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Hinata wasn’t sure when it happened, amidst the work and exhaustion of having to manage an entire island, not to mention a whole slew of people who were still recovering from despair. And Mitarai, who was kind of an exception. He sighed, shaking the thoughts from his mind. He ripped a weed out from the raised bed, also pruning a few dead leaves while he was at it. He had stuffed his tie into his pocket and unbuttoned his shirt a few buttons to cope with the muggy island heat. It was still unbearable, of course, but The Ultimate Hope really shouldn’t complain over such small issues.
“Hinata-kun?” A soft voice spoke, accompanied with a soft robotic whirring. There he was. Hinata moved to more of a sitting position, hoping he wouldn’t mention Hinata being on his knees.
“Hey Komaeda.” Hinata wiped the sweat off his brow with his wrist, sighing tiredly. He looked up at Komaeda. Komaeda’s face was cast in shadow, giving Hinata a slightly wistful sense of nostalgia. He swallowed dryly and glanced away. Komaeda crouched down next to him.
“I brought Hinata-kun a cup of mango juice, made by Hanamura-kun and Tanaka-san!” Komaeda said brightly. Hinata couldn’t suppress a scoff as he took the cup. A voice in the back of his head prattled off facts about the glassware, how difficult it would be to break it, and how it would shatter depending on where pressure was put.
“Why was Tanaka-san helping?” Hinata asked, then realized something. “Oh, and, uh. Thanks. For the juice. Yeah.”
“Oh..! It’s no problem, really, Hinata-kun! I was going to come this way anyway!” Komaeda supplied quickly, to which Hinata raised his eyebrows. He could never figure out how to raise only one. He sipped the juice, the voice providing more information on what exactly all of the components are- the sugar content, the- Hinata grit his teeth, feeling a slight sense of overstimulation.
“No, really!” Komaeda held up a book he had in his other hand. Hinata glanced at it and nodded, partially to clear his head.
“...Why are you reading in Russian..?” Hinata asked, and he supposed he gave Komaeda a funny look, because Komaeda blushed in embarrassment.
“Well…Back at Hope’s Peak, I was trying to learn Russian. Not that you would know.” Hinata almost choked on his juice. He turned his head away to cough. Komaeda didn’t seem too concerned, moving to squat casually. “...Hinata-kun?”
“Fine-!” Hinata squeaked out, his voice cracking in an unnecessarily embarrassing way. Hinata cleared his throat, face reddening. Komaeda’s voice never cracked, he thought bitterly. He could feel Komaeda’s eyes on him, but as soon as he looked back at him, he was looking away in what Hinata guessed was mock disinterest.
“Anyway, I decided I would like to finally finish learning Russian! Ms. Sonia knows it.” Komaeda’s tone turned a little uncomfortably lustful, “How hopeful…Getting to learn Russian with an Ultimate…”
Hinata rolled his eyes, sipping his mango juice. Which was great, by the way, considering how cool it was. Komaeda had put ice cubes in it for some reason, but Hinata wouldn’t be surprised if Komaeda put ice cubes in his milk. Or, he would, actually, considering Komaeda seemed to be cold all the time. Even now, he was wearing that big green coat.
“Hinata-kun?” Komaeda poked his shoulder, and Hinata’s breath hitched, an involuntary sound coming out. “Eh?”
“You were zoning out…” Komaeda noted, standing up. Hinata watched in bewilderment as the lucky student clambered up a tree. His eyes caught on the man’s ass for a second, and his brain flooded him with thoughts and images he would rather not be thinking. He tore his eyes away, embarrassed despite the fact that Komaeda had no clue what he was thinking. He sighed, taking another swig of the mango juice, and proceeded to swallow an ice cube whole. He started coughing, mentally cursing Komaeda out for putting ice cubes in his drink in the first place. Who does that?!
Hinata sighed and stretched, finally finishing his farm work. He didn’t really need to stretch, considering everything they did to his body to make sure he could handle multiple Ultimate athlete talents. Stretching still felt nice, though. He sat down under the tree Komaeda was sitting in, angling himself so he could see him. It occurred to him that Komaeda’s legs were tiny. He was wearing skinny jeans. Hinata scoffed, still staring. Then Komaeda looked down at him.
“It’s generally considered rude to stare, Hinata-kun. Although, I don’t mind.” Komaeda smiled down at Hinata, and Hinata felt his heart rate increase. He felt heat rush to his face, Komaeda’s smile disarming him instantly. He opened his mouth to speak, but ended up just kind of gaping like a trout. He looked away, deciding that he had shouldered enough humiliation for the day. He grimaced, poking at the dirt.
“Is Hinata-kun playing in the dirt?” Komaeda spoke in a sickeningly saccharine tone from directly behind him, and Hinata gasped.
“What?! How? No!” Hinata barked back, moving his hand away from the dirt like it had burned him. Komaeda huffed a laugh, taking out his ponytail before putting it back up. Hinata stared longer than he would like to admit. “How th- How did you get down here so quietly?! I should’ve heard you!”
Komaeda grinned. “I got lucky, I suppose.”
Hinata wasn’t sure when it happened, but he was hopelessly in love with Komaeda Nagito.
“Nanami-san, can I hear some memories? About Hope’s Peak.” Hinata spoke into the old microphone he had modified. Nanami’s form flickered on the computer’s screen.
“Hinata-kun, I keep telling you that you can use my given…” Nanami complained quietly, her voice compressed through the old computer’s speakers.
“Pot, kettle, black. Can you please- look. I just want to know what things were like.” Hinata replied with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. He lightly scratched his nail on a small divot he had been carving into the plastic. He could estimate exactly how long it would take, but he wanted to test it anyway.
Nanami smiled lightly. “It’s a bit weird how you beat around the bush…If you just wanna hear about Komaeda, you can say so…” Hinata sat up at that.
“What?! No! I- The class as a whole! That’s what I meant!” Hinata squawked, voice going up half an octave. Nanami chuckled.
“Shut up. Just- Just shut up.” Hinata looked away, running an embarrassed hand through his hair. He leaned back again.
“Well, Hinata-kun, I suppose…hm,” Nanami hummed, “I could tell you about the time Nanami-san and the others fed ducks? Oh, but Owari-san ate most of the bread.”
Hinata scoffed, reminiscing. “Sounds about right. Ugh, remember that time she wolfed down a whole lasagna? I didn’t get to have any! My one chance to try Italian food…”
Nanami chuckled. Hinata sighed. A comfortable silence stretched between them. Almost instinctively, Hinata reached in his shirt pocket to thumb the hair clip he kept on him at all times.
“Do you think it would work out?” Hinata asked absentmindedly. Nanami perked up a bit.
“Oh, well…Komaeda-kun was always nice to you, remember?” Nanami supplied, yawning. Her avatar bundled up in a blanket, Hinata smiling fondly at the sight.
“On that recording he left. He said that he regretted being so harsh to me. That has to mean something. And all that talk of him caring despite me being a Reserve.” Hinata hummed, tapping his leg.
“Hinata-kun, I don’t think you need to worry.” Nanami replied, and Hinata crumpled in on himself a bit. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.” Hinata gave his usual reply. Nanami sighed with disappointment. “Hinata-kun…”
“This is stupid. I miss hugging you.” Hinata admitted, lips turning into a bit of a pout. Nanami’s sleepy eyes widened slightly.
“Me too.” She settled on. Hinata looked at the hair clip, running his finger along the side.
“I probably need to sleep.” Hinata said tiredly, dropping the hair pin into his pocket. “I feel raw as fuck. Hate it.”
“Well, good night, then, Hinata-kun.” Nanami smiled.
