First Sight

Atemu leaned against the school gate, watching the freshmen file into the school yard. They glanced up at him as they passed in, whispering amongst themselves. No doubt they were intimidated. Most students were, and with good reason. With his spiked hair and tanned skin, he gave off a dark appearance that had most teachers running.

Something bumped into his leg and he looked down, raising an eyebrow at the young-looking boy who had run into him. The boy looked slightly similar to himself and, though he looked like a middleschooler, wore the Domino High School uniform. The boy apologized immediately, not even looking up. It was obvious that the kid was used to being bullied for less, as his boy trembled in palpable fear. Atemu felt a nerve strike. If there was one thing he hated more than anything, it was bullies.

"Kid, what grade are you in? And look at me when you talk to me."

The boy looked up and Atemu blinked in surprise. He felt his heart skip, but quickly shook off the feeling. There were more important things to dwell on.

"I-I'm a freshman…"

Atemu nodded a bit. A couple of students had stopped to watch what was happening. "Alright, and what's your name?"

"Y-Yugi Mutuo…"

Atemu gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Everything's fine Yugi. I'm Atemu. You don't have to be afraid of me, little aibou. We're friends now, okay?"

Yugi gave him a faltering smile. Two boys walked over angrily, one blond and the other with brown hair. The blond spoke in fury.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing, pickin' on our buddy Yugi?!"

Atemu gave him a silencing glare. He couldn't help but enjoy the look of distress in the boys' eyes.

"Who said I was picking on Aibou, here? I just thought he could use a senpai in high places."

Yugi gasped a little. "R-really..?"

Atemu smiled at him. "Of course, Yugi. I could use a kouhai like you." He held his hand out to him, pinky extended. "I promise I'll keep you safe."

Yugi looked at Atemu's offered hand and then his friends before breaking into a smile and hooking their pinkies together. "You have a deal, Atemu-senpai!"

Yugi's friends, embarrassed that they had come to such drastic conclusions, introduced themselves.

Atemu walked with them into the building and to the auditorium before inviting them to have lunch with him. He smiled softly as he and the small group waved goodbye to each other.

Atemu had known it from first sight. This was the beginning of something beautiful.