1. a colour intermediate between red and blue.

The car parked. It was already sundown, so Sullivan couldn't make out much from his seat. Childishly, in his curiosity, he waited until Tae released his hand to squirm out of the car. Both for the fresh air and to see where they were.

But his face brightened upon reading the sign. A smile pressed to his lips--even some color finding his pallored face. A cooking class!? He knew Tae mentioned some interest himself, but had he been asking Nich about things he liked too? It seemed too perfect. Eagerly, he met up to him, an excited little bounce to his step as Tae signed them in, hands fiddling with one another to occupy himself.

"I-I do. I love to cook." He answered back. He had to stop his bouncing as he felt a little nauseous from it, but the excitement lingered (plus perhaps he could steal some salt while here. That might help him if it was his blood pressure). "Um. Thank you for this. It's going to be so much fun! Are you a good cook?"

// A soft smile appeared on Tae's face seeing how excited Sullivan was. It was truly a coincidence that Tae selected this activity out of everything, Tae made it a point to not ask Nich or Ha-eun for advice before the date.

" I've dabbled in fancy roasts here and there. I'm no chef, but I usually get the hang of things after a quick lesson. Looks like I'll be relying on you a little. " They accepted the aprons from one of the staff and handed one of them to Sullivan. Printed on the aprons were cheesy couple phrases. It seemed that every couple had a different matching phrase on.

" I kiss the cook... " Tae read their own apron then looked to Sullivan and laughed. " I am the cook... that's so lame. "

--the windows being cracked was such a relief. He was too nervous (and socially awkward) to ask for it. Already expecting his hand to be taken again, it remained open for them.

"What ifs..." Sullivan murmured softly. He grew all the more curious of his true character--feeling that something was missing--the longer the two of them spoke. But, as Tae said, they likely wouldn't get that far. It would be surface-level at best. Still, he had to wonder why Nich and Ha-eun had shivered at the thought of retaliation from them. Was this tenderness just part of a game? Was there more to it?They really didn't seem like a bad person.

"Um. I'm glad I'm easy to talk to. You're...interesting? Not in a bad way!" He corrected quickly. "I just mean you're different. And I can't really guess what the next thing you're going to say is."

// " Really? Here I thought I was pretty predictable. " Tae turned a street and parked right outside a building. Tae didn't say much of anything, even when they entered the property.

" I hope you find cooking fun... I booked a couple's cooking class I've always wanted to try with someone. Every day, I passed this place on my way home and after I graduate, I won't see it anymore. " There was a sense of melancholy in their voice, as Tae walked down the hall and pushed a glass door to an elaborate kitchen space. A few couples were already mingling about as Tae wrote to sign them in. On the far wall, a chalkboard.

Written upon it:

' Roasted cajun chicken and home-cut French fries. '

. end of season four

@tximidity​

plastic

"That's just the type of person that he is. Very welcoming and loving." Sullivan mused sweetly as they continued to drive. Though, he was starting to become uncomfortable--not because of Tae. His stomach still ached and his head was starting to as well. There was a deep breath taken to relax himself some as they continued to talk. A hand came to wipe some sweat from his brows. Perhaps he should have brought his medicine today...normally he had his bookbag with him.

"Oh. So that's the favor they owe you for then. Getting them into the program." That made sense...--and was a better answer than what Ha-eun seemed to make it out to be. It seemed so sinister beforehand. Tae...was not a bad person. He was starting to learn. Direct and playful, not not bad. "You're very kind to help them get into the program. I-I almost wish I had a sunbae of my own when I was trying to get into mine. My grades weren't the best leaving high school s-so I really had to prove myself for the entrance exams and the essays."

The matter of courting though, he gave a little look of confusion. There was a tiny point to himself.

"Eh? T-then this is a test then?" He inquired softly. "Going out on a date with me. What would you be doing if I passed? If you knew that I would stay with Nich--o-or I'm sorry. That sounds neurotic, to say that I would be liked by you, but-- ?"

// " I mean their paths would be completely different if I didn't help, I'm not humble enough to say otherwise. " They recalled the contract, scribbled on a napkin while they were all drunk. Tae even got it laminated.

