Chapter Text
Kokomi Teruhashi was the perfect pretty girl. She knew it and everyone around her knew it. She was held to the highest of standards… and that can wear on a girl.
Since starting college, she’d been feeling even more pressure than high school had given her. She would get the best grades and easily befriend all her teachers, but what all she really wanted was to have someone she didn’t have to be perfect around.
Everyone thought she was nuts when she applied to the most basic of colleges, though she knew there was no shame in any of them. She wanted what she wanted; everyone else could keep it to themselves. Of course, the colleges to which she applied happened to be the same ones her high school crush had also applied. She wasn’t trying to follow him. Well, at first, she was. She could never figure him out. He was so aloof and, dare she say it, boring, but it interested her to no end. She wasn’t worried about her future. With her good looks she could really get away with anything so picking a particular career was not too worrying at the moment.
Kusuo Saiki just wanted a normal life. Since the moment he was born he knew his life would be anything but. It didn’t help that he was born with pink hair and purple eyes, something no one else in the world had. He didn’t notice it too much at first, but as he grew, he decided to alter the world a bit so he could fit in. After a few childhood incidents that basically exposed his powers to the world and a bit of moving around, his family had finally settled and he continued on his path towards normality. He was just trying to be normal and blend into the background completely unnoticed.
But why would the world let him have anything nice?
He knew Kokomi Teruhashi was going to follow him to whatever college he decided on, he’d given up on trying to shake her. He realized he didn’t mind her after he eavesdropped on a mixer. He heard her mention that she’d like him to be there even if he was just acting like a killjoy. Maybe she wasn’t as shallow as he initially thought, and maybe, just maybe, they could be friends. For real this time. And that’s when things started to get easier. He accepted her as her, and tried not to push down as much of his disdain for the friendship concept. It was an uphill battle, but one he resigned to as necessary.
So when he walked into his first class of the first semester, he wasn’t the least bit surprised to find Kokomi in the center of the room surrounded by members of her fan club. He could hear her inner thoughts mumbling about just wanting a reprieve. She knew that no matter what college she’d gone to she would have run into this issue. It was what it was, but it didn’t stop her from being grumpy about it. Her face showed no malice though, just a beautiful smile that lit up the room.
Kusuo sighed, resigned to being stuck with her forever. He had decided over the summer before college began that he was going to try a little harder with his friends. He showed up when they asked him to without making excuses or complaining, didn’t try to throw them off his trail because he knew they’d find their way back to him anyway. He wouldn’t say he and Kokomi were besties by any stretch, but they certainly were far friendlier. He heard her pleas and pushed past desperate creeps to snag the seat next to her.
“… yes, thank you, I--- Saiki! Oh, my gosh, you go here, too? You’re in this class?” Every boy within three meters of her scowled at him.
“Yes. I didn’t realize you’d applied here either. I heard you talking so I figured I’d sit here.” Kusuo slid his bag off and tucked it under the chair. Even though they’d been around each other nonstop over the break, talk of college was never really brought up. No one wanted to make it real, they just wanted to live in the moment.
“Great! Hey, maybe we can be study buddies, I hear there’s a nice little coffee shop just down the street.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She blushed a little, looking off to the side.
Suddenly, the room was flooded with “Hey what about me!” and “O-oh! I could be your study buddy too!” Kokomi had forgotten the swarm the moment Kusuo sat down. She examined her mistake.
“W-well, I mean, he and I went to high school together and—” but she was cut off by more yelling before the teacher came in and called everyone to take a seat. She flushed a little more thinking about what she had said. She meant what she said to Kusuo, she just didn’t mean to say it in front of other people.
Kusuo and Kokomi quickly found out nearly all their classes were the same. Kusuo swore to himself a bit. While he didn’t mind Kokomi as much, he still absolutely minded the gaggle of idiots that followed her like lost puppies. He heard her think to herself constantly about the various ways she could try to lose them. He chuckled to himself knowing that it wouldn’t be easy for her. Exhausting as it was, he decided to help her.
Their final class was released in the early afternoon, the air cool and the breeze calm. Kokomi followed Kusuo tight on his heels as he headed towards the road. He could sense her minions following close behind. He turned to look at her, nodding his head towards a large tree near the front of campus. She nodded back and they quickly walked to hide behind it. The group, who was far enough behind, was immediately confused and shortly dispersed, cursing as they went, freeing Kokomi from their watchful gaze.
“Thank you, Saiki,” she let out a relieved sigh, “I know I had this a lot in high school, but it seems to have only gotten crazier.”
He nodded, understanding and agreeing.
“So… about my proposition from this morning. Would you like to study together? At that café? I mean we have all the same classes; I think it would just make sense.”
