Chapter Text
It was no secret that Shuichi had a crush on Kaito. A “secret” implies that it is known by no one, but the crush was pretty clear to at least one person, Maki. According to her, Shuichi’s feelings were “painfully obvious”, “with how much [he] blush[es] whenever that idiot’s around, and how happy [he] look[s] whenever he orders [him] around”, and that “the dumbass is really stupid for not realising it”. To which, Shuichi retorted that Maki’s crush on their friend was pretty obvious as well – Kaito was the only one who could call her “Maki Roll” without her shooting death glares at them, and her reaction whenever the boy patted her shoulder was much more intense than if another had touched her.
Both of them agreed they wouldn’t say a thing about their crushes on Kaito to him after that embarrassing conversation. Kaito would have to figure out the meaning behind his sidekicks' barely disguised reactions towards him himself.
That was months ago.
Either Kaito was really oblivious, or was purposefully ignoring it.
The three of them have been classmates for two years now, and have been close friends for almost as long. Hope’s Peak Academy wasn’t a large school, and practically all the students knew each other. Quite a number of them have gotten into relationships with one another, and gossip regarding their schoolmates’ love lives could be heard from all over campus, peaking as the dates of romantic holidays came closer. Perhaps the small cohort size made it more exciting? Shuichi wasn’t sure – it wasn’t comfortable discussing such topics about and with students he knew little of – but it was practically unavoidable these days. Even during their near daily "training”, he couldn’t avoid it. Kaito, for as much as Shuichi loved him, could be more than a little nosy sometimes, even unintentionally.
“So, Shuichi… Valentine’s Day’s coming up, right?”
Shuichi did not like that tone, nor that expression, on Kaito’s face. Though he tried to sound casual, the detective knew this was nothing but. With the lower-than-usual volume, the way his body tilted to shield them from their other friend, Shuichi could already tell what the other boy was going to talk about. Pink dusting his cheeks, he briefly considered his options, realised that Kaito was not going to give the topic up so easily with how eager he looked, and eventually decided to humour him.
“In a few weeks, yes.”
“So…” Smile widening slyly, though the effect was ruined by the sparkle in Kaito’s eyes. “Are you planning on asking anyone out?”
“N-No, I’m not.”
“But surely there’s someone you like!” As expected, Kaito grabbed his shoulders and leaned closer. Shuichi tried not to react too much. “I mean, there’s a lot of really cool and pretty girls here! Like, take Maki, for example!”
“I-” Glancing over Kaito’s shoulder, he scanned his other best friend’s face. Nope, she probably didn’t hear anything. Too busy watching the clouds go by. “W-Well, if you think she’s cool and pretty, why don’t you ask her out, then?”
“Huh? Me?” For a second, Kaito paused, as if he never even considered this possibility. (A voice that sounded suspiciously like Maki muttered in the back of his brain, dumbass.) But just as quickly, he recovered. “I guess I could, but we’re not talking about me, here! A hero’s gotta make sure his sidekicks are taken care of, first! And stop avoiding my question!”
Shuichi shifted uncomfortably, forced into this dilemma again. There had been times, when he was tempted to confess his feelings to Kaito, but ultimately backed out of it. Kaito had been raised primarily by his more old-fashioned grandparents, and he wasn’t sure how the boy would react to learning that Shuichi was bi, and liked him more than a friend. Kaito had been helping him with his anxiety for the past two years, encouraging him to be braver and more honest with his own wishes, but… He wasn’t brave enough to spill everything just yet.
Though, testing the waters a little wouldn’t hurt, right? And he had to say something, or they’d be stuck in this position for the rest of the day.
“Well… Okay, I… I guess I do like someone. B-but!” Shuichi quickly said, before Kaito could interrupt. “I don’t think I can tell them. I mean, I’m friends with them, and I’m afraid confessing would ruin what we have. Besides, even if I do tell them… I’m not sure what happens after. It’s not like I’ve ever d-dated someone before…”
“Huh? You haven’t?” Thankfully, Kaito didn’t press for more details. Instead, there was a look that came over his face, and Shuichi knew he was thinking deeply. Finally, his eyes light up again. “I got it! If inexperience is what’s holding you back, then we’d get you some experience! We can practice until you’re brave enough to tell them!”
Shuichi blanked.
“W… What do you mean, ‘practice’?” He can’t possibly mean-
“You know, go on practice dates!” Dates?! Like, w-with-
“Uh- um. With- with who?” Oh my god, is he- are we going to- Kaito-
“Well, with Maki, of course!”
Shuichi blanked again. What.
Apparently not noticing the dumbfounded state he left his sidekick in, Kaito turned around to bound towards Maki like an excited puppy. Maki, who was having a nice and quiet time lying on the ground and gazing at the sky, had her short and temporary peace shattered by the boisterous astronaut. Also apparently not noticing the slightly crazed look on his face and the absurdity of his next sentence, he gleefully and proudly announced, “You’re going on a date with Shuichi!”
Shuichi could only watch in pity as Maki appeared to go through all five stages of grief, sat up, and slowly turned towards him. There was a look in her eyes that clearly stated, what did you do.
“I’m so sorry,” Shuichi said solemnly.
You owe me a drink for entertaining this nonsense, was Maki’s silent reply. Then she slowly turned back to Kaito and stated, “Explain.”
“It’s part of Shuichi’s bravery training!” Oblivious to the two’s silent conversation and ignoring the deadpan stare the girl was giving him, Kaito began to ramble happily. “In order to improve his general social skills, I need to expose him to different social situations, including dates! And since you’re the closest girl friend we have, you’re perfect for the role! Besides, it’ll be an important and vital lesson in communication and a great opportunity for bonding, which is important-”
“Okay, okay, I got it! You’re not letting me refuse, are you?”
“Well, from my research, the first rule of dating is mutual consent, but I really hope you’d take this opportunity to-”
“I- I didn’t say I was going to refuse!” Groaning, Maki pinched the bridge of her nose, turned to stare intensely at Shuichi and mouthed, two drinks. Then, back to Kaito, “How long is this training regimen?”
“Valentine’s in two weeks, and to give Shuichi some time to ask the person he wants out… How about a week?”
“A week? Ugh… The things I’d do for you idiots.”
“Don’t worry, Maki,” Shuichi sighed, sealing his fate. “I’ll pay for our drinks.”
Days remaining: 13