Snow Angel 01./02. // two-shot // akame
snow angel 01.
akame
pg-13, fluff, drama, romance, high school AU
It takes Jin a while to learn what so beautiful is about a snow angel. Kame shows him.
word count: 6,076
a/n. This is my very belated birthday present for the wonderful chained_akame and the Christmas fic for this year. Second part is coming as soon as LJ decides to stop hating me so much. Enjoy!
.snow angel. {As I keep on walking, I can't help but wonder
as the snowflakes melt in my outstretched hand
if maybe someday we'll meet again
and finally be able to tell each other how we really feel}
Monday morning is not necessarily a bad thing. Not even when you are a high schooler and all you can forsee on a Monday morning is a chain of the most boring lessons possible, teachers threatening with upcoming exams, the infinite train of unfamiliar characters of the differential calculus mid-term test and the even more unfamiliar English terms thrown at you, from which you can only remember one particular sentence on page twenty-three of the first volume because you find it kind of useful. (“Can I have your phone number?”)
And of course when the bells ring at the end of the day, all you can think of is “hell, I still have four days of this shit for the week.”
Despite all the boring and annoying things, Monday morning can be definitely entertaining, especially when you are one of those guys. The popular guys. The girls blush when you greet them and the boys look at you with some kind of respect. One is certain, everyone seeks your attention; high school is all about popularity, with some unpleasant side effects along with it, like studying.
That doesn't mean, you can't participate in some honorable activities during your high school years without losing even a little bit of the popularity you had worked hard for.
Ask Kamenashi Kazuya, who became the member of the student council because he had a crush on the president. Motives are not that important, Kame is still member of the student council and teachers think he is a good guy, which have some advantages to say the least.
That's why when Kame arrives - of course late - on Monday morning and instead of hurrying to his math lesson, he stops in the corridor with his best buddy, Tanaka Koki, there is no one - not even the English teacher, who is appointed to guard the corridors after the bell rings - who would say a thing, not to mention report him to the principal.
As much as it may sound weird, Kame is not a bad guy. He is just enjoying his youth and abuses all the advantages his popularity can bring to him. There is nothing wrong with being late a few minutes, especially that Kame has reasons. He's having a conversation with his best friend, to whom he didn't talk at least for eight hours and now talking to him is a matter of life and death.
Kame has to admit, he kind of enjoys these mornings because even the teachers seem too sleepy to even notice they are not in class. This way Kame has ten minutes or so to discuss all what he wants with his best friend and there is nothing which can deprive him of this enjoyment.
Nothing.
“Kame-chan!”
Nothing. Except this.
As the loud and pretty much excited voice sweeps through the abandoned corridor, Koki looks up from his best friend's darkened face and peeking over the other's shoulder, catches a glimpse of the one and only person who can always ruin a Monday morning.
Kame tenses and refuses to turn around; his dark brown eyes widen as he shoots a pleading glance at Koki, who nods and shoves the other behind his back, blocking him from the intruder's sight.
By the time the taller man reaches Koki, Kame is far away.
“Good morning, Koki-kun,” the boy beams, pushing his over-sized thick-framed glasses up to the bridge of his nose.
“Morning, Akanishi,” Koki replies though it doesn't really sound like he means it.
The guy named Akanishi ignores the unwelcoming tone of his class mate and decides to ask what he really wants to know. “Where did Kame-chan go?”
“Who? Kame? How should I know?” Koki replies with fake surprise and a much more faked smile.
“But I saw-”
“He must be skipping classes. I don't think I saw him today.” As if that would ever happen.
“But I just saw him walk right there,” the other points behind Koki's back, who laughs out in amusement, throwing an arm over the taller boy's shoulder.
“Your eyes must be playing a trick on you, Akanishi. Kame is not here.”
Akanishi keeps a straight face and waits until Koki releases him, pats his shoulder and walks away. Then he embraces his books to his chest and grits his teeth.
“Damn you, Tanaka,” he mumbles, trying to glare draggers into Koki's back, in case he can feel it, but in the end Koki just disappears and Jin remains there alone, only belatedly realizing that he is being late just because he was chasing after Kame. Again.
---
And of course not only popularity can make one wait for the start of the week in anticipation. Akanishi Jin looks forward to step into the huge building every morning, because he knows that within a couple of minutes he can greet his class mate, the gorgeous, hot and popular Kamenashi Kazuya.
Jin has a very obvious crush on Kame since his first day at high school. Of course, for more than two years, Jin was just a silent observer and secret admirer until something happened and Jin confessed.
Everyone else would think of that day as the most embarrassing moment of their life but Jin could care less if he was bullied constantly after that. Because that day Jin saw something he is sure no one else has ever seen.
He has always liked Kame because the boy was obviously likable, funny, confident and beautiful. With all those fashionable clothes which overruled the necessity of wearing a boring uniform. And there was no teacher who had ever complained about his ripped jeans, unbuttoned shirt and the uniform jacket that was hanging around his waist leisurely. And no one had ever mentioned Kame's different hairstyle even if dyeing hair was against the rules. Jin has seen Kame's hair wearing every color of the rainbow during these years.
And Kame always knew how to wear those ridiculous clothes and extravagant hairstyles. Whenever Jin saw him, Kame looked stunning. Just like the type you can't pass on the street without glancing back at him.
Liking Kame was not that difficult, even if Kame always chose his friends carefully and occasionally he was being rude with everyone else. That was what Jin thought. Until that day came almost one year ago.
Jin was unusually sleepy that day, having worked the night before and trying to study for his upcoming history end-term test at the same time. That was the first time in his life that he fell asleep during a lesson and didn't take any notes. Ususally he was the one who would give notes to everyone who asked - or threatened - him, but he was not sure if anyone would lend him a notebook if he needed.
So Jin was in big trouble, trying to think of a single person who would be willing to help him out, when he passed the school gate and turned around the corner to take his way home, biting his lips and deep in thoughts.
He yelped in surprise when a hand reached out from nowhere and yanked him inside a gate. He was even more shocked when he saw that the person who had decided to kidnap him was no other than the gorgeous Kamenashi Kazuya, who was eyeing Jin with furrowed brows, his long reddish hair swaying in the wind. He was utterly beautiful to Jin's eyes and he almost forgot the weirdness of the situation right then and there and could only gape, staring into the caramel brown orbs in trance.
“What?” Kame barked, challenging Jin with his gaze.
Jin snapped his head away and unfolded the collar of his unform which had been ruined by Kame's forceful move. “Nothing,” he whispered and immediately felt the urge to slap himself. 'Nothing' was not exactly the thing you would say when someone like Kame pulls you in a dark place without any explanation.
Jin plucked up his courage. “What do you want?”
Kame let out an exaggerated sigh, breaking the intense eye contact and shoved something to Jin's chest, hard. “Copy it but I want you to do my homework for tomorrow,” was all he said before he peeked outside to be sure no one had seen them and walked away, swaying his pretty butt while strolling along the street.
Jin was just staring after him, not being able to look away from the sight, his hand resting on his chest when he remembered to look at the thing Kame had given him. Then a wide grin stretched across his face as his fingers gently stroked the notebook in his hand and he could swear that his whole life had changed then.
Kame was not a bad person, Jin realized. He was not half as rude as he liked to pretend; he only didn't want others to know. And without even asking, Kame saved his ass that day, not to mention that taking notes was something Kame rarely did.
