, distant music playing somewhere. It's exactly what he needs.

He breathes in deeply and steps closer to the fence, eye roaming over his hometown as he attempts to empty his mind of any thoughts at all. A hard reset might work.

Hayato thinks that if Sakura was dating anyone else, a normal boy who had never hurt him so badly he was bedridden for days, a boy who hadn't targeted his insecurities with precise cruelty, then he wouldn't be so shamefully angry. Disappointed, sad, heartbroken? Sure, perhaps. But the anger is entirely to blame on Endo. God, Hayato had really expected Sakura to have better taste at least.

Is Endo really taking advantage of him, like Hayato convinced himself in the heat of the moment, or is he simply unhappy with Sakura's choice? Upset that it's someone so unlike himself, someone he could never be? It's painful to think about, and it makes him feel guilty, so he ignores the nagging thoughts.

The door slams behind him before he manages to achieve the internal peace he came up here for.

It can't be anyone but Sakura. Even if Hayato didn't know that, he'd be able to tell from the furious footsteps approaching him. He gives it a few seconds before Sakura grabs him and yells at him. He deserves it.

As expected, Sakura's hand closes around his bicep and pulls. Like a dancer, Hayato follows the movement and turns around, meeting Sakura's gaze. The boy's face is twisted in anger and confusion, an adorable wrinkle forming between his eyebrows as he frowns.

"Hey", Sakura says, "The fuck was that?"

Fair. With a bashful sigh, Hayato hangs his head and thinks about what to say. He should apologize for his rash behavior, it was terribly improper. He had no right to butt in like that, and certainly no right to attack Sakura's boyfriend. A good friend wouldn't do that.

"Apologies, Sakura-kun", Hayato decides to say, "That behavior was unbecoming of me. I should not have lost control like that, especially with someone you…care about."

Sakura's frown only deepens.

"I mean, I don't really care if you hit Endo. It's just -"

Curious. Though, he supposes Sakura has no reason to be upset, considering Endo can more than hold his own. Still, before Sakura continues and rightfully chastises Hayato for his actions, there is one thing he needs to know. Even if it hurts.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Uh, sure", Sakura raises an eyebrow.

Should he really say this? Does he have the right to? Probably not, is the answer to both of these questions. He knows he's going to do it anyway.

"Why Endo?"

"Huh?", Sakura laughs. It seems his irritation with Hayato has already been forgotten. "He just asked me to spar with him and I figured it's a decent idea, you know, to help me get stronger."

Huh, so that's all it took? Hayato finds himself regretting the fact that he never took Sakura up on his offers to spar. Would he have had a chance then? He supposes he'll never know.

"I see", Hayato nods, "Well, I can't pretend to understand but I will do my best to be happy for the two of you."

It's the best he can say right now that would sound even partially convincing. His heart weighs a ton in his chest, and he just wants go home and drown himself in tea. God, how pathetic. He should be above these pesky teenage feelings.

Hayato takes a step towards the door, but he doesn't get very far. In a flash, Sakura appears right in front of him and pushes him back into the fence. Seems he is still angry after all. Arms come up on either side of him, holding onto the fence and effectively caging Hayato in.

If he really wanted to, Hayato could escape quite easily. He stays put.

"For someone so smart, ya can be real fuckin' stupid", Sakura growls, so much closer to his face than ever before, "As if I'd ever date fucking Endo."

Oh.

Maybe Sakura is being truthful. Maybe this whole thing really is a misunderstanding. He feels himself blush at the revelation, at the fact that he acted out like a child for no good reason. Endo and Sakura aren't dating, they are sparring partners and Endo was simply messing around. He still doesn't like that, but he knows Sakura can hold his own in a fight against the older man.

A part of him is unreasonably upset at this revelation, because sure, he believes Sakura now that they aren't dating. But then why did he let them think so? For weeks, he knew what they were all thinking and did not once correct them, did not once think to come out with the truth?

"Well, excuse me for seeing the writing on the wall", Hayato retaliates, "What else were we supposed to think, with you sneaking around like that?"

"Shut up", Sakura hisses, his grip on the fence audibly tightening. He's so close, devastatingly close. Hayato can count every single one of his pretty eyelashes, can taste his erratic breaths on his own lips, can practically feel the warmth radiating off his reddened cheeks. "I don't fuckin' like Endo, I just didn't want you guys blowing a fuse over me sparring with him. That's literally all."

Unfortunately, Hayato cannot proclaim that that wouldn't have happened, as evidenced by his own recent actions. Would he have been content to know that Sakura wasn't going out with a secret girlfriend, which would have been painful but harmless, but instead going out with Endo to spar? Probably not.

"I see."

Hayato swallows thickly. It seems a lot of self-reflection is in order. But not right now, not with Sakura still almost chest to chest with him.

"Either way", Hayato finally smiles, it's even somewhat genuine, "I apologize that we were not trustworthy enough for you to tell us. And I'm sorry that I reaffirmed your opinion of me today."

Sakura shakes his head. He seems unsatisfied with Hayato's words.

