Will life always be on wash, rinse, repeat?
Seven
Orithyea
Chapter 13: The Invitation
Tsuna was expecting it. After all, rather than it being unexpected, it was something inevitable. A mixture of horrification and relief creeped through him. His eyes were stuck at the sight of them walking hand-in-hand, and with each step came with a stab through his heart. At the act of someone elbowing him at his side, he finally managed to tear his eyes away from them and focused it on Gokudera who was also leaning on the window pane to his right.
Gokudera rested his cheek on his hand and looked at Tsuna. "You're being way too obvious, idiot. You knew this was bound to happen, right? All because of your martrydom and shit." He returned his gaze to Kyoko and Hibari on the grounds. "Be thankful people would think it's Sasagawa you like."
"I do like Kyoko-chan, I think," mumbled Tsuna. "I feel so stupid. I should be glad for Kyoko-chan, right? But why do I have to feel this way? Why can't I just silently like Kyoko-chan and...and forget about Hibari-san?" The brunet vigorously scratched his head. "Liking someone is so hard! Why didn't I experience this with Kyoko-chan? Why does it have to be Hibari-san of all people?"
"Maybe you're mixing gratefulness for the feeling of liking someone? That's pretty common you know," said Gokudera lazily. "You're just realising it now because you have someone you genuinely like now."
Tsuna stared at Gokudera before answering, "I think it's wrong to say that I'm just grateful to her. Feelings and emotions...they're rather unstable, aren't they?" He suddenly chuckled. "But are you a love guru of some sort now, Gokudera-kun?"
"Aside from aliens, Hayato likes watching soap operas, Tsuna."
"Morning, Yamamoto." He greeted as the newcomer leant on Tsuna's other side. "And thanks for that tidbit. That's rather...," he scrutinised Gokudera who was frowning at the baseball player, "unexpected."
"You need to learn to shut your mouth." Gokudera glared at Yamamoto.
"Come on now." Tsuna immediately rested his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I think it's fine. I like them too. Speaking of which did you watch last night's episode of The Sky and the Cloud?" he asked, pertaining to the weekly show popular to both teens and adults.
"Yeah!" Gokudera swiftly returned his attention to Tsuna. "That fucking Cloud is so pretentious and arrogant. Who the fuck does he think he is for ignoring the Sky just like that? The Sky obviously likes the Cloud. The Cloud's a moron. A moron, I say."
"The Sky was pretty brave, huh?" Tsuna frowned. "I feel sorry for him, though. It must've hurt a lot to be treated like air by the person he likes, but there are other guys who like the Sky. Maybe he'd fall in love with them? I hope not. I like him together with the Cloud."
"That's why I told you the Cloud's a moron. He thinks too highly of himself."
Yamamoto joined in. "Maa, I don't know anything about that show, but isn't it unfair to say that the Cloud's a moron? He might have his reasons."
"What do you know, idiot?"
They stopped talking once the entire class turned silent. The three of them turned their head to see Hibari and Kyoko just entering the room. Nothing special were exchanged between the two. Hibari only nodded at her and left the room, not even sparing Tsuna a glance.
The Cloud... He may not actually like the Sky like the Sky does to him.
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"Hey, Hayato. I can't believe you disrupted Nezu-sensei's class just to talk with Tsuna about that soap opera you were talking about earlier."
"None of your business, baseball freak."
Tsuna chuckled. The bell had just rung and they were all on their way to the rooftop for lunch. It was funny, though, the way Gokudera forced Tsuna's seatmate to exchange seats with him just to continue his conversation with him about the soap opera. It was another side to see from Gokudera, and he found it flattering that his friend trusted him enough for him to see it. Slowly and surely, he felt himself getting closer and closer to the two, although he had the nagging feeling that Yamamoto was hiding something from him, but he chose not to dwell on it, choosing to trust in his friend.