Next morning Jin found himself standing in front of Kame, handing him his notebook and thanking him honestly. Kame kept looking around nervously, and rolling his eyes, mumbling 'Yeah, yeah, whatever.' Then Jin took a deep breath and gave Kame a big lunch box he had prepared for the other the previous day.
“I made this for you.”
Suspicion flashed in Kame's eyes as he pulled away. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I like you. No. I love you, Kame-chan.”
Blank expression replaced the confusion on Kame's face as he began blinking rapidly. “What.”
“I-” Jin, sensing that it was the moment where he could decide to act like he was joking or take responsibility for his words, hesitated a bit but in his heart he had already decided. “I'm in love with you, Kame-chan. Would you go out with me?”
Kame was silent for a minute or two, then snorted and let out small fits of giggles which escalated eventually, until he was bending, leaning on his knees with his hands from laughing hard.
Jin patiently waited for Kame to calm down not even batting an eyelash at the reaction he got, until Kame's loud laughter caught the attention of his best friend, and the next thing Jin knew that Koki was standing next to Kame and asking him what was that funny. Then Kame wiped his eyes and leaned on Koki, trying to control his bursting emotions. “Ko-ki, Koki, Akanishi is telling me that he likes me. No, wait. He says he's in love with me.”
As expected, Koki burst out laughing just as hard and by the time Jin managed to catch up with what was happening, the half of the school was standing there, laughing at him.
Jin didn't mind at all, he was never the popular guy, he had no reputation to protect, no image to maintain. He ignored all the bullying and mocking because everything that mattered to him was Kame.
And from that day, Jin felt connected to Kame and Kame didn't ignore him anymore. At least, not always.
Just like this morning, after Kame managed to escape from Jin, Jin is still calm and doesn't worry a bit since he knows Kame will appear before the next period to claim his homework that Jin volunteered - at least that's what Kame calls it - to write for him.
That is exactly what happens when the math lesson ends and Jin finally gets the chance to exchange some word with Kame, except all the talking Kame did to him during the first period (“Jin, give me your calculator” and “Jin, sharpen my pencil.”).
“Your lunch, Kame,” Jin says as he pushes the box in front of the boy, who doesn't move his boots from the table and just yawns.
“I'm not hungry. Did you write my English essay?”
Jin nods enthusiastically and rummages through his bag for the sheet of paper in question. When he hands it to Kame, the boy doesn't even spare it a glance, just drops it on the table and flashes a cheeky grin at the other. “Thanks, Jin.”
And that is the moment when Jin is sure everything was worth it. Two simple words and Jin feels like he's in heaven. Kame thanks him every time and calls him Jin, nothing else matters.
“You're welcome, Kame-chan,” Jin replies dreamily, though Kame is not even in the class room anymore, he realizes belatedly as he catches a final glimpse of Kame's swaying butt and his arm thrown over Koki's shoulder.
---
“Akanishi, come here for a moment!”
Jin freezes in his movement as he steps out of the school gate when he hears Tanaka Koki shouting his name from a considerable distance. Blinking in surprise, Jin hurries to Koki and Kame, who are leisurely leaning on the wall of the school building, obviously enjoying the afternoon as they usually do. He barely catches a few words of what Kame hisses to his friend before he reaches them.
“...not him. Don't ask him, Koki. Koki!”
Feeling honoured by the sudden invitation, Jin beams at Kame cheerfully. “Yes, Kame-chan, what can I do for you?”
Koki rolls his eyes at being ignored like this, when he was the one who called the guy over. After fighting off the urge to slap Jin on the face to shake him out of his lovesick reverie, Koki decides to get on with the original plan. “Akanishi, I have something to ask you,” he starts with as much friendliness as he can muster.
Jin curiously wiggles his eyebrows and nods.
Koki throws an arm around his shoulder and pulls him closer to whisper into his ear. “But if you lie to me, I will kill you.”
“Koki!” Kame protests in an annoyed tone, aiming a kick at his best friend's shin.
Jin gulps at feeling something is off and hurries to assure Koki that he won't be lying whatever it is all about.
“Okay, then,” Koki nods and turns his head to check if anyone hears them.
“Koki, stop it. I don't want you to ask him.”
Koki ignores Kame's pleas and looks directly into Jin's now even more curious eyes. “Akanishi, have you heard someone talk about Kame in a… weird way?”
As much as Jin wants to understand the question, he fails. “In a weird way?”
“Koki, that's enough,” Kame pushes himself away from the wall, Jin can see he's clearly irritated.
“Yes, in a weird way. Like…” Koki hesitates. “Like someone wants to harm him in any way.”
Jin's eyes go wide as saucers. “Harm him?” he echoes Koki in disbelief and turns to Kame. “Kame, is someone harassing you?”
Kame snorts in response. “No one is harassing me. Koki, don't be stupid.”
Koki looks at Jin in a way that Jin feels his stomach churn. “Someone is threatening him.”
“Dear God,” Kame comments, palming his forehead. “That's not true, someone is just bored and I got some stupid mails. Don't exaggerate, Koki.”
“Have you told this to someone?” Jin asks, now obviously concerned.
Kame raises an eyebrow. “Don't be ridiculous, there is nothing to tell.”
“But-”
“Akanishi, just do us a favor and keep your eyes and ears open. Can you do that?” Koki cuts him off and Jin nods.
“Okay, I'm counting on you.”
“Kame-chan?” Jin starts, biting his lips while waiting for catching the other's attention. “Do you want me to walk you home?”
Kame's mouth drops open. “What the...? What for? Don't mistake me for a girl,” he snarls at Jin then his eyes and voice soften a bit. “I'll be fine, there's nothing wrong. Don't worry, Jin, just go home now.”
Jin is torn between continuing to worry about Kame and being extremely happy at the gentle treatment he is getting and eventually decides to stay silent, eyes glued to the other's seemingly calm face.
He's shaken out of his thoughts again, when Koki pats him on the shoulder. “Just do what I asked you to, okay? Don't worry about Kame, I'm taking care of him.”
Jin can't say he is relieved by that but he has to admit that Koki can be really scary when he is angry and Kame is definitely someone he wants to protect and keep safe.
Jin doesn't know yet that he is wrong when he thinks that Koki will be by Kame's side for long.
---
A few weeks later, on an usually cold day when the wind cuts through whatever layers of warm clothing Jin is wearing, Kame looks especially grumpy as he strolls in the direction of the school gate where Jin manages to catch him, surprised that Kame is so early that day.
“Kame-chan!” he waves happily then rubs his hands together to get some warm because the way Kame looks at him makes him feel even colder than he already is. “Good morning, you're early today.”
“Yeah, whatever. I just want to talk to Koki before the class starts,” he mumbles under his breath moodily then shivers.
“Are you cold? Let's go inside, Kame-chan. I don't want you to catch cold,” Jin continues babbling as he pulls Kame towards the building. “It's really cold today, don't you think so? Winter came early this year...”
Kame doesn't really seem to catch anything of what Jin is talking about, eyes immediately searching for his best friend as they step in. Anxiety is just radiating from him and that makes Jin frown.
“Is there something wrong, Kame-chan?”
Kame looks at him as if he sees Jin for the first time in his life. “Huh?”
Jin laughs and pushes his glasses a bit upwards, like every time when he is nervous. “You seem to be a bit out of it today. Is everything alright?”