“...’Night, Chiaki-san.” Hinata replied quietly, scratching his cheek with a nervous smile. Nanami grinned and puffed out her cheeks, to which Hinata huffed a laugh, and she disappeared from his screen. Hinata hummed, shutting his laptop and unplugging the microphone. He walked the old piece of tech down to the small headquarters, knocking on the building. A very rumpled Togami answered.
“Speak.” Togami commanded, and Hinata couldn’t contain the scowl that erupted on his face. He held out the laptop for Togami to take.
“I’m done with it.” Hinata replied firmly, clenching his other fist. Togami raised an eyebrow and took it.
“And how is the Nanami AI functioning?” Togami asked pretentiously, practically turning up his nose.
“Lovely.” Hinata replied, turning to leave as soon as Togami took the laptop. Togami didn’t stop him, as per usual. As Hinata took the decently short walk back to his cottage, his mind drifted to Komaeda. Komaeda was always pretty kind, even if he did have a tendency to insult people. It wasn’t intentional most of the time, of course. Hinata slipped back into his cottage, sleeping soundly and waking up right on time.
He always grumbled when he got out of bed. He murmured a “Thanks, Kamakura,” and moved to sit up. That didn’t pan out, considering he bashed his forehead against Komaeda’s. Komaeda put a hand to his forehead, hissing. Hinata rubbed his own, letting out a quiet string of expletives.
“What are you doing in here?” Hinata asked, wincing at how monotone and frankly husky his voice was. Great, starting the embarrassment counter early today.
“Ah, well.” Komaeda replied after a second. “I had to ask Hinata-kun if he could help me wi-”
“You were watching me sleep, weren’t you.” Hinata interrupted, clearing his throat. Komaeda shut up at that, looking at his hand with a slight blush. Hinata leaned a bit to see what was so interesting about Komaeda’s hand, but there was literally nothing there. Just his hand.
“Whatever.” Hinata sighed, tugging his rolled up t-shirt down. He didn’t bother questioning what he did in his sleep to warrant his t-shirt doing that. He knew, of course, that Komaeda wouldn’t dare to touch him while he was asleep- he was hardly willing to touch him when awake. His brain, of course, gave him a ton of possibilities on how his shirt could’ve rolled up. Hinata slumped a bit.
“No, but seriously, why are you in here.” Hinata looked back at Komaeda. Komaeda looked up at him.
“Well, I wanted to know if I could borrow a pair of Hinata-kun’s boxers…” Komaeda said, nibbling on one of his nail beds. Hinata sighed, mentally adding something to prevent nail biting to his “To Make” list.
“Wait.” Hinata finally processed the words, feeling heat rush up to his face. “W-Why?”
“Well,” Komaeda started, sitting on the bed and directly on Hinata’s lap, and oh god that heat is rushing elsewhere, “I was bringing my laundry back and fell in mud, dirtying all of my clean laundry. What terrible luck, right?”
Hinata nodded, doing his best to stay focused while Komaeda chuckled and shrugged. “But if you let me borrow a pair, then the good luck will balance it out..! How hopeful. I also have no clean clothes, and happen to be commando.”
“Uh huh. Uh, yeah, you can borrow a pair.” Hinata replied, willing to do anything at this point to get Komaeda off his lap. He just ignored the implications of what Komaeda had said. He didn’t want to think about Komaeda’s junk raw in his pants. Komaeda stood up, walking over to Hinata’s drawers and rifling through. Hinata could swear he could see Komaeda’s pupils swirling. He was a bit worried Komada would drool on his clothes, but Oh, no, don’t think about that, Hajime, get yourself together, if push came to shove, he could just wash his clothes. Komaeda eventually got a pair of boxers and scuttled out with his usual string of apologies and self-deprecation, thankfully shutting the door. Hinata sighed, slumping. A part of him knew he wouldn’t get anywhere in this state. At least he had to change his boxers anyway, he supposed.
Hinata stepped outside, feeling a little gross after his previous activity. He clenched his fist, his other hand making sure his tie was on right. He shut his door and started walking in an attempt to forget his disgusting actions.
“Hey, Haji!” A particular beanie wearing man shouted, leading Hinata to flinch.
“Sou- uh, Kazu..!” Hinata quickly corrected himself before Souda noticed. Which, by looking at him, he likely didn’t.
“So, like.” Souda started fiddling with his beanie. “I totally saw Ko leaving your room, and-“
“Ko?” Hinata interrupted. “Oh, Komaeda. Got it.”
Souda looked at him, unamused. “Anyway, he was totally being weird! Like, doing that wheeze-giggle thing he did?”
“Hm.” Hinata hummed a response. “He’s fine. He had to, uh. Borrow a pair of underwear.”
“What?! And you let him?!” Souda tugged his beanie down.
“Yeah..?”
“Dude! That’s weird! That’s, like, boyfriend girlfriend shit!” Souda replied nervously. Hinata raised an eyebrow.
“It’s not that big of a deal. And, uh. Shut up.” Hinata smiled nervously, scratching his cheek. “He just needed a pair because all of his others fell in the mud.”
Souda grumbled. “It’s your funeral, man. But he’s being so weird!”
Hinata groaned, and kept walking. “Uh huh. Yeah. You do know he’s just like that sometimes, right? You being so after Sonia can be considered weird.”
“Haji, that’s different! That was true love!” Souda practically swooned. Hinata shut his mouth and just walked away. Souda shouted a “Bye! Enjoy your creepy boyfriend!” and Hinata flinched.
“Komaeda.” Hinata stepped into the library, still missing the NWP’s big, grand, and not soggy library a bit. This one was a small shack with a decent amount of books shoved onto shelves. He always planned to make a big fancy one, but due to the lack of materials, it never panned out. Komaeda was sitting at a table, reading that same Russian book.
“Hello there, Hinata-kun.” Komaeda smiled as Hinata plonked down next to him. Hinata ran a hand through his hair. “...Stressed?”
“...Yeah.” Hinata admitted.
Komaeda smirked, tilting his head up. “I know a way to help you relax, Hinata-kun…”
“Komaeda, I don’t want to read Russian with you.” Hinata replied instantly. Komaeda’s smirk faltered, making a confused face that Hinata seemingly didn’t notice.
“Hinata-kun…” Komaeda said quietly, looking away with a sigh.
“Yeah.” Hinata replied absentmindedly, looking at one of the lightbulbs. It was going to be flickering soon.
“Ah, um, thank you…for the boxers…Hinata-kun…” Komaeda spoke, looking down at his book. Hinata hummed a response.
“Are they, uh, comfortable, at least..?” Hinata replied, scratching his cheek.
“Very.” Komaeda replied in what was almost a sultry tone. Hinata jolted.
“Ah, what’s wrong, Hinata-kun..? Can you not handle someone like me changing their tone..?” Komaeda smirked, leaning a bit closer to Hinata. Hinata felt his body heat up.
“I, uh, wasn’t expecting it, okay?” Hinata replied nervously, leaning away. Komaeda’s metallic fingers tapped against the book, his prosthetic whirring. Hinata felt a shiver go through him. “I need to go, uh, fix Mioda-san’s guitar. She broke it again.”
“Oh…?” Komaeda replied in that teasing, tempting voice. Hinata scowled, nodding and standing up. Hinata quickly moved to the door, hearing Komaeda’s arm whirr as he waved.
“Bye…Hinata-kun.” Hinata squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to leave for his own sake. As soon as he got outside, he sprinted off. He wasn’t sure where to go, just walking until he shoulder checked Kuzuryuu, who, after several expletives directed at Hinata, was luckily willing to talk. Hinata needed to check in on him anyway.
“Really? Him?!” Kuzuryuu cackled, Hinata flushing out of embarrassment.
“Shut up, okay?! I- It’s not my fault!” Hinata replied, crossing his arms.
