Warnings: Language (it's Mondo, so ya know how he gets)

Kiyotaka didn't like rule-breakers.

He made sure that he was always on time (or preferably, early) to each and every event he attended, whether it was in or outside of school. He finished all of his work in an organized and studious manner. He even went out of his way to help those in need. And it was draining.

He loved being on top of everything, but he never was able to take a break. He was often told by his teachers that he "didn't know how to relax", but surely, they were all mistaken... right?

"Ishimaru-kun, would you mind staying after class for a moment?"

Kiyotaka felt his gut tighten uncomfortably. "Yes, of course, Suzuki-sensei..."

Class went by quickly, but as hungry as Kiyotaka was, he stayed behind as his teacher had requested.

"D-did I do something unfavorable, Ma'am?" Kiyotaka asked anxiously.

The brunette woman shook her head. "Not at all, Ishimaru-kun. You are, by far, the most well behaved young man I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. However, I've noticed that your classmates only seem to interact with you for group projects. I'm concerned about your social life, Ishimaru-kun."

Kiyotaka blinked in surprise. That was certainly not what he was expecting her to say. "I... do volunteer work..." he mumbled.

"Yes, but the volunteers aren't your age, are they?"

"N-not usually..."

"I'm just worried- I never see you spending time with people your age. As such a bright young man, I can't help but wish you had more friends. Luckily, I have a solution!"

Kiyotaka gulped. Please don't send me to detention. Please don't send me to detention. Please-

"There's a boy who sits in the back of the classroom- Mondo Owada. I'd like you to spend time with him."

"Owada-san... not to be disrespectful, but why?" Ishimaru asked warily, confused why his teacher wanted him to spend time with one of the school's most infamous delinquents.

"Well..." Mrs. Suzuki pursed her lips. "to be completely honest, the principal wishes to expel him for unruly behavior, but she settled on giving him one last chance. The teachers decided that you were the ideal person to help him, in this situation."

Kiyotaka glowed a bit from the praise; besides, he wouldn't go against a teachers orders, so he nodded and agreed before being dismissed for lunch.

(The next day...)

Kiyotaka was informed to meet Mondo Owada after school by the principal. They were to meet by the gate that signaled the end of the front courtyard.

He waited...

And waited...

And waited...

Was he even going to show up? School had ended nearly an hour ago.

Kiyotaka sighed, finishing the last of his homework before analytically tripe checking his answers. He wanted to make sure that he had done everything properly, after all.

Just as his fourth check was coming to a close, Mondo finally decided to show up.

As someone who took punctuality very seriously, Kiyotata was NOT pleased; but, his teachers requested that he try to get along with Mondo, so he gave him the benefit of the doubt.

But that wasn't all; the ruby eyed boy never expected that another male could be so indisputably attractive. Mondo was the perfect mix of beautiful and masculine, even with his corncob hair taken into consideration. Kiyotaka had a difficult time hiding his blush.

"Oi, you're Kiyotaka, right?" Owada asked gruffly.

Addressing me so informally; is he trying to be rude? Kiyotaka pursed his lips, extending his hand. "Yes, that is me! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Owada-san!"

Mondo shrugged, roughly grabbing his hand and shaking it way too hard. "Yeah, sure. I'm gonna call you Taka; it's easier to remember."

A nickname so early on? Kiyotaka couldn't help but feel that Mondo must like him at least a little to call him something so blatantly friendly.

"But don't get the wrong idea. It's just so that the teachers don't get on my case about calling you a twink or something." Mondo added, scoffing to emphasize his indifference.

Never mind. "Ah... yes, of course..." he tried not to sound as disappointed as he felt.

"So, what's the plan?" Owada asked gruffly.

"P-plan? Oh yes! The plan!" Why am I so flustered presently? Ishimaru wondered pensively. "I usually study around this time of day-"

Mondo literally burst out laughing. "Studying? Who even does that crap anymore?"

Ishimaru blushed out of embarrassment, feeling the urge to defend himself. "Studying is a key element to academic success!" he declared with a defiant huff.

"Like I give a sh*t." Mondo snorted. "How about we go to a bar? I know a great place down the street."

Kiyotaka's ruby eyes widened in horror. "For... soft drinks?" he asked hesitantly.

Mondo rolled his eyes. "Never mind. What about coffee, or is caffeine taboo for you too?"

The heat rose in the black haired boy's cheeks. "N-no! Caffeine is fine!"

Truth be told, Kiyotaka had never had coffee before because his parents didn't want him to be addicted to it, but they gave him more freedom as a teen because he had proven to be trustworthy. But either way, he didn't want to tell Mondo that in fear that the taller boy would mock him for it.

Owada nodded. "You gotta bike or car?"

"Er... no?" Kiyotaka answered confusedly.

"No? Do you live under a damn rock?" Mondo sighed heavily, arms crossed. "Whatever; you can ride with me."

"W-WHAT?!" Kiyotaka blushed heavily. "Isn't that... too close? A-and I have no helmet!"

"Helmet? You're a man! You don't need a helmet! (A/N: Bad Mondo! Safety first!) And don't get all flustered about riding with me! It's normal for bros to do!"

He considers me a bro? "W-well, in that case..." What am I doing?! Why am I want to befriend him so badly?!

Mondo grinned, tugging him over to his motorcycle. "This is my baby. She'll get us there in seconds flat."

He got onto the leather seat, looking at Ishimaru expectantly. "You coming?"

Kiyotaka slid behind the buff biker, slowly wrapping his arms around Mondo's waist.

His face was on fire. THIS POSITION FEELS SO INTIMATE! He mentally screamed.

Mondo, on the other hand, had no visible reaction. "Right, let's roll!" he revved the engine and sped off.

***

Ishimaru stumbled off the bike, hands on his knees. Owada had definitely broken the speed limit and cut off more than a few cars. But despite that, Kiyotaka was still alive.

In fact, Kiyotaka was laughing. He had never felt so alive. Riding with Mondo was exhilarating!

Mondo smirked slightly at the other male's reaction. "Glad you had fun, but that wasn't the main attraction."

"Oh! Of course! Then let us obtain our coffee!" he marched into the cafe.

***

"Y'know, for such a nerd... you're not that bad..."

Ishimaru blushed at the sudden compliment. "I quite enjoyed our time together as well." he admitted.

Mondo looked away, rubbing his neck bashfully.

Ishimaru tilted his head to the side in confusion. He looks... embarrassed?

"I was wondering... if you wanted..."

And his face is red?

"Could I have your number?" Mondo blurted.

Ishimaru blinked. "My... phone number?"

"Yeah... so we could talk and sh*t..." Mondo's blush deepened. "i-if you want, that is."

I've never given another person in my age range my phone's number before. "I quite like the idea! I would love to stay in contact!"

Mondo grinned, seemingly relieved. "Cool. Listen, I gotta go, but test me when you can!" the biker stood. "See ya at school, yeah?"

He doesn't mind being seen with me. "Y-yes! Definitely! Absolutely!"

Mondo chuckled. "See ya around, Taka."

Ishimaru waved as he left, looking back down at his new contact.

Mondo Owada 💜