Kame sighs and nods. “Oh yeah, yeah…just …I was hoping to find Koki. We didn't talk yesterday.”
This makes Jin's frown deepen because he knows that those two are indeed inseperable and there is just no way one day can pass without them talking to each other. “Did you two fight or something?”
Kame lets out a laughter which sounds rather creepy, Jin thinks. “Why would we fight? No, he just didn't answer my call yesterday,” Kame finishes, trying his best not to sound too worried.
Jin shrugs. “Well, then everything must be okay. It's early anyways.”
Kame nods absent-mindedly and doesn't even realize that he is talking to Jin inside the building and doesn't even care about who sees them and who doesn't. Jin, on the other hand, is very well aware of that little detail and is quite happy about it.
When the bell rings, Koki is still nowhere to be seen and Kame, now apparently upset, reluctantly lets himself be dragged into class room by Jin. The door almost immediately closes behind the scary-looking history teacher, Honda-san and Kame strolls to occupy his seat, cursing.
Next to him, the desk is still empty and from one row behind them, Jin keeps shooting him concerned glances.
“Good morning, class. Let's get started, shall we?” Honda-san exclaims, taking the attandance sheet in hand. “Akanishi.”
“Here.”
Kame doesn't really pay attention as he fishes out his mobile phone from his bag and hiding it under the table, types a quick message to Koki. Although it's not the first time Koki skips classes, but definitely the first that he's doing it without his best friend and Kame doesn't like that at all. He tries to fight off the gut-wrenching feeling that something must be wrong and sends the message, eyes wandering to the door.
“Kamenashi.”
“Here,” he replies without really paying attention.
“Nakamaru.”
“Here.”
“Nishikido.”
“Here.”
Kame's grip tighten on his phone as he keeps looking at it, trying to make it vibrate with his will.
“Taguchi.”
“Here.”
The teacher pauses a bit but doesn't look up. “Yamashita.”
There is another pause as all pairs of eyes snap to the teacher immediately before Yamapi hesitantly answers. “Here.”
Kame blinks in confusion and he is not the only one. After the uncomfortable silence, low murmurs start to fill the silence of the class room and a girl from the front row carefully raises his arm to catch the teacher's attention. “Sensei, you didn't read Tanaka's name.”
Kame expects Honda-san to slap his forehead and say something like “really? I haven't noticed” but that doesn't happen. Instead, the man just nods and roams his eyes over the students while Kame forgets to breathe. What the hell is going on?
“Yes, because Tanaka-kun is not a member of the class anymore.”
The class immediately explodes into surprised yells and demanding questions while Jin worriedly directs his gaze to Kame, who seems to be rooted in his spot, with eyes wide and face pale.
The teacher holds his hand up to make the students look at him and let him speak. “Tanaka's parents called this morning. His father's gotten a very decent job and they are immediately moving out of Tokyo. Tanaka's been transferred to another school. Now, let's start today's lesson. Taguchi, would you set up the map for me, please?”
Kame is looking at the teacher as if he thinks that the old man has completely lost it. Jin is quite sure that it's only a matter of seconds that Kame stands up and storms out of the class room. After a few minutes, he proves to be wrong as Kame keeps staring, motionless then slowly takes a hold of his pen and starts taking notes, eyes fixed on the teacher.
Jin is really, really worried now.
---
By the time the period ends, Kame is a nervous wreck. His legs are continously moving under the table, the pen in his hand is shaking. Jin finds it very hard to concentrate that day and he feels almost as relieved as Kame does when the bell finally signals the end of the period.
Kame dashes out like he's fleeing, his phone in a death grip in his hand, followed by several curious pairs of eyes and one certain Akanishi Jin in tow. He stands in a quiet corner in the corridor and presses his phone to his ear.
Jin wants to tap on the other's shoulder when apparently the line connects and Kame starts shouting into the phone in a nervous voice, oblivious to Jin's presence as he is standing with his back turned to him.
“Koki, what the hell is going on?”
Not wanting to invade the other's privacy, Jin silently turns around, because he is sure that Kame wants to be alone.
“Why didn't you say anything? What the fuck were you thinking?”
Jin takes another step slowly, realizing that as much as he wants to leave Kame in peace, worry and curiosity gets the best of him so he stops.
“You're sorry? You're sorry? What kind of friend are you? Just leaving… like that. I… don't get you.”
Jin's heart clenches hard as he hears the disappointment in Kame's voice. Kame is angry and hurt and utterly disappointed and Jin just can't force himself to walk away.
“Don't bother,” Kame growls into the phone behind his back and Jin hears as the phone shuts closed, followed by a very exasperated sigh from Kame's mouth. “Fuck.”
Jin spins around and feeling determined, walks to Kame and this time he taps on the other's shoulder, making him turn around. Kame looks so angry and sad that Jin temporarily loses the ability to speak.
“What?” Kame growls impatiently.
“Um… I thought you would need some company. Would you like to have lunch with me?” Jin asks, holding his lunch box up in the air.
Kame's eyes darken. “I don't care about lunch, Jin, just leave me alone.”
Jin can sense danger but doesn't want to let it stop him. “Kame-chan, I'm sorry for what happened, I just think you need to cheer up a bit.”
“Cheer up?” Kame echoes, his eyes throwing draggers at Jin. “Cheer up? You have no idea…”
Kame has apparently a hard time to put his angry thoughts into words and eventually gives up. “Leave me alone, Jin.”
“But-”
“I said leave me alone,” Kame hollers and knocks the beautifully-prepared lunch box out of Jin's hand, which lands on the dirty floor, ruined.
Silence envelops them as Jin stares at the remnants of the food on the floor, Kame's laboured panting is the only sound around them. Then Jin carefully looks up and sees something like guilt marking Kame's beautiful features.
“Kame,” someone calls from behind Jin's back and they both turn to the source of the voice, seeing their two class mates in a waiting position. “Kame, come with us to the rooftop.”
Jin turns back and sees Kame's face change at the same time he feels his own heart start to break. Of course, Kame wouldn't choose him over someone equally popular to him as Yamapi and Nishikido Ryo are.
The expression on Kame's face is similar to nervousness and hesitation as his gaze flicks to Jin then back to the two other boys.
Jin holds his breath but already knows Kame's choice. Just as expected, Kame slowly turns around and walks towards Yamapi and Ryo, leaving Jin to pick up the pieces of his ruined lunch and the even more shattered pieces of his broken heart.
---
Two weeks pass by with Kame barely talking to Jin at all. Christmas is fast approaching, the weather is cold and snow covers the street like a fluffy blanket. Jin never hated snow that much.
Kame hangs out with Yamapi and Ryo but doesn't really look happy, in Jin's opinion. There is something disturbing in the way Kame walks along the corridor with the two other guys babbling around him non-stop. Kame doesn't look like he is much into whatever conversation Yamapi and Ryo are having. He is rather dazed, his smooth features melt into a general blank expression, indifferent and unconcerned.
Jin sometimes contemplates the idea of grabbing Kame by the shoulder and shake him hard to wake him up from his dream-like state.
He misses the old Kame, even if Kame sometimes treated him badly, even if he was cold and rude, it was still better than being neglected and ignored. There is no more 'Jin, sharpen my pencil,' or 'thanks for lunch, Jin'. There is no more of those rare, kind moments because Kame doesn't talk to Jin anymore, doesn't accept the lunch box, what's more, he even refuses Jin when the other hands him his homework.