Kuzuryuu scoffed. “Yeah, sure, Hinata, we all fucking know! You make goo-goo eyes at him constantly!”
“I what.” Hinata froze.
“Yeah, dumbass! You’re fucking staring constantly!”
“Wh-! No! I do not make “goo-goo” eyes!”
“He makes goo-goo eyes too! Shit’s not mutually exclusive!” Kuzuryuu elbowed Hinata. Hinata groaned.
“Fuck you. F- Go away.” Hinata replied.
“You came into my cottage, bastard!” Kuzuryuu shouted back. “For a fuckin’ wellness check! Who does that?! Just say you wanna hang out!”
“I do checks on everyone!” Hinata blushed, raising his voice.
“I- wait, even Teruteru?” Kuzuryuu paused. Hinata nodded, and Kuzuryuu grimaced. “Shit man, you- you fuckin’ good?”
“I’m fine. He’s not actually that creepy. He cut it out, you know? Only does it to relieve the tension. Well, back then.” Hinata shrugged, eventually grimacing. “He also might be a bit intimidated by me.”
Kuzuryuu hummed, adjusting his eyepatch. He gave Hinata a slightly weird look.
“How, uh, is it..?” Hinata asked, to which Kuzuryuu flipped up the patch. Hinata looked at his eye- well, the hole where it should be, closely. It looked healthy, all things considered. “Doesn’t hurt?”
“Nah.” Kuzuryuu fixed his eyepatch. The rest of the night went easy, Hinata going back to his own cottage after another hour or so. Kuzuryuu did bully him relentlessly, but Hinata did kind of have it coming by falling for who was arguably the most insane person on the island. Hinata yawned as he walked back. His door was unlocked. That was weird. He opened it.
“...Hinata-kun?” Hinata jolted, eyes shooting over to his bed. Komaeda was lying on his bed, stretched out a bit like a cat, his collarbones exposed due to his loose t-shirt. Hinata prayed that Komaeda had something else on, considering he was partially covered by a weighted blanket.
“Wh-What are you doing here?!” Hinata stared at him, gaze getting caught on Komaeda’s hair falling over his shoulders. Hinata’s eyes traced Komaeda’s hair where it intersected his collarbone.
“Ah, well I was hoping we could have…a bit of a sleepover…I brought my pillow, blanket…and snacks.” Komaeda replied, looking at Hinata in a borderline uncomfortably suggestive way.
“C- Do I have a choice in this..?” Hinata replied nervously. “I don’t exactly want you in here, Komaeda.”
“My luck will let me stay, Hinata-kun.” Komaeda replied confidently. Hinata sighed. Komaeda probably needed this, if he was so insistent. He knew Hinata actually wanted to spend time with him as well, despite his bellyaching. Komaeda was weird like that. He’d go from being terrified and shy to acting like he owned the place within a few minutes. Hinata couldn’t help but wonder where he got the confidence from. Even despite him outright telling Komaeda he didn’t want him in here, Komaeda still encroached.
Hinata wondered if Komaeda was having nightmares again, and that’s why he was acting like this. In the past, they had to monitor him in case he woke up unstable from a nightmare. They were careful now, no sharps in Komaeda’s room, no rope (not like he would willingly go out that way, but better safe than sorry,) and communicating over and over that he could go to anyone to talk about his nightmares.
“Can you at least take the couch?” Hinata dug through his drawers, grabbing a shirt. He didn’t let Komaeda answer- He knew he was terrible for it, but he hoped Komaeda was insecure enough to just take the couch. Hinata stepped into the bathroom, quickly taking off his pants and immediately regretting not grabbing a pair of pajama pants. He slipped his pants back on and stepped out to snatch a pair of pajama pants.
“Hinata-kun, would you dare letting lowly scum like me in your bed? I understand if I’m too disgusting to allow…” Komaeda looked down at his hand again. There was nothing even in there! Hinata groaned, tossing his dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
“Are you doing this on purpose? Why do you want to sleep in my bed so bad?” Hinata replied with a scowl.
“Well, I’ve been having nightmares recently…I was thinking what better remedy than to stay with…The Ultimate Hope?” Komaeda seemingly hesitated to call Hinata that, then proceeded to laugh. Hinata sighed, regretting his promise to everyone that his door was open if they were having issues. He was still shocked that Komaeda was behaving like this. He must be pretty close to breaking down from the nightmares for him to borderline beg like this….
“Does it have to be my bed.” Hinata settled on speaking, the words trying to stick in his throat.
“Ah, well…” Komaeda stood up, and Hinata winced in anticipation of seeing Komaeda’s dick, but luckily he was wearing shorts. Komaeda lied on the couch, actually, planked would be more accurate, considering he was way too tall for what was considered a loveseat. He got up with a tiny groan. “I don’t exactly fit well, Hinata-kun.”
“Great. I’ll take the couch, I guess.” Hinata replied. Komaeda opened his mouth to say something, but shut it as Hinata grabbed his pillow and a blanket. Hinata tossed his stuff on the couch and lay down. “You ready to go to sleep?”
“Um, sure…Hinata-kun.” Komaeda replied, voice bewildered as he got into bed. Hinata paused, rolled his eyes, and got up to turn out the light. He settled in on the couch and shut his eyes, listening to the quiet sound of Komaeda’s breathing. It was oddly calming, hearing something other than his own thoughts. The monotone voice in the back of his head told him that Komaeda probably wasn’t getting enough oxygen, but Hinata knew Komaeda was trying to breathe quietly for whatever reason.
“...Hinata-kun?” Komaeda’s quiet voice jolted Hinata. Hinata hummed in response, which Komaeda took as a sign to continue. There was a small clicking noise, then the sound of Komaeda’s prosthetic being set on the nightstand. “...Do you think we did it?”
“Did what?” Hinata replied quietly.
“Overcome despair.”
“I think we’re still working towards it. But, for the most part, and personally, yes.” Hinata replied after a few beats of silence. Komaeda hummed, laughing softly. Hinata could feel his heart jump in his chest.
“I was a good stepping stone, then?”
“I guess, yeah. If it wasn’t for you, we probably wouldn’t have gotten out. Not- Not just, uh, in the whole sacrifice thing.” Hinata paused, trying to not fumble his words. “I mean, you were always pretty far ahead. In the trials, too.”
Hinata chuckled nervously, feeling his face heat up. “I really did need your help sometimes.”
“You did sound smart at points, Hinata-kun. Even if you had to stand there with your eyes closed on occasion.” Hinata could hear the smile in Komaeda’s voice, prompting a small smile to tug on Hinata’s lips.
“Thanks. Goodnight, Komaeda.”
“Goodnight, Hinata-kun.”
Hinata woke up and surprisingly, his bed was empty. He guessed that Komaeda had left earlier. The thought made him a bit sad, which he immediately felt stupid for. He sat up with a sigh, scratching the back of his head. Getting dressed quickly, he made the mental note to do his laundry. He could do that later- He wanted to go see Komaeda. He tugged on his socks and shoes before stepping out, getting to breakfast and talking to his friends. Tediously enough, he couldn’t track down Komaeda. He eventually decided to just walk and let his luck take care of the rest.
As he walked, Hinata’s thoughts drifted to Komaeda, his hair, his collarbone…Hinata grimaced, trying to not add Komaeda’s ass to the list of things he liked. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He could imagine how soft but boney Komaeda’s hands were, or how his carefree smile made Hinata’s walls fall instantly, the way any compliment from him made Hinata struggle to stay calm…Hinata shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind.
Hinata checked the library, Komaeda’s cottage, and a few other miscellaneous places that he had seen Komaeda visit. He silently hoped Komaeda wasn’t where he thought he was.