" If we had met beforehand, I would've more than been happy to be your senior. Though, given that you're in our college in the first place just goes to show you've got a good head on your shoulders no? I don't think there's much I could do for you. "

Tae let go of Sullivan's hand for a moment to crack open the windows, letting fresh air in before resuming holding his hand again.

" Well, I didn't want Nich and Ha-eun to be indebted to me forever and I thought- what a waste, the chances of me getting a useful favor lessens when I graduate. I didn't forget you after the coffee either, so I wanted to indulge myself a little with the 'What ifs'. So far I'm enjoying myself. You're easy to talk to. "

"O-oh..." Denied the offer of friendship, Sullivan was offput, perhaps a bit disappointed. But, if that was a valid reason for them, he'd accept it. Though, the comment about stealing him away did make him giggle a little bit. More than it perhaps should have. "No, we don't want that. Um, I'd hope that Nich would fight for me."

He was surprised to have his hand taken intermittently. The first few times he jumped, but he slowly adapted to it, keeping it in an easy-to-reach place as he'd promised to allow earlier. Again, he was left unexpecting at the question of how they met.

"Nich and I? We had a general class together, yes. Um. I sat in the back and didn't really interact and he brought his chair over to me. He was the first person to really talk to me at college...he made it less scary for me." Fondly he was thinking about it, his smile growing very soft. "Then it turned out we were neighbors so we started to hang out more. It took a long awhile before we got together though."

"How did you meet Ha-eun and Nich?"

// " Hmm~ I can see that happening. Based on who I've asked, about 70% of his friends met him in a similar way. "

Tae stroked their thumb over Sullivan's hand as they thought back. " They wanted to enter a certain program I was enrolled in, but it required an intense essay exam to get in. I met the two of them at a party when they were freshmen and when they found out I was an ace student, they asked for my help. "

Now that they thought about it, Nich didn't even know they were part of the program in the beginning. When he approached to drink, he did it without ulterior motive... and Ha-eun, all her bluntness but honesty made her endearing. And when she drank? Completely irresistable.

" Both of them were cute. I thought of courting either of them when they joined me in the program, it was such a tough choice... but now I see them too much as my little brother and sister for that. "

Tae paused, " Ah-- by the way I don't just randomly fall for anyone who so much as looks at me- I much like to be close to them first. I just spent a lot of my time with them when they were freshmen. "

it was a wonderful moment, bittersweet for a man like himself, feeling like the black sheep ⸻ but there wouldn't ever be another time where he could feel this. the festivities, the wonders of it all. he finds himself lost in thought, but such a moment is brief, gaze shifting to camillo who filled his view, becoming the center of his focus.　❝ hm? ❞　the gratitude almost goes over his head ⸻ dante huffing a little, knowing that he was the one that should be grateful, and truly, he was. there was no one else he would do such a thing for, follow to the ends of the earth. camillo truly had his heart.

❝ you shouldn't have, camillo. ❞　he takes the gift in hand, and he doesn't need to open it yet to feel honored. fingers meticulously peel away at the wrapping paper, seeing the sleeping mist. something so simple, but something he would love ⸻ a demonstration of how he cared. those restless nights of his. a ghost of a smile graces his lips, setting gift aside, before he stands.　❝ thank you ... ❞　he whispers, a hand with the subtly grasp to his chin, tipping camillo's gaze upward to meet his own. for a moment, he thinks about it, before he leans in, a sweet, little kiss when eyes were away from them.

⸻

// Camillo bumped his head against the doorframe that opened to his pantry. He had completely forgotten what he came to the kitchen for. Lately it has been that way... what after the Christmas party, he had plenty to think about.

He brought a hand to his lips, the faint sensation coming back to him.

Dante. His childhood friend, had kissed him.

Kissing relatives on the lips wasn't uncommon. Camillo has kissed his friends platonically too! But... this was Dante.

The gentle way he held his chin... the way he looked at him...

He awkwardly laughed it off at the time, but he had been avoiding Dante as of late. No longer did he crawl into his bed or casually drop by after work. He didn't text him nonsense or call either. Dante hadn't followed up, and Camillo was hoping he would. Maybe Camillo was looking too much into this after all.

He sighed and took out his phone, typing a quick text.

There. An invitation. If he didn't answer, then...