Jin feels himself falling deeper and deeper into desperation. Despite the feeling that Kame doesn't need him anymore, even if that meant doing his homework, Jin feels the unexplainable but very forceful urge to look after the other boy. Without Koki by his side, Kame looks restless and Jin can't help but wonder if he's still getting those harassing mails. Jin himself has never heard anyone talk about Kame but that doesn't mean anything. He wants to know that Kame's safe and somehow he doesn't feel certain that Kame's newly found, amazing friends, aka Yamapi and Ryo, would really give their best to protect Kame if he needs it.
Jin's suspicion turns out to be true when after a long day and an indoor soccer practice, he soaks himself in the shower of the abandoned dressing room of the school, though he doesn't really feels himself sweaty as during the whole practice he was more absorbed in watching Kame than the ball.
It's late in the afternoon, there is already dark outside and everyone is fast to leave school to have some fun in the snow that is covering thickly the whole city. Jin is quite sure he is already alone when low whispers reach his ears as he dresses up, already lacing his shoes. He doesn't need too much time to recognize the owner of the voices.
“I still can't believe he didn't realize it.”
“Oh come on, he is so stupid.”
“Did you see his face when he got the last message?”
“Let's send him one more, Ryo.”
“Okay, what to write?”
“Let's scare him a little bit. It's going to be so much fun.”
“Poor Kame-chan, he is so naive sometimes.”
Their laughter sounds disgusting to Jin's ears as he feels his stomach turn upside down. Barely aware of what he's doing, Jin steps forward, his insides burning with rage as his hands clench into fists.
He stops dead in his tracks though when he reaches the next row of lockers, right behind the benches where Yamapi and Ryo are talking and sees Kame, standing in silence, head hung low and in his hands a wet towel, in front of him his bag, half-packed.
Then Kame looks up and their gazes lock. Kame's cheeks flame up in shame, sadness filling his caramel brown eyes as he looks away.
“Let's tell Kame-chan how pathetic he is,” Yamapi giggles a few metres away and Jin feels like bursting from anger. His whole body tenses at the words and finally lets the emotions overtake him as he takes a step forward to punch those bastards in the face for playing such a dirty game on the one he treasures more than his own life when he feels a hand on his arm, preventing him from moving.
Kame doesn't look at him, keeping his head low, letting his jet black locks cover his eyes, but the grip on Jin's arm is strong and he merely shakes his head as Jin trembles from restrained anger under his touch. Jin could only curse to himself as he hears Yamapi and Ryo leave and silence falls on them.
He doesn't really know what to say or what to do as Kame lets his hand fall from his arm, still avoiding his gaze. He stays there, rooted in his spot and Kame disappears behind the lockers then walks out with Jin's bag and coat, handing them to him then lazily dresses up himself, throwing his own bag on his shoulder.
Jin is wondering what the meaning of this can be, but just does as Kame indicates, pulling his coat on himself, looking at the other boy, clueless. There is hint of a smile on Kame's face as he suddenly grabs Jin's hand and leads him out, making him stumble over the doorstep in shock but also feel heat crawling from his hands up to his heart, both filled with Kame's warmth.
---
Snow flakes dance around them as they walk side by side, none of them saying a word. Jin can't take his eyes off Kame as the lamps that are hanging above as early Christmas decoration envelop them in a golden glow, making Kame's face brighten up in an ethereal light.
It feels like a dream, walking like this with Kame, having absolutely no idea where they are going, not that Jin minds. He would rather be lost with the other and never find the way home. He is already lost anyway, Jin thinks.
The park they are crossing is quiet; they see nothing but white all over and Jin turns to Kame curiously when he sees the other stopping and turning, leaving the narrow road they were walking on. Kame dashes into the thick snow, wetting his boots as he marches forward. At a certain point, he throws his bag away and takes a few step further into the snow. Jin frowns and follows him.
There is a childish smile playing on Kame's lips as he turns back to Jin then suddenly lets himself fall on his back, sprawled over the snow covered grass. Jin reaches him when Kame starts moving his arms and legs, his smile widening.
“What are you doing?” Jin decides to ask after observing the unusual sight of Kamenashi Kazuya giggling and flattering in the snow.
Kame looks up, puzzled. “What? You don't know? What kind of child were you, Jin? It's an angel. A snow angel, look.”
Then Jin sees it. The shape forming under Kame's movements, a messy but recognizable form of an angel. Kame starts laughing again, childish excitement twinkling in his eyes as he keeps looking at Jin.
Jin is sure he has never seen anything more beautiful than that angel.
“Come on, make one,” Kame says between giggles, still sweeping the snow with his arms.
Jin slowly lowers his bag and lies next to Kame, hissing as snow crawls under his collar and starts to cool his skin. Then he starts moving his arms and legs, a smile unconsciously finding a way to his lips. Before he realizes, he is laughing with Kame, their voices melt into a delicious melody in the otherwise silent evening.
After a while, he stops and looks down to examine his own snow angel, finding the sight oddly warming. Then he lies back and turns to Kame, who looks at him still smiling, a bit out of breath. Jin's breath catches in his throat as he looks back. Kame's cheeks are flushed from the cold, his black hair sprawled on white, eyes shining with warmth and softness and Jin's heart starts pounding against his ribcage as if he had just ran a marathon.
“Why do you like me?” Kame asks suddenly.
Jin feels himself flush but can't force himself to look away from the beauty that is Kame. “I don't like you, Kame-chan. I love you,” he answers honestly.
Kame's smile fades a bit. “How do you know that?”
Jin gulps. “I-I just feel it, I guess.”
There is an undefinable expression on Kame's face, his look is talking more than a thousand words, making him look vulnerable and defenseless. Jin feels like a door's been opened in front of his eyes. A snow flake lands on Kame's eyelashes as his gaze remains unwavering, instantly but slowly melting until it runs down on the side of his face like a tear drop, leaving a wet path on his flushed skin.
“Will you leave me, too?” Kame whispers.
Jin can feel his heart being squeezed in a vise grip, his eyes widen at hearing such a question. He opens his mouth, wanting to protest when the spell breaks as Kame starts laughing nervously, turning his gaze to the dark sky, blinking. “I'm joking. Don't look at me like that. I was just joking,” he says and makes an attempt to get up when Jin's hand shots up, taking a grip on Kame's wrist, pulling him back down.
Kame looks surprised and tries to wriggle out of Jin's hold when Jin speaks up. “I won't.”
The grip on Kame's wrist tightens and Kame stills, staring at the sky above them and doesn't say anything. Then Jin's hand slides down, his fingers barely touching Kame's unmoving ones.
“I won't,” Jin repeats just to make sure Kame understands it and this time he feels a gentle squeeze of fingers on his own. He looks at Kame and sees how his lips curl into a tiny smile and Jin just stares.
The snow barrier between their snow angels is ruined by their attached hands and Jin wonders how he can feel so much warm, lying in the cold snow. But he knows the answer as he watches Kame close his eyes, snow flakes keep falling on him, covering his hair and eyes and immediately melting at the contact of his heated skin.
Jin's heart is still furiously thumping in his chest.
Snow angel, indeed.
.......
part 2
----
a/n. Lyrics from White X-mas
My first high school AU, I hope you enjoyed it, my dears!
