Chapter Text
Isu was confused.
Ever since kindergarten, Khun and Bam were inseparable. Always joint at the hip, eating together at every opportunity, studying in the same place all the time, practically living in each other’s space.
He was sure that if he asked anyone in their friend group if they’ve ever seen Bam – or Khun in that matter – alone without the other. They would just roll their eyes, probably look at him with an annoyed gaze and say, “As if that were possible.”
With that being said, he was bewildered with the sight in front of him.
A certain brown-haired boy, eating alone in the cafeteria, his belongings a forgotten mess next to him. Still, there was a backpack in the chair in front of him, probably placed in that position with an intent to save a seat for a certain blue-eyed man.
Now that would be normal, but Bam looked out of it, almost like a kicked puppy.
He got close enough to the table, finally seeing Bam.
And man, what a sight.
He wasn’t even touching his food, eyes focused on the horizon as it would give him answers. Golden eyes that for the first time weren’t shining as bright.
Where on earth was Khun?
Deciding that he would take matters into his own hands, he took his auto-proclaimed title as group dad and approached Bam. Like a man on a mission, Shibisu reached out to Bam as if he was a wounded animal, slowly and with great care.
“Bam?” he said slowly, looking at the golden-eye boy.
Said friend wasn’t paying attention, playing with his food with a lost glance.
Isu tried again.
“Why are you alone?”
Still no reaction.
But Shibisu was a man with resolve! He could do this! So, Bam was out of it, what about it? And Khun was nowhere to be seen.
Wait.
Khun was nowhere to be seen.
Where on Earth was Khun?
Maybe – hear him out – maybe , the bluenette’s disappearance had something to do with the fact that Bam was distracted.
Hoping his theory was right, he asked, “Where’s Khun?”
And bingo.
The mere mention of the name made Bam snap out of it. Which was great, you know, but now he looked at Shibisu like a kid who was just told that Santa wasn’t real. A glassy look clouded with uncertainty.
He started to worry.
“…Bam?”
“He isn’t coming, Isu,” his voice sounded broken, eyes back at his food.
The whole picture was unsettling. Bam, who was always a happy ball of sunshine, now looked at his plate as if it had wrong him somehow.
His brain decided it was the best time to start functioning again.
“Wait, what?”
Bam looked at him with exasperation, as if he had told him that two plus two equals four, but Shibisu would have answered with five.
He gave Bam a confused look, silently asking what was happening.
“He said he would come, but one hour has passed, and he isn’t here.”
His friend sounded worried, honey eyes looking at his phone with a pleading look.
Okay! If I’m going to help my son here, I need to act out.
“Bam,” he said with a careful tone, “Can you give me more context please, don’t ramble all by yourself.” At this point, he was practically begging for information.
“Khun.”
I mean, I already knew that, but okay.
Bam looked hurt, and as much as he wanted to help him, Shibisu still needed some context, thank you very much.
“Uhm… okay?” Bam rolled his eyes, taking him by surprise. Bam never did that, Khun had really messed things up.
Still, concentrating on his phone, Bam finally gave him more information. “He said we’ll have lunch together since we haven’t really talked at all these last weeks.”
Okay, that was straight-up weird. Khun never broke a promise, at least not to Bam.
“I’m sure he’s just busy, you know with all the council meetings, being seniors ourselves-” Damn, Isu needed to pick a side. He wanted to give Khun the benefit of the doubt. Maybe help him out a bit, so he didn’t lose his dignity while apologizing to Bam, like always...
“This is the fourth time in two weeks,” Bam cut him out with a sharp tone, “Do you think Khun’s ignoring me?”
He almost laughed, he really wanted to. It took him all his self-control, and a reminder that Bam was sad, not to do it. Khun? Khun Aguero Agnis ignoring Bam? A meteorite will first have to fall for it to even be possible, but Bam needed his support. So, he calmed down for his friend’s sake.
“Ignoring you?” he said with a careful tone, “Khun may be an asshole, but he would never do that to you.” Bam looked at him with some hope. He didn’t know why Bam would ever feel that way.