Upon opening the door to the rooftop, however, he was beyond shocked and felt stupid for not considering the possibility of what was in front of him to happen. The thought escaped from his mind, but now that he was viewing it in full, he felt his throat parch.
"Ah, Tsuna-kun!" Kyoko happily smiled at him, which he returned with a forced one. He suddenly remembered that Kyoko went out first by the time the lunch bell rang.
"Just act normal and don't do anything stupid," whispered Gokudera. Tsuna gulped and gave a subtle nod in acknowledgement. They sat down at the space the rest of the members provided, with Tsuna between his two friends and Kyoko beside Yamamoto, who was on his right.
"It's been a while since we had lunch together, right, Tsuna-kun? It's a good thing I cooked fried eggs today. Do you want one?" Kyoko offered her lunch box to Tsuna, unaware of his rising panic. "But it's not as good as your mother's. She's the best, isn't she?" She giggled.
"Thanks, Kyoko-chan." Tsuna hesitantly took one of her fried eggs and laid it down on his own lunch. He gawked at it and refused to bring his eyes up, mindful of the fact that his behaviour might come off as foolish knowing that Hibari was beside Kyoko.
Tension undeniably filled the air and Tsuna didn't know if he was simply overreacting or overthinking the situation. For now, he decided to stay quiet and let the time pass by, hoping that someone would break the ice, even Mukuro's perverse tendencies would be gladly welcomed.
"Is it hot in here or is it just me?" said Mukuro, looking up from his mobile phone. Tsuna was about to roll his eyes at the silly line, but stopped when he noticed Mukuro looking at him not in the usual way, but in a manner that spoke of curiosity.
"The hotness can be suffocating, eh?" It was Reborn who answered, taking off his fedora and fanning himself with it.
Kyoko's face showed blatant confusion. "Eh? I don't find it particularly hot. Maybe it's because of your uniforms?"
"Y-yeah, you're probably right." Tsuna gave a pleading look at Mukuro and Reborn to stop. He knew they could sense the tension in the air, and he didn't want it to grow.
"By the way," Tsuna could no longer count how many times he was grateful to Yamamoto, "you guys are coming to watch the baseball match, right?"
"No way," said Gokudera bluntly. "Who'd want to watch you swinging sticks?"
Mukuro closed his mobile phone with a snap. "Kufufu. Obviously you. Like a lost dog ever loyal to his master."
Gokudera growled. "You looking for a fight, pineapple-head?"
"I'm not interested in fighting a puppy."
"You bastard!" Gokudera clenched his fist.
"Maa, calm down, guys." Yamamoto raised his hands up to his chest. "I'm not forcing anyone to watch it, but I'd like it if you did. Mukuro and Reborn-senpai didn't watch last time, right? How about this time?"
"Mmm...depends. Is Dame-Tsuna coming?" Reborn cocked an eyebrow at the brunet.
Huh? Why would he care if I come? Confused, Tsuna answered, "If Yamamoto wants me to come, I don't see why not."
"Of course I want you to come, Tsuna. That's a given. You and Sasagawa can come together!" Yamamoto slapped his back while laughing.
"Okay then. I'll go. This might become interesting." Reborn smirked at Hibari.
Mukuro raised an eyebrow at Reborn. "Oya? I'll go too then."
Tsuna's confusion about Reborn's comment didn't quell. Instead of problematising it, he simply ignored it and began enthusiastically thinking about the game. He honestly didn't want to get involved with the intimidating upperclassman much. The game's in less than three weeks, I think? Or maybe more? I'll ask Yamamoto later.
After Yamamoto's save, the tension lessened and the air became lighter. It returned to normal with Gokudera and Yamamoto the only ones conversing, and with Kyoko dividing her attention to the two and Hibari beside her. Tsuna remained quiet and simply observed, quite out of the mood to chat. Sometimes he'd catch Reborn and Mukuro looking at him and will only receive a wink or two. Those acts made him wary throughout the meal.