Comments are soooooooooo loved^^
Cora, thank you so much for your help:))))) ILU♥
akame
pg-13, fluff, drama, romance, high school AU
It takes Jin a while to learn what so beautiful is about a snow angel. Kame shows him.
word count: 6,076
a/n. This is my very belated birthday present for the wonderful chained_akame and the Christmas fic for this year. Second part is coming as soon as LJ decides to stop hating me so much. Enjoy!
.snow angel. {As I keep on walking, I can't help but wonder
as the snowflakes melt in my outstretched hand
if maybe someday we'll meet again
and finally be able to tell each other how we really feel}
Monday morning is not necessarily a bad thing. Not even when you are a high schooler and all you can forsee on a Monday morning is a chain of the most boring lessons possible, teachers threatening with upcoming exams, the infinite train of unfamiliar characters of the differential calculus mid-term test and the even more unfamiliar English terms thrown at you, from which you can only remember one particular sentence on page twenty-three of the first volume because you find it kind of useful. (“Can I have your phone number?”)
And of course when the bells ring at the end of the day, all you can think of is “hell, I still have four days of this shit for the week.”
Despite all the boring and annoying things, Monday morning can be definitely entertaining, especially when you are one of those guys. The popular guys. The girls blush when you greet them and the boys look at you with some kind of respect. One is certain, everyone seeks your attention; high school is all about popularity, with some unpleasant side effects along with it, like studying.
That doesn't mean, you can't participate in some honorable activities during your high school years without losing even a little bit of the popularity you had worked hard for.
Ask Kamenashi Kazuya, who became the member of the student council because he had a crush on the president. Motives are not that important, Kame is still member of the student council and teachers think he is a good guy, which have some advantages to say the least.
That's why when Kame arrives - of course late - on Monday morning and instead of hurrying to his math lesson, he stops in the corridor with his best buddy, Tanaka Koki, there is no one - not even the English teacher, who is appointed to guard the corridors after the bell rings - who would say a thing, not to mention report him to the principal.
As much as it may sound weird, Kame is not a bad guy. He is just enjoying his youth and abuses all the advantages his popularity can bring to him. There is nothing wrong with being late a few minutes, especially that Kame has reasons. He's having a conversation with his best friend, to whom he didn't talk at least for eight hours and now talking to him is a matter of life and death.
Kame has to admit, he kind of enjoys these mornings because even the teachers seem too sleepy to even notice they are not in class. This way Kame has ten minutes or so to discuss all what he wants with his best friend and there is nothing which can deprive him of this enjoyment.
Nothing.
“Kame-chan!”
Nothing. Except this.
As the loud and pretty much excited voice sweeps through the abandoned corridor, Koki looks up from his best friend's darkened face and peeking over the other's shoulder, catches a glimpse of the one and only person who can always ruin a Monday morning.
Kame tenses and refuses to turn around; his dark brown eyes widen as he shoots a pleading glance at Koki, who nods and shoves the other behind his back, blocking him from the intruder's sight.
By the time the taller man reaches Koki, Kame is far away.
“Good morning, Koki-kun,” the boy beams, pushing his over-sized thick-framed glasses up to the bridge of his nose.
“Morning, Akanishi,” Koki replies though it doesn't really sound like he means it.
The guy named Akanishi ignores the unwelcoming tone of his class mate and decides to ask what he really wants to know. “Where did Kame-chan go?”
“Who? Kame? How should I know?” Koki replies with fake surprise and a much more faked smile.
“But I saw-”
“He must be skipping classes. I don't think I saw him today.” As if that would ever happen.
“But I just saw him walk right there,” the other points behind Koki's back, who laughs out in amusement, throwing an arm over the taller boy's shoulder.
“Your eyes must be playing a trick on you, Akanishi. Kame is not here.”
Akanishi keeps a straight face and waits until Koki releases him, pats his shoulder and walks away. Then he embraces his books to his chest and grits his teeth.
“Damn you, Tanaka,” he mumbles, trying to glare draggers into Koki's back, in case he can feel it, but in the end Koki just disappears and Jin remains there alone, only belatedly realizing that he is being late just because he was chasing after Kame. Again.
---
And of course not only popularity can make one wait for the start of the week in anticipation. Akanishi Jin looks forward to step into the huge building every morning, because he knows that within a couple of minutes he can greet his class mate, the gorgeous, hot and popular Kamenashi Kazuya.
Jin has a very obvious crush on Kame since his first day at high school. Of course, for more than two years, Jin was just a silent observer and secret admirer until something happened and Jin confessed.
Everyone else would think of that day as the most embarrassing moment of their life but Jin could care less if he was bullied constantly after that. Because that day Jin saw something he is sure no one else has ever seen.
He has always liked Kame because the boy was obviously likable, funny, confident and beautiful. With all those fashionable clothes which overruled the necessity of wearing a boring uniform. And there was no teacher who had ever complained about his ripped jeans, unbuttoned shirt and the uniform jacket that was hanging around his waist leisurely. And no one had ever mentioned Kame's different hairstyle even if dyeing hair was against the rules. Jin has seen Kame's hair wearing every color of the rainbow during these years.
And Kame always knew how to wear those ridiculous clothes and extravagant hairstyles. Whenever Jin saw him, Kame looked stunning. Just like the type you can't pass on the street without glancing back at him.
Liking Kame was not that difficult, even if Kame always chose his friends carefully and occasionally he was being rude with everyone else. That was what Jin thought. Until that day came almost one year ago.
Jin was unusually sleepy that day, having worked the night before and trying to study for his upcoming history end-term test at the same time. That was the first time in his life that he fell asleep during a lesson and didn't take any notes. Ususally he was the one who would give notes to everyone who asked - or threatened - him, but he was not sure if anyone would lend him a notebook if he needed.
So Jin was in big trouble, trying to think of a single person who would be willing to help him out, when he passed the school gate and turned around the corner to take his way home, biting his lips and deep in thoughts.
He yelped in surprise when a hand reached out from nowhere and yanked him inside a gate. He was even more shocked when he saw that the person who had decided to kidnap him was no other than the gorgeous Kamenashi Kazuya, who was eyeing Jin with furrowed brows, his long reddish hair swaying in the wind. He was utterly beautiful to Jin's eyes and he almost forgot the weirdness of the situation right then and there and could only gape, staring into the caramel brown orbs in trance.
“What?” Kame barked, challenging Jin with his gaze.
Jin snapped his head away and unfolded the collar of his unform which had been ruined by Kame's forceful move. “Nothing,” he whispered and immediately felt the urge to slap himself. 'Nothing' was not exactly the thing you would say when someone like Kame pulls you in a dark place without any explanation.
Jin plucked up his courage. “What do you want?”
Kame let out an exaggerated sigh, breaking the intense eye contact and shoved something to Jin's chest, hard. “Copy it but I want you to do my homework for tomorrow,” was all he said before he peeked outside to be sure no one had seen them and walked away, swaying his pretty butt while strolling along the street.
Jin was just staring after him, not being able to look away from the sight, his hand resting on his chest when he remembered to look at the thing Kame had given him. Then a wide grin stretched across his face as his fingers gently stroked the notebook in his hand and he could swear that his whole life had changed then.
Kame was not a bad person, Jin realized. He was not half as rude as he liked to pretend; he only didn't want others to know. And without even asking, Kame saved his ass that day, not to mention that taking notes was something Kame rarely did.