"Sure. It means pay attention to me." Honestly, he'd meant to flick a piece of grass at him, but who knew it'd turn into such a soft gesture instead. He takes a second longer to admire his handiwork and idly wonders if he can sneak in some more.

"Like you wouldn't hurt a fly," Suengri replies, mirth in his gaze.

"But in regards to this bounty, my team and I are after them, too. I'd ask you to back off on this one, but..." He tilts his head and bangs lightly fall over his eyes. He smiles. "Maybe you can make an exception?"

// Kura didn't expect that little bit of honesty and he looked back down at the grass blade with a shy sort of expression.

Right, right. Back to business.

" I've got to eat too... perhaps you can make it up to me if I let you have it this time? " That smile was cheating, he wondered if Suengri knew. Kura would already give it up without Suengri needing to ask, but he wondered if this was an opportunity that he could take advantage of?

"I find most people intimidating..." Sullivan admitted in response, not wanting to single the other out. And it was true. He was just as nervous with Nich when the two of them started interacting with one another. Though he'd gotten better at it, he wasn't the best at being social. "I-I'll admit that I was scared about today expectations. I, um, h-have a bit of a fear of being touched, so..."

Thanking him for getting the door, Sullivan settled himself in the car. He still felt nauseous despite calming down some, a hand on his stomach until Tae go into the car himself.

He'd given him a coffee. Such a simple little gesture is what inspired all this? Sullivan had to smile at that. Because he knew he himself was the same. He would adore a person for a simple reason. It made Tae a little less scary.

"I wish we could have been friends, too. It's not too late though, um--I could be you friend if you wanted."

// " Friends... that doesn't sound that bad..."

Tae hummed, thinking about it for a short amount of time before smiling. " No, I don't think we can. I already like you in that way, if we become friends... I think it will be too hard for me, especially if I find out you're more exceptional than the surface. "

They started the car, peeking over, " You wouldn't want me tempted to steal you away now do you? "

As Tae drove, it didn't seem like they needed any sort of navigation, as if they knew the roads like the back of their hand. Idly though, during slower periods, they would hold Sullivan's hand.

" How did you meet my underclassmen? I don't think you two are in the same major are you? Or do you share compulsory classes? "

"...I am in love with Nich, y-yes. But I'll do my best to be a good date still. I'm sorry." He...didn't know what to think of the other male. Hearing him confirm that it was no tease, what he'd like to do, only served to make his stomach hurt more. He was starting to feel a little nauseous. Was it actually sickness or just nerves and guilt for going out with him, he didn't know. But he didn't want to mess it up either. "I'm just nervous. I don't mean to be rude or anything."

However, other questions were starting to arise as the two of them walked. His hand held securely, tugged to guide clumsy feet, he finally felt the urge to ask. Taking advantage of his underclassmen...but why?

"I guess I am a little confused. You're very handsome. You're smart from what I've heard. And you have a blunt personality that plenty of people would like. May I ask why you had this date set up? I'm sure you could have your pick of dates."

// " Wow, wow, wow... you sure know how to make someone happy. I'm all shy now to know you think I'm good enough to have anyone I want. No need to be nervous, I know it's a lot to tell you to act as you are, especially considering the circumstances. Do you find me intimidating? "

Tae clicked a key remote in their pocket, activating a black car to life. They opened the passenger side door for Sullivan, only getting in themselves when Sullivan was seated.

" I wished we could have been friends first, but I like to be focused on one thing at a time, and it was my studies. By the time I realized I wanted to be close to you, my underclassman already whisked you away. I don't think you remember, but you gave me a can of coffee when I was at my lowest. Sure- the vending machine handed out an extra, but that gesture pulled me out of my slump and I could finish my thesis. "

" You affect people more than you know, even with small things like that. "

"Ah, b-but--I would prefer to have your actual name. It feels rude to just call you sunbae..." Sullivan tried to argue. However, being called pretty all of a sudden took him by surprise. Cheeks flushed a deep red. "Um thank you. You're very handsome yourself." Was he doing this right? His and Nich's dates had always felt so casual and nonchalant, seeing as they'd sort of been together for a while before their first real date. He wasn't used to this at all.