Despite Hinata’s luck not rising and crashing like Komaeda’s, he felt like it was working against him. Taking off his shoes and balling his socks before shoving them in his shoes, he stepped into the sand. He took his seat next to Komaeda. They sat in silence, neither of them knowing how to start this conversation.
“So.” Hinata started, cringing at how monotone his voice sounded. He cleared his throat, “How did you sleep..?”
“Fine.” Komaeda replied, picking at a sticker on his prosthetic. Hinata furrowed his brows. He had told Komaeda to not paint or put stickers on his prosthetic, and Komaeda had stuck to that. The most likely culprit was Mioda.
“Hinata-kun talks in his sleep.” A small smile tugged at Komaeda’s lips. Hinata felt his face redden.
“...What did I say..?” Hinata didn’t want to ask.
“It sounded like a conversation, and I have terrible hearing…Ah, but you did say something about me…”
“Oh.” Hinata replied, eyes widening.
“Were you dreaming about me, Hinata-kun?” Komaeda smiled slyly, leaning in. Hinata huffed a laugh, a nervous smile making its way on his face.
“Uh, well. N- maybe.” Hinata replied, and Komaeda’s face tightened as he tried to analyze Hinata. Hinata stiffened. “I don’t really remember my dreams.”
“Your lips tremble when they lie.” Komaeda noted, and Hinata immediately reached to touch his lips. Komaeda smirked. “Hinata-kun, it’s rude to lie.”
“I- I’m not going to tell you about my dreams..! But, uh, a good amount of them are conversation-based.” Hinata admitted, technically not lying. He knew Komaeda was testing him, but he was still a bit nervous about having a potential tell.
“Hm. With whom?” Komaeda replied.
“Varies.” Hinata said, voice coming out uncomfortably monotone. He cleared his throat.
Komaeda hummed, shivering at the wind blowing through. Hinata’s tie blew, somehow smacking him in the face. Komaeda smiled as Hinata took it off his face, and after a moment, shoved the tail into his shirt pocket. “Shut up.”
“I didn’t speak, Hinata-kun.”
“Don’t care.”
Hinata sighed, shutting his eyes as he sat. He could feel Komaeda’s eyes on him, which served to make Hinata really nervous. His mind drifted to how romantic it would be to- Woah, woah, shut up! Hinata coughed into his elbow awkwardly.
Hinata looked at Komaeda, frozen by the sight of Komaeda’s strong jaw, exposed due to the wind blowing his hair away briefly. Hinata couldn’t stop his brain running with the thought of peppering the skin with kisses and bites. His eyes drifted to Komaeda’s lips. They were clearly chapped. Hinata opened his mouth to say something, but then realized that mentioning it would make Komaeda aware that Hinata was staring at his lips. Hinata felt a little bad for staring, hoping that Komaeda’s luck would prevent him from noticing.
“Hey, Komaeda?” Hinata spoke eventually, and immediately regretted speaking as soon as Komaeda turned his head to look at him. Hinata swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. He looked away.
“Um. I…” Come on, Hajime, think! “Have you ever dated anyone?” Fuck!
“No, Hinata-kun. Someone like me isn’t worthy of someone else’s affection.” Komaeda smiled, almost wistfully. Hinata pressed his lips into a thin line.
“I think you are.” Hinata tried to sound casual and ignore his heart rate spiking, not to mention how sweaty he was all of a sudden.
“Huh?” Komaeda challenged, looking a bit irritated.
“You heard me.”
Hinata couldn’t stop the smile that spread on his face as Komaeda’s face reddened. He tried to stay stone faced despite it. “I’m serious, Komaeda. You’re really smart, I know a lot of people prefer taller men, you’re overall really ha-”
“Hinata-kun..!” Komaeda laughed nervously, interrupting. Hinata sighed in relief at the interruption, knowing his feelings would be way harder to hide if he had been allowed to continue. Part of him didn’t want his feelings to be a secret, his mind shoving away the thought of pinning Komaeda to the sand.
“Anyway. I think you deserve it.” Hinata finally said. Komaeda was tugging on his hair a little, to which Hinata lightly grabbed his wrist. Komaeda looked at him, expression unbelievably melancholy.
“Careful with your hair, okay?”
Silence. Then, “Of course, Hinata-kun.”
Hinata looked back at Komaeda, really wanting to kiss that look off his face. He looked away. “I need to go.”
“Why?” Komaeda responded, voice quiet and weak. Hinata felt like an asshole.
“I need to help Teruteru sort the food.” Hinata replied quietly.
“Why don’t you make someone else do it? Like Ms. Sonia, or Kuzuryuu-kun?” Komaeda responded almost desperately.
“It’s too short of notice.” Hinata sighed, standing up. Komaeda looked up at him, placing a perfectly constructed polite smile on his face.
“Good luck, then, Hinata-kun.”
Hinata left as quickly as he could. He felt disgusting, his mind berating him with insults. How dare you talk to him like that? If he knew what you do to the thought of him, he’d hate you. And he’d be right, because you’re a disgusting degenerate.
Hinata sighed. He might as well go help Teruteru so he had an alibi. Even if Teruteru hardly ever needed help.
“Hinata! Run faster! You gotta feel it!” Nidai bellowed. Hinata groaned, begrudgingly speeding up his pace.
“This! Is as fast! As I can! Go!” Hinata tried to shout back between heavy breaths, voice cracking.
“Push yourself! We have crunches after this!”
Hinata got to the stopping point and finally slowed down, grateful that he had to wait for the others running as well. He accepted a water bottle from Owari, chugging it gladly. He tugged at his damp shirt, trying to air it out. It stuck to him uncomfortably.
“Cuh- Crunches and then stretching?” Hinata asked Nidai, who nodded then moved to go harass the other runners. Hinata saw Sonia getting closer to the goal, as well as Kuzuryuu and Peko, who were maybe racing each other? It didn’t seem to be too competitive. Hinata had no clue where Souda was, who had only joined because Sonia mentioned wanting to. Hinata sat on the ground with a soft groan. Komaeda sat a few feet away from him.
“Working hard, Hinata-kun?” Komaeda asked with that polite smile. Hinata sighed tiredly.
“I guess, yeah.” Hinata sipped more water. He wiped the sweat from his brow, Komaeda’s smile looking a bit strained and disgusted.
“Uh, Hinata-kun, it’s a little-” Komaeda started.
“Souda Kazuichi! Where are you?!” Nidai boomed, jolting Komaeda. Hinata turned his head, witnessing what looked to be the most miserable man on planet earth. Souda tugged his beanie down, practically stumbling to the goal while Nidai jogged next to him. He got to the goal, Owari, Kuzuryuu, Pekoyama, Hinata, and Komaeda clapping politely.
“That was the worst….” Souda whined, collapsing to the ground. “Nidai, lemme rest..! Please…!”
Nidai looked down at him. Hinata spoke up, “Let him rest, he’s not used to this.”
“See?! Haji agrees with me!” Souda pointed at Hinata desperately. Nidai looked at Hinata.
“We aren’t supposed to overwork ourselves, remember?” Hinata added, and Nidai nodded, considering it.
“Souda, you are excused. Hit the showers!” Nidai said confidently, Souda letting out a loud sigh of relief. He got up shakily with Hinata’s help. Sonia smiled lightly, looking on with a bit of pity. Souda didn’t seem to notice.
“Thanks, Haji..!” Souda grinned tiredly and gave Hinata a thumbs up. Hinata smiled lightly and waved him off.
“Crunches, everyone! In position!” Nidai announced, Hinata groaning quietly upon realizing that his training partner had just dipped. Nidai helped him, luckily. Considering how tired Souda was, it would likely be terrible to have him hold down Hinata’s shoes.
“How many?” Hinata asked.