Next morning Jin found himself standing in front of Kame, handing him his notebook and thanking him honestly. Kame kept looking around nervously, and rolling his eyes, mumbling 'Yeah, yeah, whatever.' Then Jin took a deep breath and gave Kame a big lunch box he had prepared for the other the previous day.
“I made this for you.”
Suspicion flashed in Kame's eyes as he pulled away. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I like you. No. I love you, Kame-chan.”
Blank expression replaced the confusion on Kame's face as he began blinking rapidly. “What.”
“I-” Jin, sensing that it was the moment where he could decide to act like he was joking or take responsibility for his words, hesitated a bit but in his heart he had already decided. “I'm in love with you, Kame-chan. Would you go out with me?”
Kame was silent for a minute or two, then snorted and let out small fits of giggles which escalated eventually, until he was bending, leaning on his knees with his hands from laughing hard.
Jin patiently waited for Kame to calm down not even batting an eyelash at the reaction he got, until Kame's loud laughter caught the attention of his best friend, and the next thing Jin knew that Koki was standing next to Kame and asking him what was that funny. Then Kame wiped his eyes and leaned on Koki, trying to control his bursting emotions. “Ko-ki, Koki, Akanishi is telling me that he likes me. No, wait. He says he's in love with me.”
As expected, Koki burst out laughing just as hard and by the time Jin managed to catch up with what was happening, the half of the school was standing there, laughing at him.
Jin didn't mind at all, he was never the popular guy, he had no reputation to protect, no image to maintain. He ignored all the bullying and mocking because everything that mattered to him was Kame.
And from that day, Jin felt connected to Kame and Kame didn't ignore him anymore. At least, not always.
Just like this morning, after Kame managed to escape from Jin, Jin is still calm and doesn't worry a bit since he knows Kame will appear before the next period to claim his homework that Jin volunteered - at least that's what Kame calls it - to write for him.
That is exactly what happens when the math lesson ends and Jin finally gets the chance to exchange some word with Kame, except all the talking Kame did to him during the first period (“Jin, give me your calculator” and “Jin, sharpen my pencil.”).
“Your lunch, Kame,” Jin says as he pushes the box in front of the boy, who doesn't move his boots from the table and just yawns.
“I'm not hungry. Did you write my English essay?”
Jin nods enthusiastically and rummages through his bag for the sheet of paper in question. When he hands it to Kame, the boy doesn't even spare it a glance, just drops it on the table and flashes a cheeky grin at the other. “Thanks, Jin.”
And that is the moment when Jin is sure everything was worth it. Two simple words and Jin feels like he's in heaven. Kame thanks him every time and calls him Jin, nothing else matters.
“You're welcome, Kame-chan,” Jin replies dreamily, though Kame is not even in the class room anymore, he realizes belatedly as he catches a final glimpse of Kame's swaying butt and his arm thrown over Koki's shoulder.
---
“Akanishi, come here for a moment!”
Jin freezes in his movement as he steps out of the school gate when he hears Tanaka Koki shouting his name from a considerable distance. Blinking in surprise, Jin hurries to Koki and Kame, who are leisurely leaning on the wall of the school building, obviously enjoying the afternoon as they usually do. He barely catches a few words of what Kame hisses to his friend before he reaches them.
“...not him. Don't ask him, Koki. Koki!”
Feeling honoured by the sudden invitation, Jin beams at Kame cheerfully. “Yes, Kame-chan, what can I do for you?”
Koki rolls his eyes at being ignored like this, when he was the one who called the guy over. After fighting off the urge to slap Jin on the face to shake him out of his lovesick reverie, Koki decides to get on with the original plan. “Akanishi, I have something to ask you,” he starts with as much friendliness as he can muster.
Jin curiously wiggles his eyebrows and nods.
Koki throws an arm around his shoulder and pulls him closer to whisper into his ear. “But if you lie to me, I will kill you.”
“Koki!” Kame protests in an annoyed tone, aiming a kick at his best friend's shin.
Jin gulps at feeling something is off and hurries to assure Koki that he won't be lying whatever it is all about.
“Okay, then,” Koki nods and turns his head to check if anyone hears them.
“Koki, stop it. I don't want you to ask him.”
Koki ignores Kame's pleas and looks directly into Jin's now even more curious eyes. “Akanishi, have you heard someone talk about Kame in a… weird way?”
As much as Jin wants to understand the question, he fails. “In a weird way?”
“Koki, that's enough,” Kame pushes himself away from the wall, Jin can see he's clearly irritated.
“Yes, in a weird way. Like…” Koki hesitates. “Like someone wants to harm him in any way.”
Jin's eyes go wide as saucers. “Harm him?” he echoes Koki in disbelief and turns to Kame. “Kame, is someone harassing you?”
Kame snorts in response. “No one is harassing me. Koki, don't be stupid.”
Koki looks at Jin in a way that Jin feels his stomach churn. “Someone is threatening him.”
“Dear God,” Kame comments, palming his forehead. “That's not true, someone is just bored and I got some stupid mails. Don't exaggerate, Koki.”
“Have you told this to someone?” Jin asks, now obviously concerned.
Kame raises an eyebrow. “Don't be ridiculous, there is nothing to tell.”
“But-”
“Akanishi, just do us a favor and keep your eyes and ears open. Can you do that?” Koki cuts him off and Jin nods.
“Okay, I'm counting on you.”
“Kame-chan?” Jin starts, biting his lips while waiting for catching the other's attention. “Do you want me to walk you home?”
Kame's mouth drops open. “What the...? What for? Don't mistake me for a girl,” he snarls at Jin then his eyes and voice soften a bit. “I'll be fine, there's nothing wrong. Don't worry, Jin, just go home now.”
Jin is torn between continuing to worry about Kame and being extremely happy at the gentle treatment he is getting and eventually decides to stay silent, eyes glued to the other's seemingly calm face.
He's shaken out of his thoughts again, when Koki pats him on the shoulder. “Just do what I asked you to, okay? Don't worry about Kame, I'm taking care of him.”
Jin can't say he is relieved by that but he has to admit that Koki can be really scary when he is angry and Kame is definitely someone he wants to protect and keep safe.
Jin doesn't know yet that he is wrong when he thinks that Koki will be by Kame's side for long.
---
A few weeks later, on an usually cold day when the wind cuts through whatever layers of warm clothing Jin is wearing, Kame looks especially grumpy as he strolls in the direction of the school gate where Jin manages to catch him, surprised that Kame is so early that day.
“Kame-chan!” he waves happily then rubs his hands together to get some warm because the way Kame looks at him makes him feel even colder than he already is. “Good morning, you're early today.”
“Yeah, whatever. I just want to talk to Koki before the class starts,” he mumbles under his breath moodily then shivers.
“Are you cold? Let's go inside, Kame-chan. I don't want you to catch cold,” Jin continues babbling as he pulls Kame towards the building. “It's really cold today, don't you think so? Winter came early this year...”
Kame doesn't really seem to catch anything of what Jin is talking about, eyes immediately searching for his best friend as they step in. Anxiety is just radiating from him and that makes Jin frown.
“Is there something wrong, Kame-chan?”
Kame looks at him as if he sees Jin for the first time in his life. “Huh?”
Jin laughs and pushes his glasses a bit upwards, like every time when he is nervous. “You seem to be a bit out of it today. Is everything alright?”