The blue-eyed man was so in love with Bam that it wasn’t even funny anymore. A wave of concern finally hit him. He didn't have a clue about what was happening with the duo, but it didn’t seem right.
Them fighting was something that he never thought possible.
So, he tried to sit on the chair near Bam, but seeing as it was reserved for Khun, he probably shouldn’t do that. Instead, he took the seat in front of him.
“Do you…?” Damn, Shibisu he’s your friend, man up, “ Do you want to talk about it?”
“No,” was the first answer, and it kinda hurt a little of Isu’s pride, but it was okay!
Bam, for the first time in their conversation, looked at him, “Maybe.”
Finally, with a resigned look, Bam said, “yes.”
He was glad that Bam decided to tell him. Now, Isu would do whatever was necessary to help his confused son.
“Okay! Tell daddy Isu what’s happening,” he exclaimed in his best dad voice.
Bam laughed, even if it was a humorless laugh it was enough to make him glad to finally have some sense of normality back. The laugh didn’t last long, but at least a little smile stayed.
“It’s just, since last month, Khun’s been ignoring me. First, we don’t have lunch together every day, as we always do.” Noted, Isu could see that.
“Then, he said he’s too busy to come by my place and study,” Bam remarked with a displeased tone, ”when we always study together.”
Okay. That was new.
He saw Khun studying with Rak a few days ago, but he passed it by, not aware of the situation. Damn, Khun was really avoiding Bam.
“And now all he’s doing is dumping our plans for the last three days,” his friend practically shouted, “I don’t know what is happening anymore. Did I do something wrong? Rak says I have to talk to him, but he’s just ignoring me” He sounded defeated, probably because his best friend had been ignoring him all week.
Wow , Isu thought, that was a lot of information for just one minute. His brain was still processing, but it was cut short when he heard the distinctive voice of the man in question.
“Bam!” Khun was panting, probably from running all the way to the cafeteria.
Shibisu finally took a second to see him. Khun looked disheveled, his uniform completely out of place, his faultless hair a mess. His so-called ideal image wasn’t there anymore, instead it was replaced by a desperate boy.
“Bam,” Khun said with a relieved sigh.“I’m so sorry, meeting run out later than expected, and then Ran just made a stupid decision, so we had to-"
The man was still trying to explain himself, gesticulating with his hands, in a fruitless attempt to say he was sorry.
Isu peeked a glance at Bam, he saw hope and happiness materializing in his eyes. Only for it to be replaced by anger. Honey eyes burning with irritation.
Oh.
Oh no.
Shibisu prepared for the storm, silently praying for Khun.
Bam got up the table slowly, his food – and Isu – forgotten.
“Why are you ignoring me?”
Okay, Isu wasn’t ready for a direct hit.
Khun stopped mid-sentence, mouth still open, as if he still had more to say. Finally, he shut up, giving Bam an understanding look.
Damn, he wanted some popcorn. His theory was proven right, it was a love quarrel. Except that it really wasn’t actually a love-love one, you know, because they’re still just friends.
“What are you talking about?” Khun sighed in disbelief.
Shibisu didn’t know where to hide, he wanted to see the drama, of course, but he feared for his life.
“You know what I’m talking about,” oh boy Bam was mad, “You’ve been ignoring my calls, replying dryly-” He said while pointing his phone at Khun.
Talking about Khun… he was dead silent. Mouth opening and shutting down in a fish-like motion, probably thinking about what to answer, trying to say something, Bam cut him again.
“In our chat with Rak, you haven’t said a word! Even when Rak gave us that ridiculous idea of making a spicy banana salad.”
Okay, this was escalating quickly. Even though the drama was entertaining, and he could have some pretty good blackmail material, Shibisu knew they needed some privacy.
“You know I’m not doing that,” Khun responded with a shivering tone.
“Wh- What?! Of course, you are! Ask Rak if you-” If Bam’s reaction was any indicator of it, Shibisu needed to get the fuck out of it before Khun noticed him.