Kusuo thought about it for a moment. Kokomi’s following was a problem, but if no one ever saw them it might be okay. Plus, he hadn’t been to that café yet, so there were coffee jellies yet to be eaten.
“Okay. That sounds nice. Lead the way.” He turned towards the road. She latched herself onto his arm, startling him. He didn’t hear her think about doing so it nearly threw him off balance. He didn’t actually budge though considering how much it would actually take to knock him over.
“Yay! I’m buying!”
Kusuo smiled a bit. With such a pretty girl on his arm, he knew she would pay next to nothing. It was practically an invite to have every coffee jelly they had to offer. He let her lead him down the street.
Kokomi always had a glow about her. A literal glow. It was always there, the intensity changing depending on her mood. Usually, when she was around Kusuo, it was fairly bright, like the headlights of a car facing you at all times. He knew it was because she liked him. And it was because of this that he realized she was shining brighter than he’d ever seen. It was like looking into the sun. He was glad he always wore shades otherwise it might blind him. He wasn’t sure how the average person could look at her without flinching in pain. He liked seeing her like this.
There had been times where the glow was nearly undetectable. It had only happened a few times but there was always a common denominator. Kusuo tried not to think of him and how annoying he was. No, that wasn’t going to be a thought he’d have today, today was just about getting treated to coffee jelly by a friend.
Kokomi knew her halo was brighter than usual. She was so glad to be where she was and even more glad that Kusuo hadn’t shrugged her off once she snagged his arm. Today had been perfect. All the same classes, he generally sat by her if possible, and he’d agreed to be study partners. Not to mention getting to go to a little café together. Yes, it was for studying purposes, but she had wished it was for more. But for now, friendship was invaluable. She needed someone to keep her steady.
Some time prior---
The gaggle of teens met at the Teruhashi household in small groups. It was Kokomi’s turn to host. They went in order, meeting at one another’s house every day, getting in as much time together before college began. This was their second time here. Kusuo didn’t care for this but at least they weren’t in his room very often. It was his one place away from the rest of them, and he liked to keep it that way, but when the decision was made there really wasn’t a way for him to say no. Besides, his mother wouldn’t let him.
He walked up to the door, Nendo and Kaido behind him, arguing over something stupid. He didn’t bother paying attention, mostly because he didn’t care but also because he knew they would rehash the whole situation once everyone was seated inside.
Kusuo hesitated at door. The last time they’d been here had actually been pretty nice. Kokomi had made some brownies and cupcakes and served them with coffee in her room. Kusuo hadn’t said this out loud, but they were some of the best sweets he had ever had. He’d given Kokomi a thumbs up when she’d asked how they were. She lit up the room, nearly blinding everyone at the positive affirmation given to her by her crush. They’d put on some music and played some board games. They’d tried Monopoly before they realized they’d very well kill each other over the housing part of the game, and Nendo had already squandered all his money anyway.
They’d moved on to Candy Land, a game Kaido complained was for kids. But secretly he had a lot of fun and was very excited when he won.
It was a peaceful visit.
This visit was not going to be like that.
Kusuo could hear Kokomi yelling inside. They were the first to arrive but she wasn’t the only person home. Her horrible brother was inside, trying to get her to send off her friends before they even showed up. Makoto knew that Kusuo was to be joining them and he was jealous. Kokomi was holding her ground but Kusuo could tell she was at her wit’s end. He sighed in frustration and rang the bell.
The yelling stopped. He could hear someone walking towards the entrance. Kokomi opened the door revealing the trio outside. Her face melted into relief for a brief second, happy to see Kusuo. She was happy to see Kaido and Nendo too, but it was a different feeling. Her happiness was brief though as she realized how this visitation might go.
Makoto and their parents hadn’t been home the last time they had gotten together. It was the single day Kokomi said she could host with no interruptions. No one really asked what that meant as not everyone was privy to the situation. Kusuo was happy with this news as he knew how much Makoto hated him.
That hatred had not left.
“Hi, guys! Come on in, I made—” she was cut off as Makoto rounded the corner and caught sight of Kusuo.
“YOU!” He began stalking towards him.
“Didn’t you say you had something to do in town today?” Kokomi rested her hand on the door frame, blocking the exit. She smiled but it was not a smile of glee.
“What, no, I don’t—”
“Yes, I’m sure you did, something about TV Tokyo?” She closed her eyes, a full grin spreading across her face. Kusuo knew that she was smart and powerful, but sometimes her charms only worked so much. Since Makoto inconvenienced him personally anyway, he decided to intervene.
“Yes, you have an interview today, you can’t be late like last time or they’ll fire you.”
“Oh, shoot, you’re right! I gotta go!” He hastily grabbed his jacket, threw on some shoes, and was gone in the blink of an eye. Kusuo smiled to himself. Makoto was a bad person, but at least he was also gullible.