Kame sighs and nods. “Oh yeah, yeah…just …I was hoping to find Koki. We didn't talk yesterday.”
This makes Jin's frown deepen because he knows that those two are indeed inseperable and there is just no way one day can pass without them talking to each other. “Did you two fight or something?”
Kame lets out a laughter which sounds rather creepy, Jin thinks. “Why would we fight? No, he just didn't answer my call yesterday,” Kame finishes, trying his best not to sound too worried.
Jin shrugs. “Well, then everything must be okay. It's early anyways.”
Kame nods absent-mindedly and doesn't even realize that he is talking to Jin inside the building and doesn't even care about who sees them and who doesn't. Jin, on the other hand, is very well aware of that little detail and is quite happy about it.
When the bell rings, Koki is still nowhere to be seen and Kame, now apparently upset, reluctantly lets himself be dragged into class room by Jin. The door almost immediately closes behind the scary-looking history teacher, Honda-san and Kame strolls to occupy his seat, cursing.
Next to him, the desk is still empty and from one row behind them, Jin keeps shooting him concerned glances.
“Good morning, class. Let's get started, shall we?” Honda-san exclaims, taking the attandance sheet in hand. “Akanishi.”
“Here.”
Kame doesn't really pay attention as he fishes out his mobile phone from his bag and hiding it under the table, types a quick message to Koki. Although it's not the first time Koki skips classes, but definitely the first that he's doing it without his best friend and Kame doesn't like that at all. He tries to fight off the gut-wrenching feeling that something must be wrong and sends the message, eyes wandering to the door.
“Kamenashi.”
“Here,” he replies without really paying attention.
“Nakamaru.”
“Here.”
“Nishikido.”
“Here.”
Kame's grip tighten on his phone as he keeps looking at it, trying to make it vibrate with his will.
“Taguchi.”
“Here.”
The teacher pauses a bit but doesn't look up. “Yamashita.”
There is another pause as all pairs of eyes snap to the teacher immediately before Yamapi hesitantly answers. “Here.”
Kame blinks in confusion and he is not the only one. After the uncomfortable silence, low murmurs start to fill the silence of the class room and a girl from the front row carefully raises his arm to catch the teacher's attention. “Sensei, you didn't read Tanaka's name.”
Kame expects Honda-san to slap his forehead and say something like “really? I haven't noticed” but that doesn't happen. Instead, the man just nods and roams his eyes over the students while Kame forgets to breathe. What the hell is going on?
“Yes, because Tanaka-kun is not a member of the class anymore.”
The class immediately explodes into surprised yells and demanding questions while Jin worriedly directs his gaze to Kame, who seems to be rooted in his spot, with eyes wide and face pale.
The teacher holds his hand up to make the students look at him and let him speak. “Tanaka's parents called this morning. His father's gotten a very decent job and they are immediately moving out of Tokyo. Tanaka's been transferred to another school. Now, let's start today's lesson. Taguchi, would you set up the map for me, please?”
Kame is looking at the teacher as if he thinks that the old man has completely lost it. Jin is quite sure that it's only a matter of seconds that Kame stands up and storms out of the class room. After a few minutes, he proves to be wrong as Kame keeps staring, motionless then slowly takes a hold of his pen and starts taking notes, eyes fixed on the teacher.
Jin is really, really worried now.
---
By the time the period ends, Kame is a nervous wreck. His legs are continously moving under the table, the pen in his hand is shaking. Jin finds it very hard to concentrate that day and he feels almost as relieved as Kame does when the bell finally signals the end of the period.
Kame dashes out like he's fleeing, his phone in a death grip in his hand, followed by several curious pairs of eyes and one certain Akanishi Jin in tow. He stands in a quiet corner in the corridor and presses his phone to his ear.
Jin wants to tap on the other's shoulder when apparently the line connects and Kame starts shouting into the phone in a nervous voice, oblivious to Jin's presence as he is standing with his back turned to him.
“Koki, what the hell is going on?”
Not wanting to invade the other's privacy, Jin silently turns around, because he is sure that Kame wants to be alone.
“Why didn't you say anything? What the fuck were you thinking?”
Jin takes another step slowly, realizing that as much as he wants to leave Kame in peace, worry and curiosity gets the best of him so he stops.
“You're sorry? You're sorry? What kind of friend are you? Just leaving… like that. I… don't get you.”
Jin's heart clenches hard as he hears the disappointment in Kame's voice. Kame is angry and hurt and utterly disappointed and Jin just can't force himself to walk away.
“Don't bother,” Kame growls into the phone behind his back and Jin hears as the phone shuts closed, followed by a very exasperated sigh from Kame's mouth. “Fuck.”
Jin spins around and feeling determined, walks to Kame and this time he taps on the other's shoulder, making him turn around. Kame looks so angry and sad that Jin temporarily loses the ability to speak.
“What?” Kame growls impatiently.
“Um… I thought you would need some company. Would you like to have lunch with me?” Jin asks, holding his lunch box up in the air.
Kame's eyes darken. “I don't care about lunch, Jin, just leave me alone.”
Jin can sense danger but doesn't want to let it stop him. “Kame-chan, I'm sorry for what happened, I just think you need to cheer up a bit.”
“Cheer up?” Kame echoes, his eyes throwing draggers at Jin. “Cheer up? You have no idea…”
Kame has apparently a hard time to put his angry thoughts into words and eventually gives up. “Leave me alone, Jin.”
“But-”
“I said leave me alone,” Kame hollers and knocks the beautifully-prepared lunch box out of Jin's hand, which lands on the dirty floor, ruined.
Silence envelops them as Jin stares at the remnants of the food on the floor, Kame's laboured panting is the only sound around them. Then Jin carefully looks up and sees something like guilt marking Kame's beautiful features.
“Kame,” someone calls from behind Jin's back and they both turn to the source of the voice, seeing their two class mates in a waiting position. “Kame, come with us to the rooftop.”
Jin turns back and sees Kame's face change at the same time he feels his own heart start to break. Of course, Kame wouldn't choose him over someone equally popular to him as Yamapi and Nishikido Ryo are.
The expression on Kame's face is similar to nervousness and hesitation as his gaze flicks to Jin then back to the two other boys.
Jin holds his breath but already knows Kame's choice. Just as expected, Kame slowly turns around and walks towards Yamapi and Ryo, leaving Jin to pick up the pieces of his ruined lunch and the even more shattered pieces of his broken heart.
---
Two weeks pass by with Kame barely talking to Jin at all. Christmas is fast approaching, the weather is cold and snow covers the street like a fluffy blanket. Jin never hated snow that much.
Kame hangs out with Yamapi and Ryo but doesn't really look happy, in Jin's opinion. There is something disturbing in the way Kame walks along the corridor with the two other guys babbling around him non-stop. Kame doesn't look like he is much into whatever conversation Yamapi and Ryo are having. He is rather dazed, his smooth features melt into a general blank expression, indifferent and unconcerned.
Jin sometimes contemplates the idea of grabbing Kame by the shoulder and shake him hard to wake him up from his dream-like state.
He misses the old Kame, even if Kame sometimes treated him badly, even if he was cold and rude, it was still better than being neglected and ignored. There is no more 'Jin, sharpen my pencil,' or 'thanks for lunch, Jin'. There is no more of those rare, kind moments because Kame doesn't talk to Jin anymore, doesn't accept the lunch box, what's more, he even refuses Jin when the other hands him his homework.