The door behind them was slammed opened and Tsuna, both surprised to see the newcomer and at the noise, jolted. It was Kyoko, however, who reacted first. "What are you doing here?"
Ryohei crossed his arms and glared at Hibari. "Oi, Hibari! I've extremely heard that you're dating my little sister. How dare you ask her out without my permission!"
Kyoko hurriedly stood beside her brother. "Wait! I was the one who asked Hibari-senpai out, so there's no reason to be mad."
"Is that so? You should tell me next time! I didn't know you extremely liked Hibari."
Kyoko blushed. "This is really embarrassing. Have you had your lunch?" She asked Ryohei.
"Yeah. Oh, Sawada! Want to join the Boxing Club?" Ryohei bent his knees beside Tsuna.
"N-no, Ryohei-san." That's like the hundredth time you asked me!
"Welcome to the club, Sawada Tsuna!" Ryohei rested a hand on the brunet's shoulder. Hie! I didn't even say yes!
Kyoko sighed. "Don't force him into your club."
"I'm not forcing! Right, Sawada?" He looked at Tsuna. "Come for dinner at my house. I'll give you an extreme welcome!" He waved upon leaving the rooftop. Tsuna could only gape at Ryohei's back, failing to comprehend what just happened. He shook his head and inwardly panicked. I don't want to join the Boxing Club! I'll just tell Kyoko-chan later that I won't go. She'll understand.
"Maa, Ryohei-senpai is really passionate, isn't he? I see him sometimes during their training." Tsuna was about to respond but didn't so upon noticing Kyoko chatting happily with Hibari. Hibari didn't seem interested, but then again, he was like that to him, too. He didn't know whether to be glad that Kyoko didn't appear special to the prefect or to be sad that Hibari treats everyone equally, and that included him. In his ex-lover's eyes, he was a nobody.
The continuous emotional turmoil was taking its toll on Tsuna. He wished it would end already, that he'd go back to being friends with no conflict with Kyoko. The brunet was sure that Hibari would truly come to like the girl, ever sweet and kind Kyoko that no person could ever come to dislike.
Whatever insecurities Tsuna had regarding Hibari and Kyoko, he'd have to let it go and let fate decide on it. He knew that whatever outcome the one-week relationship would come up with was something he could never change. There was still the bright side despite what has happened recently, and he was genuinely grateful for that. He refused to think that the latest happenings merely revolved around the concept of love.
"Hey, Tsuna!" Tsuna snapped out of his reverie and looked questioningly at Yamamoto. "Lunch is done. We better go back to the room."
"Oh." Tsuna blinked and hurriedly cleaned his lunch box. While walking towards the door, he stole a glance to his back, sighing at the sight of Hibari helping Kyoko clean up.
Just turn away, Dame-Tsuna.
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"My brother is always happy when he talks with you, Tsuna-kun," said Kyoko. She and Tsuna were working on a paired work. Normally, he would have been happy with having the girl as her partner, but with guilt shrouding him, he hadn't the heart to actually be avid about it. "I think it's because he also sees how strong you are."
"B-but I'm not strong! You've seen me beaten up numerous times already." Tsuna protested, eyeing the worksheet in front of them.
"The word strong doesn't always pertain to physical strength, Tsuna-kun. You're strong. I wish you would believe in that." The girl softly smiled. "I've always been beside your side, and I've seen it firsthand so many times."
Stop it! Just stop it! "Thanks, Kyoko-chan. And I'm sorry, I really am," he whispered the last part.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Thankfully, Kyoko decided to ignore it, but not without giving him a strange look. "Hibari-senpai will be coming over for dinner, too. I'm kind of nervous, honestly. It's already last period. I hope nothing will go wrong. But with Tsuna-kun with us, I'm sure it'll be all right! We should all go together."
