Chapter 19: Yuno

It was the last day of school before Winter Break started, where they were off until the day after New Year's. Not that it would be much of a break for Yuno since he still had basketball practice three of the ten days school was closed and the teachers gave him and his classmates assignments. Yuno didn't understand why they had to go to school on Monday when the break started on Tuesday and the Winter Festival was the previous Saturday. Adults made such weird rules when it came to school. However, in the middle of his algebra class, he had been summoned to the guidance office by his counselor, Acier Silva.

"Mrs. Silva," said Yuno, entering her office and sitting down in the chair. "What do you need from me?"

Acier Silva, Noelle's mom, sighed. "We have to talk about what happened at the Winter Festival with Catherine. I know you don't want to talk about it, but it's important to check in with our students' mental health. How are you feeling about the whole situation?"

"Angry that she'll probably get away with it again," said Yuno, honestly. Acier liked it when Yuno was blunt with her. It made her job easier.

"She's not this time," said Acier, sternly. "She's been suspended until the 7th of January. I can't say much more but we are having a conference with her parents to discuss her behavior. So, don't worry about that."

"That's it?" Yuno asked, going to stand up.

"No. Sit back down," said Acier, smiling. "Catherine's homophobic rant is unacceptable. And I want to talk about it."

Yuno wanted to groan in annoyance as he already had a conversation with William and Dorothy where he admitted that he was demisexual and he had a crush on Asta, an obvious crush on Asta to everyone but Asta. His parents had been as supportive and loving as ever and told him that he could talk to them whenever he wanted. Instead, Yuno asked, "What do you want me to say? That everyone apparently knows about my crush on Asta. What business is it of anyone's about my sexuality? The fact that Kirsch had to come out in front of everyone could have been bad, but he did it anyway to protect me and the others."

"Kirsch did it to take any attention away from you," said Acier. "You and I and everyone else knows that there are a lot of close-minded people who would discriminate against you, especially in sports, especially in basketball. I agree that it's no one's business but your own. I know it's hard."

Yuno frowned. "I'm not afraid of anyone knowing. I'm just mad that it has to be such a big deal."

Acier nodded sympathetically, and said, "I understand, Yuno. Do you want to talk about those feelings?"

"Not really," said Yuno.

Acier stared at him, the same deadpan, unamused look that Noelle usually gave him, and Yuno sighed.

"Fine, I guess, I could talk about it."

"Good. So, let's start at the beginning," said Acier.


At lunch, he and Mimosa were finishing up their Literature Project with some final edits to the PowerPoint, and papers. They wanted to get it done today since Mimosa was going away with her family for the holidays. It didn't help that they also had other assignments to do. Yuno said, "Your aunt is a menace."

"Yeah, I know," said Mimosa, smiling. "My whole family is full of menaces. Especially my brother."

Yuno rolled his eyes. "What did he do now to annoy you?"

"He's been floating on cloud nine since he went out on just one date with Zora," said Mimosa, rolling her eyes. "He's sickeningly in love. I almost prefer his pining."

Yuno's mouth twitched, trying not to smile. "You're happy for him."

"Well, duh," said Mimosa. "You guys didn't have to live with him. He's liked Zora forever, annoyingly so. Speaking of pining, when are you going to finally ask Asta out on a date?"

Yuno made a face. "I'm not. It's not like that. Just because I may have a crush doesn't mean that he'll like me back. Besides, he's got a lot going on right now. His long-lost older brother just showed up."

Mimosa hummed. "Sure, keep making excuses, Yuno. But sooner or later, you'll be Kirsch 2.0 and can't spit it out. Do you really want to wait until the last possible minute to ask Asta out? High school is about dating people to learn about relationships and things. It's not a marriage proposal."

"You are a menace too. Why does anyone think you're cute and sweet?" Yuno asked, annoyed.

"Because I am cute and sweet, but also have to deal with dumb boys to have too much to have patience for your pining," said Mimosa, grinning. "You love me."

"Against my better judgement," said Yuno.

"Ask Asta out."

"No."


"Yuno, can I talk to you before practice?" William asked as Yuno stepped out of the locker room in his training shirt and shorts and sneakers. Though it was the day before break, basketball practice still happened for one hour. They had a big game coming up, their rematch against the Dark Disciples was Friday night after they returned from their break. The team was hyped to win this time, especially since it was a game to qualify for Semi-Finals.

"Yeah?" Yuno asked.

William had that Concerned Dad Look(™) on his face that made Yuno want to flee, rather than talk about his feelings yet again on the same day. William asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," said Yuno, deadpan.

"Yuno…" William said, concerned. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Dad," said Yuno. "I promise that I'm okay. It's not the biggest deal in the world. And we need to get to practice, we only have an hour today."

William sighed and patted Yuno on the back. "If you say so, but I'm always here."

"I know," said Yuno with a sigh. "Thanks."

Yuno and William joined the rest of the team. Coach Zara directed everyone to do drills in the meantime. And Langris looked contrite about something, who knows what it was this time? Yuno sighed. The practice was going just like normal. He both loved and hated it.

William said, "Alright! Let's break into our teams and have practice games. First to ten baskets wins!"

Yuno joined his Varsity teammates. He'd worry about other stuff later. There was basketball to play.

~to be continued