Jin feels himself falling deeper and deeper into desperation. Despite the feeling that Kame doesn't need him anymore, even if that meant doing his homework, Jin feels the unexplainable but very forceful urge to look after the other boy. Without Koki by his side, Kame looks restless and Jin can't help but wonder if he's still getting those harassing mails. Jin himself has never heard anyone talk about Kame but that doesn't mean anything. He wants to know that Kame's safe and somehow he doesn't feel certain that Kame's newly found, amazing friends, aka Yamapi and Ryo, would really give their best to protect Kame if he needs it.
Jin's suspicion turns out to be true when after a long day and an indoor soccer practice, he soaks himself in the shower of the abandoned dressing room of the school, though he doesn't really feels himself sweaty as during the whole practice he was more absorbed in watching Kame than the ball.
It's late in the afternoon, there is already dark outside and everyone is fast to leave school to have some fun in the snow that is covering thickly the whole city. Jin is quite sure he is already alone when low whispers reach his ears as he dresses up, already lacing his shoes. He doesn't need too much time to recognize the owner of the voices.
“I still can't believe he didn't realize it.”
“Oh come on, he is so stupid.”
“Did you see his face when he got the last message?”
“Let's send him one more, Ryo.”
“Okay, what to write?”
“Let's scare him a little bit. It's going to be so much fun.”
“Poor Kame-chan, he is so naive sometimes.”
Their laughter sounds disgusting to Jin's ears as he feels his stomach turn upside down. Barely aware of what he's doing, Jin steps forward, his insides burning with rage as his hands clench into fists.
He stops dead in his tracks though when he reaches the next row of lockers, right behind the benches where Yamapi and Ryo are talking and sees Kame, standing in silence, head hung low and in his hands a wet towel, in front of him his bag, half-packed.
Then Kame looks up and their gazes lock. Kame's cheeks flame up in shame, sadness filling his caramel brown eyes as he looks away.
“Let's tell Kame-chan how pathetic he is,” Yamapi giggles a few metres away and Jin feels like bursting from anger. His whole body tenses at the words and finally lets the emotions overtake him as he takes a step forward to punch those bastards in the face for playing such a dirty game on the one he treasures more than his own life when he feels a hand on his arm, preventing him from moving.
Kame doesn't look at him, keeping his head low, letting his jet black locks cover his eyes, but the grip on Jin's arm is strong and he merely shakes his head as Jin trembles from restrained anger under his touch. Jin could only curse to himself as he hears Yamapi and Ryo leave and silence falls on them.
He doesn't really know what to say or what to do as Kame lets his hand fall from his arm, still avoiding his gaze. He stays there, rooted in his spot and Kame disappears behind the lockers then walks out with Jin's bag and coat, handing them to him then lazily dresses up himself, throwing his own bag on his shoulder.
Jin is wondering what the meaning of this can be, but just does as Kame indicates, pulling his coat on himself, looking at the other boy, clueless. There is hint of a smile on Kame's face as he suddenly grabs Jin's hand and leads him out, making him stumble over the doorstep in shock but also feel heat crawling from his hands up to his heart, both filled with Kame's warmth.
---
Snow flakes dance around them as they walk side by side, none of them saying a word. Jin can't take his eyes off Kame as the lamps that are hanging above as early Christmas decoration envelop them in a golden glow, making Kame's face brighten up in an ethereal light.
It feels like a dream, walking like this with Kame, having absolutely no idea where they are going, not that Jin minds. He would rather be lost with the other and never find the way home. He is already lost anyway, Jin thinks.
The park they are crossing is quiet; they see nothing but white all over and Jin turns to Kame curiously when he sees the other stopping and turning, leaving the narrow road they were walking on. Kame dashes into the thick snow, wetting his boots as he marches forward. At a certain point, he throws his bag away and takes a few step further into the snow. Jin frowns and follows him.
There is a childish smile playing on Kame's lips as he turns back to Jin then suddenly lets himself fall on his back, sprawled over the snow covered grass. Jin reaches him when Kame starts moving his arms and legs, his smile widening.
“What are you doing?” Jin decides to ask after observing the unusual sight of Kamenashi Kazuya giggling and flattering in the snow.
Kame looks up, puzzled. “What? You don't know? What kind of child were you, Jin? It's an angel. A snow angel, look.”
Then Jin sees it. The shape forming under Kame's movements, a messy but recognizable form of an angel. Kame starts laughing again, childish excitement twinkling in his eyes as he keeps looking at Jin.
Jin is sure he has never seen anything more beautiful than that angel.
“Come on, make one,” Kame says between giggles, still sweeping the snow with his arms.
Jin slowly lowers his bag and lies next to Kame, hissing as snow crawls under his collar and starts to cool his skin. Then he starts moving his arms and legs, a smile unconsciously finding a way to his lips. Before he realizes, he is laughing with Kame, their voices melt into a delicious melody in the otherwise silent evening.
After a while, he stops and looks down to examine his own snow angel, finding the sight oddly warming. Then he lies back and turns to Kame, who looks at him still smiling, a bit out of breath. Jin's breath catches in his throat as he looks back. Kame's cheeks are flushed from the cold, his black hair sprawled on white, eyes shining with warmth and softness and Jin's heart starts pounding against his ribcage as if he had just ran a marathon.
“Why do you like me?” Kame asks suddenly.
Jin feels himself flush but can't force himself to look away from the beauty that is Kame. “I don't like you, Kame-chan. I love you,” he answers honestly.
Kame's smile fades a bit. “How do you know that?”
Jin gulps. “I-I just feel it, I guess.”
There is an undefinable expression on Kame's face, his look is talking more than a thousand words, making him look vulnerable and defenseless. Jin feels like a door's been opened in front of his eyes. A snow flake lands on Kame's eyelashes as his gaze remains unwavering, instantly but slowly melting until it runs down on the side of his face like a tear drop, leaving a wet path on his flushed skin.
“Will you leave me, too?” Kame whispers.
Jin can feel his heart being squeezed in a vise grip, his eyes widen at hearing such a question. He opens his mouth, wanting to protest when the spell breaks as Kame starts laughing nervously, turning his gaze to the dark sky, blinking. “I'm joking. Don't look at me like that. I was just joking,” he says and makes an attempt to get up when Jin's hand shots up, taking a grip on Kame's wrist, pulling him back down.
Kame looks surprised and tries to wriggle out of Jin's hold when Jin speaks up. “I won't.”
The grip on Kame's wrist tightens and Kame stills, staring at the sky above them and doesn't say anything. Then Jin's hand slides down, his fingers barely touching Kame's unmoving ones.
“I won't,” Jin repeats just to make sure Kame understands it and this time he feels a gentle squeeze of fingers on his own. He looks at Kame and sees how his lips curl into a tiny smile and Jin just stares.
The snow barrier between their snow angels is ruined by their attached hands and Jin wonders how he can feel so much warm, lying in the cold snow. But he knows the answer as he watches Kame close his eyes, snow flakes keep falling on him, covering his hair and eyes and immediately melting at the contact of his heated skin.
Jin's heart is still furiously thumping in his chest.
Snow angel, indeed.
.......
part 2
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a/n. Lyrics from White X-mas
My first high school AU, I hope you enjoyed it, my dears!
Comments are soooooooooo loved^^
Cora, thank you so much for your help:))))) ILU♥