Tsuna's eyes widened. Hibari-san's coming, too? Already? That was fast! He must really be interested in Kyoko-chan then. "Uh, sorry, Kyoko-chan. I'll catch up with you guys. I...," don't think I have the guts to see you together, "have to ask Nezu-sensei something. But it won't take long, so don't worry!" he hastily added. He felt guilty for lying to Kyoko, but he didn't want to see them together; confusion still clouded him.
"Oh, I see." Kyoko jumped at the sound of the bell. She redirected her attention to the teacher who was asking for the worksheets before the students go out. "Oh, no! We still have a blank. I think the answer's the third one. What do you think, Tsuna-kun?"
"Uh, then let's go with that?" Tsuna scratched his head. Sorry, Kyoko-chan. I barely contributed at all.
Kyoko nodded. "Okay then." She shaded the third option. Standing up, she smiled at the brunet. "I'll see you later at my house, Tsuna-kun."
Sighing, Tsuna watched as Kyoko left the classroom, debating whether or not to follow immediately or not. Dinner would be awkward, he was sure of that. Half of his mind was screaming at him to ditch it, but he knew he could never do that. He'd never ditch Kyoko for such an asinine reason. Finally, he decided to take his time in walking. After all, Kyoko would probably want to have some time alone with Hibari.
Tsuna stood up and was about to grab his bag when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to meet Gokudera's eyes. "So you're really going? That's pretty tough of you."
"Kyoko's still my friend no matter what happens," said Tsuna firmly. "I can't blind myself with selfishness."
Gokudera stayed silent for a while before asking, "Want me and Takeshi to go with you just until outside the house?"
Tsuna's eyes widened, and laughed. "Gokudera-kun is so nice! I can't believe I thought you were scary at first—"
"No need, puppy. I'm going to borrow Dame-Tsuna."
"Reborn-senpai?" Tsuna gaped at his senior walking towards them. He was thankful the other students left immediately aside from a few who stared warily at Reborn. "W-what do you need from me?"
"You have a dinner to go later, right? I'll accompany you."
"Oi, Reborn-san. Stop inviting yourself. You're just adding to Sawada's stress."
"Since when have you been good friends, eh, Gokudera?"
At his reply, Gokudera sputtered. "W-we're not."
Ignoring him, Reborn turned to Tsuna. "We're late, aren't we? Let's go."
"Eh? But that will be rude to Kyoko-chan!"
"Don't worry. I've been there before, and I won't be eating."
Doubtful and not wanting to be on his bad side, Tsuna hesitantly nodded. "All right then. We should go now. Bye, Gokudera-kun, and thanks for the offer of coming with me." He smiled.
Ignoring him, Gokudera walked towards Reborn and leant towards his ear, whispering something Tsuna couldn't catch. Once they were done, Gokudera simply left the room without another word, making Tsuna worried and afraid for himself. He was alone with Reborn.
He was alone with the Reborn.
Reborn, the upperclassman who frightened him to no end. Reborn, the scariest and most enigmatic among the Vongola. At least the school knows Hibari's whole name, yet no one even knows if Reborn was his true name. Maybe Hibari-san knows. I should've asked him. Now aware of his situation, Tsuna said nervously, "L-let's go then."
He expected their walk to the Sasagawa household as nerverwrecking.
And it was.
Reborn's presence was that of intimidation. He carried an aura that discouraged people from nearing him alongside the charisma that acted as magnets, drawing them to him. He was paradoxical. Tsuna had seen him numerous times in the school, but never had – not that he wanted to – talk with him. Somehow, he reminded him of Hibari, but unlike the latter, Reborn wasn't that reclusive nor that bloodthirsty. At least he hoped so. He hadn't forgotten that Hibari lost to the very guy next to him.
Which begged the question: why was Reborn interested in him or in the very least acknowledged his presence? It wasn't like they were chummy in the past. Whenever Tsuna passed him in the halls, he would bring his eyes down and glance back at the senior's sturdy back. He'd never deny admiring him, or the entire Vongola for that matter. They were acknowledged, confident, competent, and other utterly positive descriptive words in Tsuna's vocabulary.