“Twenty five, everyone!” Kuzuryuu sighed in response to Nidai’s shout. Hinata exhaled and started. He stayed focused. For about two seconds, until Komaeda sat down next to him and watched. Hinata was glad his face was already red from exercise.
“Hinata-kun…” Komaeda murmured, face reddening slightly. Hinata rolled his eyes. He wouldn’t be surprised if Komaeda started drooling or something. He felt a hand on his abdomen, and he froze instantly. Komaeda moved his hand away instantly, disgusted by the sweat. He stood up and walked off. What just happened?! Hinata looked at Nidai, who had looked away to make sure the other’s forms were good.
“Come on, Hinata, don’t slack!” Kuzuryuu shouted. Hinata smiled nervously.
“R-Right.” He replied nervously and got back to doing his crunches. He felt a bit self-conscious about how sweaty he was at this point, but because Nidai made him work harder than the others- something about a capable leader needing to be able to run a kilometer in less than two minutes?- he always ended up…worse off.
“That’s twenty five!” Hinata sighed in relief, flopping down. Nidai let go of Hinata’s shoes. Komaeda finally returned with damp hair and a different outfit. Hinata raised an eyebrow. Did Komaeda take a shower because of me? He shook his head, hoping that wasn’t the case.
“Komaeda-kun! Are you here to exercise?!” Nidai pointed at him.
“Ah, um, no. My apologies, Nidai-kun…” Komaeda replied. Hinata gave him a small wave, and Komaeda walked over and looked down.
“Move your head to the left?” Hinata croaked, eyes squinting. Komaeda tilted his head to the left, blocking the sun from Hinata’s eyes. “Thanks.”
“...Is it normal for Hinata-kun to sweat this much…?” Komaeda asked, and Hinata pressed his lips into a thin line.
“Uh, well-”
“The amount of sweat you’re producing…How would it bring hope..?” Komaeda interrupted.
“I- sh- I have a condition..!” Hinata replied, glaring at Komaeda, who chuckled.
“Ah, such a scary face, Hinata-kun!” Komaeda smiled, holding up his hands where Hinata could see them. “I mean no harm, of course.”
Hinata sighed. He moved his sweaty bangs off his forehead, noticing the minute way Komaeda’s eyes widened when he saw the deep scar across Hinata’s forehead. Shit. Hinata messily moved his bangs back over his forehead in an attempt to cover his scar.
“So….Are you just going to stand there?” Hinata narrowed his eyes as he started stretching as a cool-down. Komaeda poked his nose.
“Hinata-kun needs a shower…It’s unbecoming of The Ultimate Hope to be so…drenched…” Komaeda spoke. Hinata groaned, looking away as he did a shoulder stretch.
“Whatever, whatever, I’m going.” He sat up and stretched. Komaeda seemed relieved as he followed Hinata to his cottage. They got to the door. “Uh. Bye.”
Hinata shut the door, kicking off his shoes and heading to the bathroom. He undressed quickly and tossed his clothes in the laundry bin, enjoying his cool shower.
Komaeda sat inside his own cottage, pacing while fiddling with his prosthetic. He hummed, deciding to go for a walk. He stepped outside, tugging his jacket over himself more. He looked at the sleeve, mentally cursing himself for not knowing how to sew. He considered asking Hinata, but given the way Hinata seemed to be really uninterested, he probably wouldn’t jump at the opportunity. He’d likely fix Nanami-san’s sleeve, Komaeda couldn’t help but think bitterly. He shook his head, clearing the thought. Nanami-san didn’t deserve any badwill, considering she was the only non-remnant.
“Hey, Komaeda-kun..!” Someone spoke, and Komaeda jolted at the realization that he walked all the way to the dining hall. He looked at Koizumi and Sayonji.
“Mahiru, don’t talk to the creep…!” Sayonji whined. Koizumi smiled at her.
“It’s fine, Hiyoko.” Koizumi walked up to Komaeda.
“Hello, Koizumi-san.” Komaeda looked away. He never had a particularly good relationship with Koizumi, considering one of the only times they directly interacted included him asking her to get him a different breakfast (And her likely being creeped out).
“So, Komaeda-kun.” Koizumi put on an air of confidence. Komaeda looked down at her. “I have some photos I need to give you, I took them because you and Hinata-kun are interesting subjects, not because I’m a creep or anything!”
“Photos…?” Komaeda repeated quietly, as Koizumi held out a small stack of photos. Komaeda took them gingerly. The one on the top was of Hinata and Komaeda shortly after Komaeda woke up. It was them looking at the sunset, Hinata on the ground and Komaeda in a wheelchair. Komaeda smiled at the memory. “This is lovely, Koizumi-san…”
He flipped to the next one. It featured Souda, Kuzuryuu, Hinata, and a very scraggly Komaeda smiling at dinner. The next was one of Hinata gazing at Komaeda, who was smiling at the camera while holding a large conch shell. Komaeda didn’t know Hinata was looking at him, but felt his face heat up as he looked at Hinata’s eyes. Why would Hinata bother looking at someone like him instead of the camera? He flipped to the next, seeing a picture of himself gazing at Hinata from across the breakfast table. The main person in the photo was Mioda, who was doing what seemed to be a selfie with the camera. Just the top of Hinata’s head and the ahoge were visible.
“Honestly, you need to stop making such goo-goo eyes at your boyfriend. It’s creepy!” Sayonji commented, and Komaeda froze.
“Ah, well, Hinata-kun isn’t my boyfriend…Just very aesthetically pleasing.” Komaeda feigned nonchalance. He flipped to the next picture, which was a photo of a very worn out Hinata carrying Komaeda in something like a fireman’s carry. He was giving the camera a weary smile and thumbs up. Komaeda’s heel and ankle were bandaged, and, oh, Komaeda remembered this one. He had slipped and cut his foot on a rock. Hinata was carrying him back to his cottage in this one. Komaeda smiled. The next photo was one of Hinata trying to learn how to dance traditionally like Sayonji. He remembered that Hinata had the movements down, but had been struggling to portray emotion. Komaeda looked at the photo a bit closer, noting Hinata’s slightly hiked up shirt. He was in a t-shirt and shorts, the shirt actually loose on him. Komaeda was in the background, clearly staring at Hinata’s ass. Komaeda swallowed dryly. He wanted to keep staring, but he felt like Koizumi was waiting for him to keep looking.
He flipped to the next. It was a picture of Komaeda getting his hair cut by Hinata. Hinata was focusing intently, his bottom lip out in a slight pout. After this photo was taken, Komaeda recalled falling out of the chair. His hair ended up shorter than Hinata intended it to be. It still looked okay, despite his hair looking similar to (but shorter) how he had it during his time at Hope’s Peak. The next photo was one of “Girl’s Night”, which was when all of the girls occasionally met up and hung out. They did each other’s nails, hair, typically clay masks were hinvolved as well. Komaeda imagined they would watch a movie if they had access to them. They invited Komaeda in an attempt to make him feel less isolated, not to mention the fact that they didn’t exactly need to worry about him being a creep to them. He hadn’t minded being the, what was it called? The diversity hire? He didn’t mind being that to the group of women, considering his other option was sitting at home by himself.
The photo was of Komaeda smiling at Hinata, who was at the door. Hinata’s face was red in the image, with a small look of surprise. Komaeda had a headband on to keep his hair off his face, but the back of his head was all that was visible. Komaeda remembered why that happened, Hinata had come to Sonia’s house (Where “Girl’s Night” was held) to ask Komaeda about his prosthetic. Komaeda was decently sure Hinata just wanted to see him. Hinata babbled a little bit about Komaeda’s prosthetic and how it would be due for maintenance soon before leaving. Komaeda smiled at the photos.
“Thank you, Koizumi-san….These are so hopeful.” Komaeda smiled lightly.