Kokomi sighed. “Wow, I didn’t think that would work. I was pretty sure he had today off, but I’m glad he’s gone. Anyway, hi guys. Again. Come on in!”
They took their shoes off at the doorway. Kaido and Nendo had changed subjects and happily asked for Kokomi’s thoughts on their new situation. She chatted away with them as she led them up to her room.
Her room had changed from the last couple of times he’d been there. Before it had been pink, joyful, and extremely tidy, much like Kokomi, but now…
“Sorry about the mess, things have been, uh, hectic with, you know, getting ready for college and stuff,” she said as she began stacking things and shoving them off to the side. “I meant to clean up earlier, but Makoto kept demanding my attention, I barely had time to make treats. I didn’t want you guys to see this but it’s whatever.” She finished up by grabbing a blanket and throwing it over the coffee table in the center of the room. It covered up weird marks Kusuo was sure weren’t there before.
It was like a tornado had gone through her room. The bookshelf had moved next to the door, her bed in front of her closet. The books that had previously been on the shelf were strewn all over the floor as if the shelf had been dumped out. Loose papers and articles of clothing peppered the floor as well. She ran around stacking things and putting this with that. She made her bed, shoving other random items onto the comforter, which seemed to have some damage.
Kusuo sat down at the neatly covered table but raised a concerned eyebrow at Kokomi. She knew that Makoto had given him trouble before and he knew he was a perv, especially when it came to his own sister. She gave him a little worried smile with her eyebrows slanted, an attempt to brush off the questions Kusuo’s face was asking. He decided that asking wasn’t going to be very helpful so he focused in on her thoughts. He wasn’t getting much, it was mostly laments about the room not being clean and how Makoto had to be so rude, but that’s all she thought before the doorbell rang and she ran off to greet the others.
Kaido and Nendo whispered between themselves about why the room was in such disarray. It hadn’t been like this last week. They quickly changed the subject once Kokomi came back with drinks and sweets, Chiyo, Aren, Mera, and Hairo in tow. She dispersed the drinks, giving Kusuo her birthday mug, as the remaining members of the group took a seat. Aren and Chiyo flanked Kaido, much to his excitement, which he very poorly hid. Hairo and Mera joined Nendo as they left a spot for Kokomi next to Kusuo.
Kokomi gingerly sat down next to Kusuo. At this point, everyone had figured out she had a crush on Kusuo and she was… not exactly fine with it, but the cat was out now, so no use denying it. She was thankful no one ever made a big deal about it but they still made sure she was close to him.
Kusuo now had acknowledged as well that he knew about her crush and made sure she knew he wasn’t weirded out nor did he think any less of her. He was confused about why it was him, and had said so, but was fine. He just wanted to be friends. Since then, she’d been much less tightly wound around him and it became smooth sailing though her feelings were still there.
Kusuo nibbled on his slice of cake, savoring every bite. Kokomi had really improved on her cakes. He wondered if it was just practice or if she’d learned something from his mom. Maybe both. He grabbed the mug to have some of his coffee when he realized it was the third time in a row she’d given him that mug. While she still wasn’t aware that he was actually the one to pick it out, it was her favorite and she liked sharing it with him. He was glad it was at least one good memory she had about Makoto.
Oh, right.
While everyone ate and talked, Kusuo sat silent, only speaking when spoken to. While everyone was busy discussing the edibility of something Mera mentioned, he nudged Kokomi slightly, trying to get her attention without alerting anyone else. The brush of his shoulder on hers sent a chill up her spine. She looked at him, lifting an eyebrow. He returned the look but with concern knitting his eyebrows together. She looked down, cheeks turning pink, not from making eye contact but from anger. He didn’t need to be a psychic to understand what she was saying. She knew he’d heard something, and besides, Makoto nearly attacked him. She looked back at him, an apology forming on her lips. He shook his head just enough for her to see. It wasn’t her fault. She had to know that. She looked away again, tired and forlorn.
Kusuo moved his hand onto her knee and patted gently, reassuring. She truly turned pink after that but felt a small wave of relief cover her. While he was glad they could communicate like this, he decided he’d have to hover afterward to ask her directly why her room was the way it was. She wasn’t thinking about it and was focusing very hard on the things in front of her, so he hadn’t yet figured it out.
The rest of the visit went smoothly. They played some charades (in which Kusuo and Kokomi were continuously paired up since they worked so well together), a few rounds of Candy Land, and then they rounded out the evening with a “friendly” bout of Uno. Makoto never came back while they were there which Kokomi was incredibly thankful for.