Everything he was not.
"Didn't think you'd had the guts to go through with this, Dame-Tsuna," started Reborn.
Tsuna turned rigid at hearing Reborn's voice be addressed towards him. He mustn't show weakness. He would show them that he was strong. "Kyoko-chan's still my friend. That won't ever change," he said firmly, astounded at his own tone. "Not even a silly crush on Hibari-san can change it." Silly crush...
"Silly crush? Do you believe that?" Reborn stroked his chameleon.
"That's why I said it," retorted Tsuna. Of course I do.
"Of course you do," he said as if reading the brunet's mind.
I wish you'd stop being so omniscient. "Why do you want to come along anyway?"
"The wolf and the rabbit, who devours who, Dame-Tsuna?"
Confused at the change of topic, Tsuna slowly answered, "The wolf devours the rabbit. Don't rabbits just eat carrots? So I guess they're vegetarians?" Reborn chuckled. Tsuna waited for him to elaborate, but he only remained silent. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Um, why did you ask?"
"Are you a wolf or a rabbit?"
"Err...a rabbit?"
"Why?"
Tsuna didn't know whether Reborn was trying to humiliate him by asking him to state what was already obvious or was just literally curious. "Because they're small, so they're weak." He repeated, "They're weak and easily defeated."
"Yet there are plenty that survive, Dame-Tsuna."
"I-I don't get where you're going with this, Reborn-senpai."
"What do you think Hibari is?"
"Obviously a wolf. A ferocious one." Tsuna chuckled at the thought of the prefect as a big wolf. "But unlike normal wolves, he doesn't travel in packs. He's probably the king of them." He paused. "You're a wolf, too, a manipulative one."
Reborn smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
It wasn't supposed to be one. "Uh, why are you asking these questions, Reborn-senpai?"
"Just curious. Will the wolf succumb?" Tsuna opened his mouth, but was interrupted. "Rabbits can die from loneliness, Dame-Tsuna, it isn't only because of the wolves."
"I still don't—" Tsuna stopped and gulped at the sight of the Sasagawa household. They were there already, and he felt his guts waver. "Maybe we shouldn't—Hie!" Reborn had already pressed the doorbell. Immediately, the door opened revealing Kyoko.
"Tsuna-kun, we've been waiting for you! And you came with Reborn-senpai. My brother will be very happy." She laughed. "Come in, come in. The food's ready, I just have to set up another plate."
"Sorry for not telling you earlier," said Reborn.
Nodding and smiling stiffly, Tsuna entered while Reborn greeted Kyoko. He took his time taking off his shoes, hoping that Reborn and Kyoko would go ahead of him to set the mood to a good one. To his dismay, Reborn stood waiting for him, but Kyoko had gone ahead. "Hurry up, Dame-Tsuna."
Knowing it would be better to just go ahead and get it done, Tsuna sighed and stood up. To his annoyance, Reborn smirked and tilted his head to the living room, as if challenging him to go first. He bit his lower lip and hurried past Reborn, determined not to lose his resolve.
Upon entering, Tsuna was surprised to see Ryohei and Hibari getting along, assuming that was the right phrase to use. The former was speaking with Hibari in a manner not different from the norm, rambunctious and with his voice resonating throughout the room. What surprised him further was the fact that Hibari wasn't showing any sign of irritation. Maybe it's because he's in their house? Duh. He mused. But then grey met orange and Tsuna immediately averted his eyes.
Stop.
Ryohei stood up and placed an arm around Tsuna's shoulder. "Sawada! We've been extremely waiting for you." He immediately looked at Reborn. "Hey, Master Paopao. Are you here for some extreme training?"
Reborn nodded once. "Not now, Ryohei. I came as Dame-Tsuna's companion."