“Uh, no problem! Just, make sure Hinata can see them as well! I don’t have much photo paper, so don’t waste them!” Koizumi replied firmly.
“Of course.” Komaeda smiled and waved the two off. He stared at Hinata in the photos, licking his lips. He scuttled off to his cottage and squeezed inside, sliding down against the door until he was sitting. He looked at Hinata in the photos, eliciting a shiver as his gaze traced Hinata’s form over and over. He could feel himself salivate, which he couldn’t bring himself to feel any shame over, considering he was alone. He looked at the photo where Hinata carried him. He remembered how warm Hinata had been. It felt like a miracle against Komaeda’s cold skin, considering he had poor circulation. Komaeda put his head against the door, sighing quietly and dreamily. His feelings regarding Hinata were still complicated, considering he was a Reserve Course loser with no real talent, but at the same time, he had defeated Enoshima. Even if he had put her into the program. Hinata helped hope win, which was frankly absurd considering he had no real talent of his own. Komaeda scoffed and rolled his eyes at the thought. Hinata was an outlier anyway. He didn’t count, and wasn’t included in the talentless and hopeless commoners. Hinata specifically and alone did matter, which meant Komaeda could care for him without guilt. Hinata was a walking contradiction, something that made Komaeda shudder in both disgust and excitement. He hummed quietly to himself as he looked at the photos. He licked his lips as he looked closely at the photo where Hinata’s shirt was hiked up. His ass had- A knock broke Komaeda out of his thoughts, startling him. He jumped away from the door and grabbed the photos, shoving them into his pocket carefully. He hurriedly wiped off his mouth.
After a deep breath, he stood up on shaky legs and answered the door. Hinata stood there, unfortunately fully clothed. His hair was a bit damp, making it look spikier than usual.
“Hello there, Hinata-kun…” Komaeda smiled politely in an attempt to pretend he wasn’t just drooling over the thought of Hinata’s body. He was decently sure there was a bulge in his pants, something he hoped Hinata wouldn’t see.
“Hey.” Hinata replied awkwardly. He scratched his nape, absentmindedly thinking about cutting his hair. Komaeda rocked on his feet while he waited for Hinata to talk.
Fuck, Hajime, say something, a literal love confession would be better than this! Hinata thought nervously, a voice in his brain describing the most effective ways to confess to Komaeda, depending on the result he wanted. His face reddened, and he cleared his throat before looking back up at Komaeda.
“So.” Hinata started. He decided that the best option would be to offer to do something Komaeda liked. “Wanna maybe. Read.”
“Sure..!” Komaeda replied, seeming a bit more antsy than usual. Hinata nodded, and Komaeda giggled a little, voice taking on a more…seductive? tone. “Hinata-kun…spending time with me…”
Komaeda hugged himself and chuckled lightly, shivers wracking his frame. Hinata stiffened. Komaeda glanced down at himself, just to check if anything was visible. He didn’t think so. “How hopeful…that someone like Hinata-kun would be willing to spend time with someone as worthless as me…”
“Uh, c-calm down.” Hinata replied nervously. Komaeda laughed a bit more, feeling delirious. His luck was really holding up, first he gets photos of Hinata, and now a nice clean Hinata is at his door?! And he wants to read?! Komaeda’s mouth felt dry.
“Haaah….” Komaeda made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a moan, and Hinata felt his face heat up. He was not anticipating this. He coughed awkwardly.
“Of course I’ll read with you, Hinata-kun.” Komaeda smiled at him, seemingly getting a hold of himself. Or whatever he had to get a hold over, Hinata couldn’t help but think. Hinata didn’t even want to read. Just talk, maybe. He hesitantly stepped into Komaeda’s cottage, and wow, was it clean. Hinata suddenly felt even more embarrassed over the mess in his own.
The two squeezed on the couch, both looking at the Russian book Komaeda was reading. Hinata couldn’t help but wish he didn’t know every language, as “First World Problem” as that sounded. He thought it would be nice to hear Komaeda read to him, only for Hinata to understand nothing. He tried to clear the weirdly domestic thought from his mind. He didn’t want to. Putting his head on Komaeda’s shoulder sounded like a better idea.
“Is your first language English or Dutch?” Hinata asked absentmindedly.
“Well, I learned both simultaneously. My parents were businessmen, business-people?” Komaeda replied, then cleared his throat. “They thought it was important that I knew both languages and was fluent. Then I learned Japanese when I ended up over here.”
Komaeda paused to draw in a breath. Hinata felt captivated. “That’s one of the reasons I speak so…uh…eloquently in Japanese. I don’t believe I have as much of a hold on it. I’m close to fluent, but I feel like I’m not fluent enough to use slang. Not like you, or Kuzuryuu-kun, or Souda-kun.”
Hinata hummed. “I mean, you certainly don’t sound like Japanese isn’t your native language.” Komaeda smiled at that.
“Thank you.”
“But why Russian?” Hinata couldn’t help but ask. “That’s a whole, what, third alphabet you need to memorize?”
“It’s such a nice language, though, is it not?” Komaeda’s bony fingers ghosted the page.
“I guess.” Hinata replied. He knew Komaeda also knew some French. He wouldn’t be surprised if… “Do you know any German? That and Dutch are similar.”
“I know a tiny bit.” Komaeda replied. “I could probably hold a very basic conversation if put to it.”
Hinata hummed. He wished he could hear some Dutch from Komaeda’s mou-
“Hinata-kun, you’re speaking aloud.” Komaeda interrupted, face reddening.
“Oh.” Hinata swallowed dryly. He stared at the book intently. His brain prattled off facts. Likely written in the summer, if you consider brighter language. The writer likely suffered from some form of seasonal depression, due to an earlier chapter having a more melancholy tone with lack of reason. It could’ve been written in winter, with the tone getting less, well, depressed as it goes on. The jump in tone in between the thirteenth and fourteenth chapter could be explained by-
Hinata clutched his hair, shut up, I don’t care, quiet down please! He took a deep breath, feeling a bit ill.
“Is Hinata-kun okay?” Komaeda asked. Hinata nodded, and they read in silence. Komaeda seemed relaxed. They read a few chapters, ending one before Komaeda paused.
“It’s going to be dinner time soon…” Komaeda noted, and Hinata flinched. He checked his watch. He had somehow spent two hours reading with Komaeda. He and Komaeda were also slightly snuggled into one another.
“Oh, uh, right! Right.” Hinata spoke nervously, just trying to get out a response. He didn’t want to leave or move. He just wanted to enjoy the closeness, Komaeda’s soft hair gently tickling Hinata’s cheek occasionally, the way they both held the book, the gentle whirring of Komaeda’s prosthetic when he turned a page, all of it. He wanted to close his eyes and tuck his head into the crook of Komaeda’s likely soft neck, breathing in Komaeda’s scent and gently peppering him with kisses. But he knew he couldn’t. He just wanted to tell Komaeda, tell him how he felt, but what if Komaeda rejected him? Or worse, laughed or mocked him? Hinata opened his mouth to say something. He just wanted to say a simple “I love you”, but no words came out. He hated this. He hated feeling like this. He just needed to get it over with, and deal with whatever Komaeda responded with. It was just a few words.
Hinata stayed silent. He moved to stand up. Komaeda looked up at him.
“We don’t want to be late to dinner.” Hinata croaked out, voice uncomfortably monotone. After a moment, Komaeda shut the book and stood up.
Hinata lay in his cottage, staring at the ceiling bitterly. He just wanted to say it.
“I love you, Komaeda.” He spoke quietly, and immediately cringed. It sounded terrible. He bit his lip.
“I…fuck.” He sighed. “I’m in love with y-...” He paused. He sounded like an idiot.