A hand extended, he hesitated before accepting the hand. It felt wrong. It wasn't Nich's. And the commentary on kissing and feeling him up made him more nervous. He chewed on his lower lip, at first leaving it without a comment. However, the more he thought on it, the more he realized that he was really uncomfortable with that. He started to gnaw on his lip with the anxiety of speaking up.

"I-I can hold your hand. But t-that's as far as I'll go. I'm sorry." Maybe they had just been teasing him, but he felt the need to specify that. Just in case. The fear of being touched was too strong. "I'm still um--sorry--y-you might just be teasing me. But, I'm still with Nich and very happy..."

// " If you prefer it then. I guess you can call me Tae. Most people call me that anyway. It's easy on the tongue for you, I heard your native language is Japanese. "

Tae gently threaded their fingers through Sullivan's hand, squeezing in a comforting but loose way. " I'm happy to be called handsome. I will be honest in saying I actually cleaned myself up more for this date. Usually I don't care what I have on, especially when I'm studying. "

Tae laughed. " By the way, I'm not teasing. I do want to kiss you and take you to a hotel room at the end of the night, but I'm not going to push my luck. " They pulled on Sullivan's hand, urging him to walk towards the student parking lot. " I know you're deeply in love with Nicholas. You must think of me to some kind of home-wreaker taking advantage of my cute underclassmen. "

" And I'm not going to deny it. I'm doing exactly that. "

He eventually got the gumption to leave the house. Perhaps after triple checking with Nich that he was going to be alright and planting a few kisses across the other man's face. He thought that would be enough to control the loops his stomach was making, but such was not the case, unfortunately. It still hurt. And seeing as he didn't use public restrooms, that made him more nervous. What if he got nauseous? What if--

But he was sucking it up like an adult. He went to the location that they had agreed upon via text and was met with a large smile and the snuffing of a cigarette so he could stand and greet him. So this was their senior...

"H-hello..." He greeted in return. They were handsome. Soft but masculine features, sort of like Nich. And they were friendly so far. Sullivan's shoulders relaxed just slightly, a gentle bow of his head in greeting. "Oh. Um. I-I prefer nicknames. Sully is usually what I go by."

"It's nice to meet you...a-and I'm sorry they didn't give me an actual name for you. They simply called you sunbae."

// " Haha. Leave it to them to leave out one of the most important parts of setting up a date. Just call me sunbae too. I don't think we'll be meeting again after this. You're much prettier than I thought now that I'm standing so close to you. "

Sunbae tilted their head, smiling at how tall Sullivan was. Sure, they have seen him from afar, but now standing side by side, they really could feel the difference. They were not terribly short by any means, but stopped just shy of Sullivan's forehead.

" Now usually with dates, I really like to hold their hand and the full package. Do you mind if I do that? " Sunbae offered their hand, pale, thin and beautiful, but it looked firm. " Of course, I won't kiss you or feel you up if you're not up to it. "

"I-I'll be okay..." Not that he sounded all that confident. He let his cheek fall into Nich's palm for comfort, eyes closing...until he realized how nice that felt, to just relax, and corrected himself. Catching Nich's frown, he tried to smile to make it better.

However, there was a childish request out of him. A soft whisper between the two of them despite being alone.

"Y-you'll come rescue me if I need it right?" He asked, baby blues looking pleadingly at Nich. Whether that be just nerves for the event, because he didn't feel good, or he didn't feel right going on a date with this other man, he didn't know. But he felt the urge to ask as he continued to rest his cheek in his palm. "If anything goes wrong?"

Nich pulled him close and kissed his nose. " Like your knight in shining armor. "

--

Later, at the arranged location, it wasn't a particularly crowded spot which was a rarity in their university. A person sat on the agreed park bench, shaded with the large tree overhanging it, enjoying a cigarette. As soon as Sullivan would approach though, they immediately snuffed out the bud under their feet and rose to toss it in a nearby trashcan.

" Hello there. " They greeted with a friendly smile. Their attire was entirely lounge-wear, baggy and linen. A messenger bag hung loosely off their shoulder, no doubt because they had a morning class. " Thanks for meeting with me Sullivan. Is it okay if I call you by a nickname? What do you prefer? Sully? Lili? Lilli is a cute one. "