It starts like any other dayâNagi is leaning lazily against your desk before class, fiddling with his phone while you organize your books. You're used to his presence by now, the way he hovers close but doesn't say much, content just to exist within your space.
But today, there's something different about him. His usual sleepy demeanor seems... tense, as if he's working up the courage to say something.
You glance at him, raising an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"
He hesitates, his fingers pausing mid-scroll. Then, with an almost comical sigh, he mutters, "Yeah. Let's talk at lunch."
Your stomach flips, but you nod, trying not to overthink it.
When lunch rolls around, you head to your usual spot under the cherry tree, your bento in hand. Nagi is already there, sprawled out on the grass, his eyes closed as if he's napping.
"You're early," you tease, sitting beside him. "What happened to your whole 'five more minutes' routine?"
He cracks one eye open, his gaze drifting to your bento. "Didn't feel like waiting today."
You roll your eyes but open your bento, offering him the usual bite. He takes it without hesitation, as if it's a ritual you've been doing forever.
But instead of making a lazy comment about how good it is, he suddenly sits up, his expression unusually serious.
"I've been lying to you," he says, blunt as ever.
You blink, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
Nagi scratches the back of his neck, avoiding your gaze. "I didn't forget my lunch. Not even once."
It takes a moment for his words to sink in. "Wait... you mean youâ"
"I wanted to eat your food," he interrupts, his cheeks faintly pink. "It's good, and I... like being with you. So I just... kept 'forgetting.'"
Your heart skips a beat, his confession throwing you off balance. "You've been doing this on purpose?"
"Yeah," he admits, finally looking at you. His gaze is soft but steady, his usual aloofness replaced by something vulnerable. "I like spending time with you. And your cooking. But mostly you."
For once, you're speechless. The boy who can't be bothered to put in effort for anything has been going out of his way just to be close to you.
"I know I'm lazy and not great at saying stuff," he continues, his voice quieter now. "But being with you... it's different. I don't want it to stop."
The sincerity in his words makes your chest ache in the best way. You take a deep breath, summoning your courage.
"I feel the same," you say softly, meeting his gaze. "I love spending time with you too. And... I think I've been falling for you."
Nagi's eyes widen slightly, the faintest hint of surprise crossing his face. Then, a small smile tugs at his lips, the kind that makes your heart flutter.
"Good," he says simply, leaning in closer.
You barely have time to process his movement before his lips brush against yoursâgentle, tentative, as if he's testing the waters.
It's soft and warm, and though it's over in a heartbeat, it leaves you breathless.
When he pulls back, his cheeks are flushed, but his expression is calm, like kissing you was the most natural thing in the world.
"Guess we're even now," he says, his tone light but his gaze holding something deeper.
You laugh softly, your heart racing. "You're unbelievable."
"Yeah, but you like me anyway," he teases, leaning his head against your shoulder.
And he's right. You do.
something to snack on .áï¹