“I’ve been in love with you for a while…” Hinata started. The words sounded foreign to him. He never had to do anything like this before, and Kamakura’s knowledge didn’t really feel helpful. “And I just wanted to tell you…oh my God, this is terrible.”
He rolled over onto his side, covering himself with the blanket. He groaned, covering his face with his hands. Come on, Hajime, this is the most fucking pathetic thing ever. What’s wrong with you?
He shut his eyes. Okay, so, you could say it on the beach; that would be, like, kinda nostalgic and stuff. Then you could confess and he would accept and then you kiss. Easy.
“This is going to go terribly.” Hinata grumbled. He knew he had to say it. He couldn’t get over it. He wanted to read with Komaeda while snuggling, his head tucked into the other’s neck. It was too painfully domestic. His mind wandered with thoughts of him and Komaeda kissing gently as Hinata worked, whether that be writing reports for the Future Foundation, or maintenance on the island. He hummed contentedly, giving into the fantasy. He’d be working hard, the Komaeda would come by and smother him in kisses, Hinata would be embarrassed but bask in the affection either way, and then Komaeda would share a water bottle with him.
Hinata snuggled into his bed, hugging his pillow. He knew how pathetic he was being right now, but he was alone, so it was fine. He could be a lovesick idiot in private, even if he hated it.
Hinata ate breakfast absentmindedly. He decided that he was probably going to tell Komaeda today. He wished his brain didn’t make it such a big deal. He picked at his rice and grilled fish. He was decently sure he had caught this one, considering not many of them were good at fishing. Komaeda was either really good, or the pier partially collapsed. Suffice to say after the third time that happened, Hinata kept Komaeda away from a rod. He finished his food quickly and stood up. He had planning to do.
He sat in his cottage. The best option could be to wait until sunset, maybe golden hour, but if he confessed too late and Komaeda did somehow like him back, then they wouldn’t be able to spend much time together. Hinata brushed his teeth (again), looking in the mirror and trying to decide if he should put on a nicer outfit. Maybe khakis. He used mouthwash as well and slumped. He needed some air. He looked at his ahoge. Maybe he should try to get it down. Did Komaeda think it looked stupid? Hinata didn’t think it looked stupid, and Komaeda never poked fun at it, but what if Komaeda secretly thought it was dumb? Hinata put on his sneakers and stepped outside. Just a quick walk to clear his head.
He decided to make sure the beach was nice enough for his hypothetical confession. If Hinata even went through with it. He would love to-
Oh. Komaeda was sitting here. And staring at Hinata, whose mouth was very dry all of a sudden.
“Hinata-kun…” Komaeda greeted. He looked a bit miserable. Hinata, despite his brain screaming not to, crouched next to him.
“What’s wrong?” Hinata asked. Komaeda looked away, face slightly pouty. Hinata felt like he was going to swoon, or do some other embarrassing thing.
“Nothing.” Komaeda replied, picking at his sleeve.
“I can fix that for you.” Hinata said absentmindedly, and Komaeda looked surprised, then a bit happy. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, as though an issue had been resolved. Hinata supposed it had, but usually Komaeda would try to argue, say something about how “Scum like me shouldn’t have nice things” or something of the sort. Komaeda didn’t fight him on it, instead seeming genuinely happy. Hinata felt like he was being blinded, just staring at Komaeda. Komaeda’s face looked so…gentle. And admittedly soft. Hinata couldn’t tear his eyes away.
“I, um, know how important your jacket is to you.” Hinata spoke quietly, trying to make the silence not awkward.
“Yes…” Komaeda murmured. Hinata tried to look away. He succeeded, and let his gaze linger on the ocean. “Hinata-kun…”
“Hm?” Hinata’s gaze flicked back over. Komaeda looked at him. “...Thank you.”
“I-It’s not a big deal, I’d do it for anyone..!” Hinata replied nervously. He could feel himself sweating. Fuck.
“Not just for the jacket…” Komaeda replied softly.
“Huh?” Hinata looked at him.
“Thank you for giving me another chance…” Komaeda looked at the water. It seemed to sparkle in the light, the small waves crashing against the beach.
“Oh.” Hinata replied dumbly. “I mean, everyone got one.” Even if I didn’t deserve it, He didn’t say out loud.
“I think Hinata-kun deserved a second chance.” Komaeda said out of nowhere, and Hinata looked at him.
“How’d you know…?” Hinata trailed off.
“I got lucky.” Komaeda smiled. Hinata couldn’t help but smile back.
Hinata stayed silent. Now was his chance..! He cleared his throat. “I have something to say.”
“What is it?” Komaeda’s eyes flicked over, and God he was pretty, Hinata took a deep breath and tried to clear his head.
“So, uh.” Hinata’s mouth felt so dry. And he was sweaty. Maybe I should just back out, there’s a way I can- “I really want to say this, and if you, uh, think I’m weird or anything it’s okay.” Fuck. It’s over, pack your bags, Hajime.
“I wouldn’t judge Hinata-kun...” Komaeda tilted his head a bit. Hinata blinked a few times and cleared his throat, really just stalling.
“I, uh. I think I’m in love with you.” Hinata blurted, clenching his fists. He stared at Komaeda’s face nervously. Komaeda’s face reddened, and a look of terror crossed his face. Fuck.
“I- I mean, if you think that’s weird and- and whatever, then that’s okay, I-I don’t mind staying friends and I think-” Hinata backpedaled quickly.
“My luck is going to kill you, Hinata.” Komaeda interrupted quietly.
“What?” Hinata froze. He realized something. Any time Komaeda had loved or been loved, something terrible had happened to the other person. Hinata cleared his throat awkwardly. “Oh.”
Komaeda looked at him almost incredulously. “...”Oh”?! That’s all you have to say..?”
Komaeda took a deep breath that sounded more like a wheeze than anything. Hinata paled. Komaeda tended to have laughing fits when nervous. Hinata found this out when he had to do a medical exam on Komaeda to check his lymph nodes. That was not a fun day.
“Komaeda, calm down.” Hinata scooted closer. Komaeda scooted away, clutching his chest and curling into himself. He hid his face in his knees as his body shook.
“Komaeda, p- It’s okay, I’m not gonna-” Hinata tried to speak, but Komaeda started cackling before he could finish. He hugged himself tightly, his face obscured by his hair. Hinata had no clue what to do in the face of Komaeda’s manic laughter.
Komaeda wheezed, his thin frame racking with the movement, and he devolved into another fit of laughter. He rocked himself a little bit as his blunt fingernails scratched at the cold metal of his prosthetic. Hinata waited nervously for Komaeda to calm down, at least a little. In between laughs, Komaeda made a sound that sounded like a sob. Hinata sighed and gently hugged Komaeda. He had no clue if this would work, and Komaeda was shaking like a blender full of ice.
“Hi-na-ta-” Komaeda wheezed out the syllables. Hinata hummed softly. Komaeda’s laughter started to calm down, but Hinata kept holding him. This is awkward, you really fucked it up, Hajime.
“I’ve got you. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” Hinata spoke, almost on autopilot. He knew how to comfort someone, his Ultimate Therapist talent coming in handy unsurprisingly often. Hinata swallowed nervously. Komaeda was still chuckling, small wheezes dispersed in between. “Komaeda, I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Komaeda made a choking noise, and Hinata stiffened. “You okay?”
Komaeda nodded ever so slightly, face still hidden. Hinata had no clue what was going through his head. He wasn’t sure how long they had been sitting like this.
“I’m not going to die, okay?” Hinata spoke softly, “I have Ultimate Luck too. I think it balances.”
He felt Komaeda stiffen.
“...And you didn’t te-tell me this...before I made a fool of myself..?” Komaeda croaked out, his voice cracking. Huh, guess it does crack sometimes, Hinata couldn’t help but think.