"I didn't know you were friends with Sawada. That's extremely good then! More training for Sawada!" Tsuna cringed not only at his volume, but at what he said. He certainly wasn't interested in joining the club. He had to figure out a way for Ryohei to realise that. While Ryohei was giving him the rundown of events, of which he didn't really pay attention to, in the corner of his eyes, he noticed Hibari stand up and glare at Reborn, who in turn smirked and lowered his fedora.
Tsuna was afraid that without Ryohei, he would've been crushed by the tension that was increasing at a rapid rate. Fortunately, Kyoko served as the ice breaker as she announced that everyone can go to the dining room. Their arrangement went was as such: Reborn, who took his fedora off as courtesy, and Tsuna sat together with Kyoko and Hibari in front of them respectively. Ryohei was at Tsuna's right, to which he was grateful as he hadn't expected to be face-to-face with the prefect.
"What did you talk to Nezu-sensei about, Tsuna-kun? I'm quite surprised since you don't really like him," said Kyoko.
At this, Reborn raised an eyebrow at Tsuna. Beyond embarrassed at being caught lying, Tsuna's thoughts flew off. "I-I-I...i-it was about s-something."
"Ah! I'm sorry, Tsuna-kun. I didn't mean to be rude. Please forget I asked."
"Oh, no, no! It's about, uh—"
To his surprised, Reborn spoke, "He just asked me to tutor Dame-Tsuna for a while. That's all."
Tsuna wasn't sure if he should be annoyed that Reborn made it seem like he needed help with his grades, which was something he acknowledged himself but still found it painful to hear from others, or be grateful that he managed to save the brunet from answering.
"So, Sawada. Let's talk about our extreme training," said Ryohei in the midst of chewing.
"About that—" started Tsuna.
"Every morning we extremely run three laps from your house to Nami-chuu and work our way to Namimori Square."
"But—"
"We start tomorrow, so you need your extreme rest later! And eat a lot of meat!" Ryohei began rapidly placing food on Tsuna's plate.
"I'm not that hungry—"
"Herbivore, be quiet," said Hibari with an annoyed expression.
"Oh, Hibari. You want to join us? You're extremely welcomed! You too, Master Paopao."
W-w-what?
"No," replied the prefect bluntly.
Thank goodness.
"Sure," said Reborn.
No thanks.
Hibari raised an eyebrow at Reborn. "I'm surprised you're interested."
"Why wouldn't I be? Exercise is good for the body, right?" Reborn twirled one of his chopsticks. "Makes me more...let's say...carnivorous?" Hibari scowled, but didn't talk back.
Meanwhile, Kyoko was scolding her brother. "It's nice to be lively, but we're eating. Stop bothering Tsuna-kun and Hibari-senpai. Besides, Tsuna-kun might be busy with Reborn-senpai in the following days."
"Sorry, Kyoko. I guess Master Paopao can train and teach Sawada at the same time, right, Sawada?"
Tsuna cringed at Ryohei's brightness and suggestion. "Uh, sure, I guess."
"Oi! Didn't you say you and Hibari will be busy, too?" asked Ryohei to Kyoko. "I need to find someone else to extremely spar with me."
"How about Mukuro, Ryohei?" asked Reborn. "I'm sure he would be glad to."
"Mukuro? I'll extremely ask him tomorrow."
Tsuna didn't miss the sly grin plastered on Reborn's face. He was sure Mukuro wouldn't appreciate the constant bombardment of sparring invitations. Glad at the sudden bright atmosphere, he turned towards Ryohei. "Uh, Ryohei-san. Why do you call Reborn-senpai Master Paopao?" The words felt foreign to his tongue.
"Didn't you know? Master Paopao is from a boxing dojo in China. He's extremely strong, even Hibari agrees. Right, Hibari?" He raised a chopstick to Hibari's direction.
Bad question, Ryohei-san.