"Why did you…", Sakura clears his throat, "Why did you react like that?"

He knows Sakura deserves the truth, it's the least he can offer him. But after a day like today, he doesn't think he has the heart to be rejected as well.

"Obviously, I don't have a positive impression of Endo."

Hayato is well-aware of this being an inadequate answer. Sakura already knows of his distaste for Endo, everyone does. However, he hopes his trusty avoidance shtick will get Sakura off his back for now.

It doesn't. Quite the opposite really, as Sakura's response is to move in even closer. His face resembles a fire engine, a matching flame in his eyes. There's something different about his demeanor all of a sudden, something Hayato hasn't seen in him before. He's clearly determined, but there's something else too, he just can't quite put his finger on what it is.

"Suo", Sakura's voice is so low, the word comes out as a whisper, "Just tell me the truth one fucking time."

A feeling suspiciously like hope arises in his chest, drowning out all over emotions for a moment. He takes stock of the situation they've found themselves in, tries to think about it objectively. Here they are, up on the roof, Sakura physically pressing him into the fence like a scene you'd see in a BL drama, both of them blushing and wide-eyed. If anyone walked out onto the roof right now, there'd be no doubt on their mind about what's going on here.

It's not much in terms of conviction, but this thought, in combination with Sakura's strange words and behavior, is enough to push him over the edge. To push him to be brave, for once, put his heart on the line.

"Fine", he sighs, "I was jealous. Happy, Sakura-kun?"

When Sakura is too slow to react, he figures he read the signs wrong. No big deal. No big deal at all.

"I would appreciate if you let me go now", he averts his eye, keeps his voice carefully devoid of emotions, "I'm sure you're not comfortable being so close to me."

For another moment, nothing happens. He can feel Sakura's stare boring holes into the side of his face, and wishes to escape. Sakura will be kind about it, he knows, but that doesn't mean he wants to hear it. He should leave, should wrench himself out of this hold and —

Sakura kisses him.

It's disorienting, for a moment, the lips hitting his just slightly off-center, Sakura's head angled up for access. When Hayato turns his face just so, he sees the other's eyes shut tight, a look of concentration on his face. And his mouth…is on Hayato's mouth. In a kiss. Because Sakura…likes him?

As if stung by a wasp, Hayato comes back to reality. The boy he's head over heels for is kissing him and he's just standing there. That won't do. With zeal, Hayato lifts his arms to wrap them around Sakura's neck, pulling him in even closer so that not even a breath can fit between them, and finally kisses back.

It's short-lived, both of them inexperienced and breathing too heavily to keep it up for too long, but Hayato cares very little, because when they break apart, Sakura looks absolutely radiant. He's clearly starstruck, eyes wide in wonder and cheeks a beautiful pink. His lips are cherry red and Hayato can't stop himself from smiling, but that's okay, he doesn't want to.

"Well", he hums, "This is a fortunate turn of events."

Sakura just rolls his eyes at him and reconnects their lips in another searing kiss. It's very nearly too much, Hayato's brain going into overdrive. He can't believe this is happening, but he won't let the opportunity go to waste. His hands make their way into Sakura's windswept hair, the strands soft against his fingers, while he feels Sakura let go of the fence to settle his hands on Hayato's hips.

Sweet as he is, Sakura's allows his mouth to fall open ever so slightly. Much less sweet, Hayato quickly takes advantage of it, licking his way inside. The wet heat of Sakura's mouth, mixed with a taste so completely him, is better than any fantasy Hayato could ever have conjured up of this moment.

As he diligently explores Sakura's mouth, the other boy gasps and whines against him, trying to give back as good as he's getting. A quick learner, he soon does, biting at Hayato's lips and chasing his tongue with his own. It's not perfect, there's some bites that are too harsh and some saliva that goes where it shouldn't, but Hayato barely notices. It's perfect to him, perfect because it's Sakura.

They come up for air eventually, and Hayato has to restrain himself from laughing when he sees the mess he's made of Sakura's hair.

"I like ya, in case that wasn't clear", the other boy mumbles, sure of himself despite his evident embarrassment, "Not stupid Endo."

How will Hayato ever compare to him? This boy, so brave and bold and wonderful?

Well, he can only try.

"Good", Hayato breathes, "Because I like you too."

This seems to break through Sakura's cool exterior in a way none of their previous actions seem to have done, as he suddenly sputters, blush expanding in a way Hayato didn't think was possible.

"O-obviously", Sakura stutters, his fingers digging into Hayato's skin through the silk of his shirt. It hurts a little, but he doesn't mind. "But uh, that's cool. Yeah."

Hayato chuckles. God, he can't believe this adorable boy is his now. His to love, to kiss, to cherish. Well, he supposes he's not his quite yet.

"Mhm", he hums, one of his hands escaping the tangled strands on Sakura's head to cup his cheek, "Will you date me, Sakura-kun?"

Without a second of hesitation, Sakura nods. His eyes are bright, reflecting the sunlight like marbles. Beautiful.

"Yeah", he says.

Hayato smiles.