“Um.” Hinata pressed his lips into a thin line. “I forgot.”
Komaeda huffed a dry and tired laugh.
“Can I see your face?” Hinata all but whispered.
“Would you want to see me after that display of histrionics?” Komaeda’s voice was hoarse. He swallowed thickly.
“Yeah. I would.” Hinata replied. Komaeda looked up at him, his eyes swirling deeply. His mouth was a bit open as he seemingly panted, and a thin string of drool dribbled down his chin. He had tear tracks down his face, and his white lashes were sticking together. He was a bit snotty too. Hinata smiled lightly.
“I’m not going anywhere, okay?” Hinata spoke softly. “And, uh, it’s cool if you don’t like me. I accept it.”
Komaeda’s eyes widened. He sniffled, and hesitantly wiped his face on his jacket sleeve. He seemed to be a little grossed out by having to do that, but likely had a priority on looking not pathetic. He cleared his throat wetly.
“Hinata-kun.” Komaeda started, looking at him. His pupils and irises seemed to swirl quicker.
“I am truly in love with…” Komaeda looked like he struggled to get the word out as he glanced away then back, “...You…And the hope inside of you.”
Hinata paused. He had heard this once before.
“That was a love confession?!” Hinata blurted. Oh God, was he an idiot for not getting that? But Komaeda backed out the first time, so how could he expect-
“Yes.” Komaeda replied, looking away. Hinata sighed in relief. He smiled slightly.
“Um. What now.” Hinata thought aloud. Komaeda chuckled lightly.
“That’s your cue to kiss me, Hinata-kun, if you’d like.”
“Oh.” Hinata realized he had no clue what to do here. He nervously leaned in a bit, Komaeda leaning in as well. Hinata pressed his lips firmly together and squeezed his eyes shut.
“Did I say something weird?” Komaeda asked quietly, looking at Hinata’s face. Hinata just kept leaning in.
His lips touched Komaeda’s, and how long are these things meant to last? When is the appropriate time to pull away?!
Hinata pulled away, Komaeda starting to laugh. Hinata opened his eyes. “What?”
“Hinata-kun, you’re supposed to pucker your lips.” Komaeda lightly touched his own lips, smiling. Hinata looked away.
“Did I mess it up..?” He furrowed his brows.
“It was lovely, Hinata-kun.” Komaeda replied, cupping Hinata’s cheek. His hand was cold and boney, oddly refreshing against the summer heat. Hinata loved it. He leaned into it just a little. “Keep your face just like that…”
Komaeda leaned in and kissed Hinata. This was significantly better than Hinata’s attempt. Hinata tried really hard to keep his lips still. He could feel Komaeda’s breath, and realized he was holding his own. He pulled away to breathe.
“Um.” Hinata tried to look anywhere other than Komaeda’s face. He eventually settled on closing his eyes.
“Hinata-kun has never kissed anyone before.” Komaeda commented, and Hinata could hear the smirk in his voice.
“Shut up.” Hinata replied, moving so he wasn’t weirdly hugging Komaeda. Komaeda scooted back into his embrace, and Hinata could feel the heat flooding his face. Hinata peeked his eyes open, and jumped when Komaeda’s face was less than an inch from his. “Hey!”
“Can I speak, Hinata-kun?” Komaeda replied softly. Hinata groaned, brushing Komaeda’s hair from his eyes.
“I didn’t mean actually- you know what? Whatever. If I tell you to shut up, you don’t have to. Ever.” Hinata replied. Komaeda nodded.
“Thank you.” Komaeda replied. Hinata kissed his cheek, and Komaeda’s eyes widened as he smiled.
“I love you.” Hinata blurted. He knew Komaeda would need reminders. Komaeda blushed. He hesitantly leaned in, Hinata leaning back and using his arm to support himself. Komaeda looked down at Hinata almost owlishly.
“May I kiss you?” Hinata nodded, and Komaeda leaned in to kiss him. Komaeda knew what he was doing way more than Hinata. Komaeda was moving his lips as well, and Hinata tried his best to reciprocate.
They pulled apart, Hinata a bit dazed, and they stared at each other. Hinata flopped down on the sand with a small groan, and Komaeda lay down next to him. Hinata rolled his eyes at Komaeda’s elegance. Komaeda sprawled out a bit, flopping his prosthetic arm on Hinata’s chest. Hinata wheezed a little. “Ow.”
“Ah, sorry, I can-” Komaeda started, but shut up once Hinata moved to caress his metal arm. Komaeda pressed his lips into a thin line. “...I can’t feel that, Hinata-kun…”
“So move to my other side.” Hinata replied, pressing his lips to Komaeda’s prosthetic. He could get the hang of this. Komaeda sat up and awkwardly shimmied over Hinata before lying down on his other side. Hinata took Komaeda’s arm and held it. He rubbed his thumb over the jacket’s fabric, avoiding the small wet spot from Komaeda’s tears and drool.
“Go on, Hinata-kun.” Komaeda smiled and raised an eyebrow at him. Hinata nervously kissed Komaeda’s hand.
“What a romantic.” Komaeda teased. Hinata glared at him.
Komaeda sighed, scooting a tiny bit closer. Hinata moved to hold his hand, but their fingers didn’t interlock quite right. Hinata hummed and sat up, trying to hold Komaeda’s hand better. It didn’t feel quite right. He’d get it eventually.
“Komaeda, wanna go do something?”
“Sure…?” Komaeda replied nervously. “Ah…I’d be honored if Hinata-kun used my given name.”
“You- Your given?” Hinata flushed. Komaeda looked away as he started to get up.
“You don’t have to, I apologize if I said something wei-” Komaeda started.
“Nagito.” Hinata replied, and Komaeda froze, eyes the shape of coins. Hinata watched a steady blush bloom up his neck. Hinata stood up and offered his hand for Komaeda to hold. Komaeda took it, but their fingers didn’t quite interlock right. Hinata furrowed his brows as he let go.
They tried again, Hinata’s nail lightly scratching Komaeda’s hand. They interlocked their fingers properly this time. It felt good. Komaeda was decently red.
“Hinat-,” Komaeda paused, clearing his throat as Hinata raised his eyebrows at him, “Hajime. Ha- ji- me.”
“What are you doing..?” Hinata glanced at their hands, desperately trying to keep any redness on his face at bay. At least Komaeda was also bright red.
“Getting used to it. Your name suits you, Hajime.” Komaeda replied, grinning like an idiot. He looked a bit embarrassed by the seemingly uncontrollable grin, and looked away as he tried to get it under control.
“It’s one of the most common names…?” Hinata squeezed Komaeda’s hand.
“Hajime.”
“Yeah.”
“Ha-ji-me.” Komaeda kept sounding it out. He leaned into Hinata, who was struggling to keep his cool.
“Na-gi-to.” Hinata raised an eyebrow as he looked at Komaeda with an unimpressed look. Komaeda buried his face into Hinata’s shoulder.
“Anyway. What would you like to go do, Hajime-kun?” Komaeda was shaking. Hinata leaned back into him.
“Drop the honorific. Uh, please. Al-Also, we can do what you want. To do, I mean.” Hinata struggled pathetically to put a sentence together. His brows furrowed as he glared at the sand under his shoes.
“I’m happy to do whatever pleases Hajime.”
“No.”
“No?”
“We’re doing what Komaeda Nagito wants to do.” Hinata looked at Komaeda, realized he was still glaring, and softened his expression. Komaeda cleared his throat.
“I would…ah, maybe we could…read…?” Komaeda spoke quietly.
“Awesome. Lead the way.” Hinata spoke in a determined and needlessly serious voice. Komaeda chuckled and started walking. Hinata followed, swinging their arms and tapping Komaeda’s hand with his thumb.