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It's not that Kaidou doesn't do relationships, he just knows he's not very good at them. He wears his heart on his sleeve and Yumehara says she admired that about him, which is probably why their breakup was so amicable. Even though he cried for a week and her eyes were just as red when she came to class. They would end up sharing a secret smile while their friends watched confused.
But Yumehara has her life to live and Kaidou? Well, he's got other things in mind.
He studies everything he can get his hands on and continues to write the tales of the Jet Black Wing. His mother says nothing about the piles of notebooks under his bed as he continues to climb the ranks in his class. He even ends up a popular web-writer with a ton of material on the world of his alter-ego.
He's top of the class by their final year and in celebration of their first exams ending, Nedou suggests eating together with everyone. Now, Kaidou is used to this part. This happens often enough with his group of friends, so it's not like he expects anything to go wrong. Everything starts completely normal: Hairo and Nendou talk about sports, the girls discuss their exams, and Kaidou is left beside Saiki.
The psychic has become a little more open with them over the years. He still communicates more often in thoughts than words and his expressions are just as blank, but he's softer around the edges and less quick to hide a smile.
This is… clearly where it all goes wrong.
He's ranting about the newest chapter he's written and the feedback he’s receiving while Saiki is nodding along, eating his coffee jelly. He takes a quick pause to sip some of his own hot chocolate and-
He squeaks.
It’s hot and he didn't realize it before scorching his tongue. He has tears in his eyes and mourning the taste buds he’s just murdered but when he looks up, Saiki is smiling and chuckling lightly and Kaidou can only stare.
He’s never noticed the way the smile curls around his mouth and even though the glasses block full view of his eyes and he wears the same expression, he’s quite handsome. He’s always-
Kaidou’s cheeks flush and his throat dries and he has made a huge mistake. The only thing that stops the freakout is the sole fact that Saiki can read minds and before these thoughts can race out of control on this newfound path, he reigns it all in with an overly loud laugh.
Saiki gives him a odd look.
This is going to be difficult, he smiles. “I’m thinking about tying the new chapter of Jet Black Wings with the subplot of romance I want to try out.”
The Psychic continues to eat his dessert with a roll of his eyes but Kaidou pretends the knowing glint isn’t there.
The day ends with the group splitting up, Yumehara following Mera too closely, and Saiki eyeing them with a curiously raised eyebrow. Kaidou doesn’t notice a lot of things, he's used to the fantasy world he grew around himself but he's learned a few things over the last few years. Like distancing himself from his chunnibyou syndrome, writing the popular online story of Dark Reunion, and trying to act a little less childish.
You were never childish. Saiki interrupts him, You were simply... eccentric.
They walk together, Saiki closely beside him as Kaidou pulls at his tie. He’s not sure where Saiki’s heading, but they’re headed in the direction of his house and he’s learned not to ask Saiki about his choices.
“What have we told you about reading our thoughts!” He gives a dramatic pout.
Saiki rolls his eyes, Your thoughts are written on your face . He gives him another look that Kaidou pretends not to see.
Kaidou says instead, “I’m thinking about introducing the new character from last week as a romantic partner for Jet Black Wings… do you think readers will accept a male partner?”
The media in general should actually be showing more same-sex relationships without the focus on the sexual orientation as a storyline. Saiki looks at him, I think giving Jet Black Wings a male romantic interest wouldn’t add more depth to his character but it would instead give more representation of LGBT characters without taking away from your story. It would be realistic .
Kaidou blinks in surprise, “I… agree?”
Although you should evaluate your goals for the story first before deciding to introduce a romantic interest in general.
“Saving the world is good but where's the fun in it if you have no one to share it with?” Kaidou asks and Saiki hums, Well, that would be selfish to think like that. You have friends and family, along with the fact that the rest of the world deserves to be saved. Why do you need romance?
“I-” He stumbles, slightly tripping over his own feet at the same time. “I don't know. Isn't it different?”
Is it? Saiki responds. Why is so much importance placed on a relationship that might not last?
“I like to think that this person is someone I want to be by their side and share everything with. They’re with you through everything and they’re the first person you think of when you wake up and the last thought before you fall asleep.” Kaidou’s cheeks start to glow and he clears his throat, “I don’t know. Just the usual true-love stuff.”
I think , Saiki smiles, small and almost not really there, I understand.
“Well, that makes one of us.” He mumbles but Saiki chuckles, hesitantly patting his shoulder. “It’s Friday, do you want to do anything? Everyone kind of left early.”
It’s called reading the atmosphere. Saiki shrugs. But yes, if you’d like. I have nothing else to do .
He pretends not to hear that first part. He's always admired Saiki, and never thought much else over it. The tension couldn’t have been that obvious when it has always seemed much more one-sided. Especially when he’s only realized his feelings are much deeper than expected and Saiki clears his throat loudly.
They decide to go shopping and Kaidou takes the time to excitedly point out each of his ideas for everyone’s Christmas presents this year while Saiki tucks away the information away. He buys some new notebooks and pens, along with a new fantasy novel that Saiki shoves into his hands.
He raises an eyebrow and Saiki points at the cover again, It's by a well-known author in the fantasy genre. They’ve established several romantic relationships without making it the focus which should be helpful for you.
“Oh! Thank you,” Kaidou smiles and when he goes to pay, Saiki gives the cashier the exact amount. He waves him off when he tries to pay him back with a swift, It’s fine .
The walk to his house is quiet and Kaidou is itching to think about the last few hours but Saiki walks too close, too attentive. Saiki is watching him just as closely when he turns towards him, pausing in front of the gate of his house. “So, Jet Black Wings having a boyfriend?”
Saiki smirks, “Well, you've always been brave.” His voice is rough without use and even lower then the voice he hears inside his head. You can do it, Kaidou.
So, Kaidou kisses him.