Naughty and overprotective brat (1/2)
"You stole from me and now you want me to forgive you!"
Ranmaru-san looked away from Douman.
How could Acchan think that about him, after all this time together? But Ranmaru didn't have time to be offended.
"Just say it already, what have you done?" Douman didn't promise not to hit that thief.
Ranmaru sighed, looking at him in embarrassment and scratching the back of his neck.
"That you're an idiot," he interrupted.
Even so, that crow ignored the quick reply from his beloved friend of so many years.
At that moment, the wind pushed so hard against the glass frame that the window magically opened. Papers flew out in a jumble. Douman was stunned.
"Are you kidding me?" He looked at him coldly. "Stop making these kinds of jokes!" And with that, the crow was expelled from the academy.
Douman ignored the fact that his own heart had betrayed him by almost believing that foolish statement, which was clearly a joke by that idiot.
Stupid Douman for falling in love.
Tenmaru wore a terribly angry expression. Douman knew it, more from the cold glare he gave him. That boy wasn't trying to hide it.
As he was about to call out to him, Tenmaru almost threw his books onto the table. "You know the captain is like a father to me?"
He spun around, almost to break the floor. "And I have to find him a new candidate."
Douman hesitated; he quickly realized it was a bad idea to ask, but he did it anyway. "Are you looking for a wife for him?"
"You know Ranmaru-san would ruin all your efforts. There's no point in trying; no one will put up with his antics."
Tenmaru laughed. He let out a cute chuckle and pouted so endearingly that if that crow were there, he'd be proud. "Yes, I'll ask him. He'll definitely accept," he said dramatically. "Captain, I need a mother or father figure so we can be a happy family!"
Tenmaru winked. "The captain will definitely accept!"
"And what if he's not happy?"
"He will be! Do you think I'd choose a bad candidate?"
Tenmaru didn't give him time to reply; he stood on his tiptoes to face him and did his best.
"The captain deserves something great, not some idiot who rejects him!"
"So you heard about it. Hey, it's clearly a misunderstanding."
If he had unwittingly unleashed Tenmaru's fury, if he possessed Ranmaru's fire powers, he would ignite it, spit it out, and collide with him if he so desired.
"Don't say my captain's feelings are a misunderstanding!" He stepped back and pointed. "And don't even think I'll approve! You're unfit!"
Tenmaru thought the director was the right man. Ugh. Last week he had told the captain to confess, thinking Douman would accept, since he had known the captain for a long time and would listen to such precious feelings.
The captain had arrived laughing, greeting everyone as if nothing had happened.
"Captain, what happened?"
Ranmaru tilted his head, confused. "What happened???" The captain hadn't eaten that day, but he was forcing himself to laugh as if nothing was wrong.
The fury within Tenmaru resurfaced.
Douman swallowed hard. That brat was very dear to Suzaku; they were practically family. Would Suzaku ever find a partner? Not that Douman cared. Yes, he did care, because why should he give that person away to others? Suzaku belonged to him!
Suzaku's feelings for him were real. Now what was he going to do? That crow could act like nothing was wrong. The problem was... his beloved son.
Now he was practically bursting into flames, as if he were truly ready to prevent him from getting near Suzaku.
Tenmaru didn't answer; he didn't relax his muscles. He watched calmly as Douman walked toward him, avoiding eye contact.
"What would you do if someone never openly said they loved him?"
"What are you talking about? The captain always tells us he loves us." And many times, Tenmaru thought he was too affectionate.
"He doesn't show me anything, and when he says he loves me, it's like he's joking."
Yes, he is! Old people are so stupid and blind. Didn't the director think the captain was embarrassed and... too?
"Do you love the captain?" Tenmaru quickly cut off Douman's stupid attempt to explain further.
Douman felt himself blushing, but thanks to the mask he was wearing, it wouldn't be noticeable. "I love him!" He had to say that now so Tenmaru wouldn't find his captain another suitor.
Tenmaru got to the point: "But you don't show it either!"
Tenmaru smiled shamelessly; that drove Douman crazy.
He really does look like Suzaku, a worthy protégé.
"Can you help me fix this mess?!"
Tenmaru clicked his tongue. "Why would I do that?!"
Douman pulled some money from his desk while Tenmaru complained. "I told you I don't think it's appropriate—" He stopped; his gaze lingered on the money. He loved money, he needed money too, just like the captain. It was for the captain, not like he was selling the captain's feelings. Of course not.
The crow hummed, shaking its head. He'd been rejected. It hurt, but sorrows can be overcome, and one can drink with the culprit. He didn't go to Douman's house because Ten-chan kept him entertained. He was so cute.
Now he was sitting in the principal's office, summoned by Tenmaru's teachers. He glanced at Tenmaru, who was looking away. The principal, who had rejected him, hadn't even taken his confession seriously.
Acchan had kicked him out without even considering him.
"Has Ten-chan broken any rules?" The professional tone made both the student and the principal stiff. If there was one thing Suzaku hated, it was a lack of focus on his studies. Studies were important; the thief certainly appreciated his protégé doing well. He wasn't lenient when things weren't going well.
"Acchan, I'm sorry!" He ignored Douman, who was about to say something. "Ten-chan shouldn't have taken it out on you! Just because of the joke I made."
He heard Tenmaru say, "Don't tell her it was a joke!"
He silenced Tenmaru with a look; Tenmaru quickly bowed and left. He should let the adults sort out his problems.
Douman stood up and placed his hands on Ranmaru's chin, forcing him to look at him. Ranmaru felt the pressure.
"I love you! I like you a lot, Ranmaru-san."
Ranmaru's face flushed red, and he backed away. "Acchannn, what the heck?!" His words were tumbling out in embarrassment. Was Acchan getting revenge? Although it was sweet to hear from Douman, it hurt to know that those feelings weren't sincere.
"Acchan, stop it!" The crow's trembling hands gently silenced him.
Ranmaru's gaze was so warm it seemed to see right through his soul.
He even wanted to cry when he saw Douman; his feelings were obvious. How hadn't Douman noticed before?!
"He meant it, I like you!"
"Damn it!" He squeezed him tightly, holding back a scream. "Believe me." He shook his head. "Better not, it's better if I show you."
Douman removed his Noh mask; he had an arrogant smile and a determined look. "I'll make that brat consider me worthy too!"
"Don't call Ten-chan a brat."