"Be quiet, herbivore." Tsuna secretly grinned when he noticed Hibari suppressing himself from threatening the boxer. He had always thought the prefect of simply doing whatever he wanted. The company must be that valuable for him to actually stop himself.
Or maybe not.
Tsuna recalled Hibari's words to him: "I am a man of my word, Tsunayoshi." He found it admirable how Hibari sticks to his words so much that he willingly constrains himself. Perhaps if he could restrain himself at school while still following the rules, the student body would find Hibari to be likeable and not that fearful anymore. He chuckled at himself upon imagining a Hibari who simply scolds students instead of beating them up. That's a scene he would have a hard time to get used to.
"What are you laughing at, Dame-Tsuna?"
Tsuna stopped his train of thoughts when everyone in the room began looking at him with expectant eyes, except for Hibari, who he couldn't read. Thanks for bringing the spotlight to me, Reborn-senpai. "N-nothing really." He waved his hand. Desperate to change the topic, he asked, "I didn't know Reborn-senpai was from China, so is Paopao is a nickname from there?" It sounds silly, he thought, refusing to voice it out.
"Maybe, maybe not," said Reborn.
"Actually, my brother and Reborn-senpai are classmates. I'm not sure who challenged who, but they got into a fight and that's how they became friends, right?" She eagerly looked at the two guys.
"Friends to the extreme!" Ryohei reached his hand behind Tsuna to pat Reborn on the arm.
Tsuna wanted to laugh. Reborn glared at Hibari who was smirking at him. If it wasn't for Kyoko's presence and them being in the Sasagawa household, Reborn would've retorted. Two carnivores, as Hibari said, being restrained.
"Reborn-senpai is actually pretty friendly, isn't he?" said Tsuna teasingly, all fear for the intimidating teen lost. He grabbed his glass of juice and drank.
He honestly didn't expect Reborn's comeback.
Reborn slipped an arm around Tsuna's neck and leered at him. "I can be as friendly as you want me to be, Dame-Tsuna."
Tsuna almost dropped his glass in sheer surprise and trembled at the contact. "U-u-uh. T-thanks, I g-guess?" He attempted to remove the arm, but was firmly rejected. Appalled, he glanced at Hibari who didn't seem bothered at all by Reborn's behaviour. Feeling his heart drop, he stopped struggling with Reborn's hand. As if noticing it, Reborn squeezed Tsuna's arm and removed his from the brunet's shoulder.
Why am I expecting anything, anyway?
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Kyoko looked left and right at the empty streets. "Hibari-senpai and Tsuna-kun take the same route, right? Maybe you should walk home together. It's already late."
Tsuna turned his head towards Kyoko so fast that his neck hurt. Of course he doesn't want to go home with the prefect, and he wished they would stop putting him in compromising situations. He couldn't blame them, though, no one would understand how he feels. "A-actually, Reborn-senpai and I are going out, so he'll be taking me home!"
What?
Too late.
Silence.
Eyes wide, Tsuna attempted to fix whatever he said, but utterly failed in forming a coherent thought. "N-n-no! I meant that we were going to, uh, that he was...um. I didn't mean—"
"Oh, is that so! Don't worry, Kyoko. Sawada will be extremely safe with Master Paopao!" said Ryohei.
"Tsk, tsk, Tsuna-kun. Did you want it to be a surprise?" Kyoko giggled.
No!
"It's simple as that. Sorry for keeping it from you," said Reborn, grabbing Tsuna's hand. "Come on, Tsunayoshi-kun. I'll take you home. Thanks for the dinner."
Tsuna didn't know why he said that nor did he even remember what he exactly said. It barely registered that Reborn called him by his name instead of his famed nickname. All he wanted was to not be alone with Hibari anymore. He simply allowed Reborn to hold his hand and lead him away from the household. Gulping, he slowly looked back to see Ryohei and Kyoko gone.
...and Hibari looking at them with narrowed eyes.