They left little by little, Aren and Kaido left together to continue their evening, Chiyo and Mera coupled up to get dinner, Hairo and Nendo went off to the gym to play a friendly match or twelve. Kusuo hovered. He heard the thoughts of his friends as they left, realizing he wasn’t leaving just yet. Kokomi also noticed and was secretly, to her non-psychic friends anyway, ecstatic that he was still there.
After the last pair left, she returned to her room where Kusuo was still sitting, having his third slice of cake. She came in and closed the door, locking it. She wondered if that came off as weird but ignored that thought.
“So… you’re still here!” she said, cheerily but confused.
“Yes, I hope that’s alright with you. I wanted to check on you before I left. You seem distant.” He felt weird speaking so bluntly. He hadn’t before really, but he knew something was up and became concerned. It was a new side effect of having friends. It had always existed actually; he just hadn’t acknowledged it until now.
“Oh… uh, yeah, I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong at all.” Her lip began to tremble. She tried hard to keep her composure.
“I don’t mean to pry, it’s just that, well, your room is a bit unlike you,” he said, grasping for words. Normally he had so much to say, but this was so weird. He would have avoided this if she’d only thought about it before.
“Oh, yeah, that. Well you know, college is starting soon so I thought I’d rearrange… or something. Just trying to, umm…” She could feel some tears welling her eyes.
He suddenly heard all he needed to hear.
“He’s giving you trouble, isn’t he.”
It wasn’t a question. She looked at him just as her face gave way. She started crying, shoving her face into her sleeve as she collapsed to the floor.
“I have to barricade myself in here at night. He tries to get in, I don’t know why or what he wants. I had to do it after I woke up one night with him staring at me, inches from my face!” She let the tears flow freely.
Kusuo didn’t know what to do about his friend crying. He’d seen her cry before but it was just an acting trick. This wasn’t, this was real and full of pain and anguish.
“That’s why I was so worried too when you all came over. I didn’t want him here. Especially,” she paused, looking away, “since I knew you were coming. I was so excited to see you but he hates you and I didn’t want him to harass you or anyone else but he’s so persistent and he’s bigger than me!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms out in a show. “I didn’t want to tell you guys no, mostly because I didn’t want to tell anyone. This is my mess.”
“No. It doesn’t have to be.” Kusuo, having paused since she started crying, resumed eating his cake.
“I don’t want anyone getting involved. He has power and money, I don’t want him trying to do something stupid.” She rubbed her eyes. The tears had slowed, her face was red and blotchy but still breathtakingly beautiful. Kusuo pondered how she pulled it off.
“I’m aware. But Teruhashi, you can’t be going through something like this alone. I know he’s a creep, but I don’t know how I can help you until you tell me. Or anyone else in the group.”
She chuckled sadly. “I’m ashamed. I don’t want to tell anyone. I really didn’t want to tell you, but…” She grabbed a napkin to dab at her perfect pink nose. “Well, clearly you can see right through me.”
He didn’t have the heart to tell her that that was something he literally could do. He’d most likely tell the group about his powers one day but now was definitely not a good time.
“It is what it is. Promise me you won’t tell anyone?” she asked.
“I promise. But also promise me that’ll you’ll ask for help whenever you may need it.”
“I think I can try to promise that. Here, umm, why don’t I give you my phone number?” She reached into her pocket to fish out her phone. Kusuo was glad for a moment that his parents had gotten him a phone. He didn’t really need one on account of him having telepathy and all, but they insisted. They swapped numbers and sat there in silence for a few moments, enjoying each other’s company.
“Thank you, by the way,” Kokomi said finally.
“For…?”
“For checking in on me. I really appreciate it,” she said, twirling a piece of her hair.
“Oh, yes. You’re welcome. I’m trying to… be a better person. I figured that paying better attention to the people around me, my, uh, friends, would be a good start,” he said tentatively, unsure of how to address his feelings. “I also hate your brother and don’t want him bothering anyone,” he added.
Kokomi let out a laugh, a genuine laugh.
“Well, I appreciate you and your honesty,” she said, smiling.
“I’m glad. Anyway…” he stood up, “I’m going to head out now. You have my number now so let me know if you need anything. I don’t want you at the mercy of your brother.”
“Thank you. I think I’d actually just like to text you every now and again, if that’s alright,” she said, standing to open the door.
“That’s fine. We’re friends. We can text. Let me know how things are going.”
“I hope to get the same in return,” she said, winking.
“Of course,” he said, smiling a little.
He followed her downstairs where he put his shoes on a bid her a good night, with a reminder that she could text him about anything at any time. She assured him she would though he knew she might not.
He began the trek home feeling… relieved? He couldn’t find the exact word but he felt better having opened himself a little to her. He was honored she’d opened a bit too. He knew she’d had issues with her brother but she never thought about it long enough for him to gauge the situation. Now he knew a little more and prepared himself to destroy Makoto Teruhashi if he ever came near his friend.