“Uh… guys?” Khun and Bam turned their heads around to look at Shibisu. Apparently, Khun had just realized he wasn’t alone with Bam. A frivolous gaze was directed at him, blue eyes shining in irritation, but it was betrayed by flushed cheeks.
“What are you doing here?”
Shit.
Isu tried, he really did, to answer Khun. His whole body was in a fight or flight mode, words wouldn’t come out of his mouth.
Finally, he directed an apologizing gaze to Khun, who just shook his head, sparing his life. Thank god. His savior looked back at Bam, eyes becoming soft. And well, Isu would never think Khun was a softy, but damn.
“Can we talk somewhere private?” Khun finally murmured. Hands fidgeting and eyes practically begging Bam.
Oh my god, he’s so whipped.
“Man, you already made a scene here, why don’t continue?” He muttered under his breath, hoping to keep it a secret. However, the other two had heard him. Bam chuckled, even though it was a little almost inaudible chuckle, it was enough to save his life. As the blue-haired man stopped looking at him with icy eyes.
“I’m just saying…”
Bam gave him a little smile, and as usual, Khun looked at the chestnut boy in wonder. His friend looked mesmerized by Bam’s smile. It was kind of sad, Khun always looking, and Bam always oblivious to it.
“Okay,” Bam murmured, “let’s go. I want to hear what you have to say."
“Uh? Oh right we- uh- yeah go,” Khun finally shut up, nodding with a stern face.
And just like that, they disappeared. Leaving Isu with more questions than before.
Welp, what to do now? The pair had left him with all of Bam’s things. He’ll just wait like it's nothing. Right?
He scrolled absently through social media, thinking about what he’ll ask once Khun is back. His phone told him it had already been five minutes, so they were supposed to return soon. He received a message from Rak, which was kind of weird?
[Rak the tiny leader]
Turtle have you seen Black and Blue turtle?
Shibisu chuckled, of course Rak would be worried, they were his two best friends after all.
[Dad]
Of course, cafeteria. Had a near-death experience from all the tension.
After pressing send, he wasn’t surprised when Rak appeared at his line of sight, looking a bit intimidating as always.
“Turtle! Where are Black and Blue turtle?” Right, they had left like seven minutes ago, but he didn’t know where. Rak was still waiting for an answer, tapping his feet impatiently.
“Dunno, disappeared a while ago,” he commented offhandedly.
“These stupid turtles finally figuring things out,” Rak murmured with an annoyed tone.
Yeah, there was this whole thing with Khun ignoring Bam, Shibisu was still in the dark, but apparently, Rak wasn’t. He decided to prove his luck.
“You know what happened?” Rak gave him a pointed look, judging if he was worth it.
“Blue turtle was being stupid,” he gave the other a curious look urging him to explain himself. “Two months or so ago, Blue turtle received a call. He hasn’t been himself since then.”
Oh?
That picked his interest.
“Do you know from who?”
“Of course, I’m the leader!” Rak practically shouted, “…and I interrogated him a week later. He mentioned It had something to do with Maria, you can imagine the rest.”
Yeah, he could. The Khun family was a sensitive topic in their group. He could guess that Khun was spacing out for something his family had said. It probably was a Bam related theme, that would explain why he was ignoring the chestnut boy.
Khun was probably trying to save Bam from his family.
“…Is this why Bam looked so hurt?”
Rak nodded sadly, “Yep, but Black turtle doesn’t know about it. He still wanted to give him space anyways before graduation comes.”
“But aren’t you three becoming roommates for college?”
Last he knew Bam, Rak, and Khun had rented a place for college years. After lots of fighting, they finally found a really good apartment.
“Well, that’s the plan, but Blue turtle is ignoring us, which is annoying. Especially for buying stuff for the apartment.” And now Shibisu was stuck between a rambling Rak. Great.
“It’s good those two are finally communicating. It was becoming crazy how much I had to do for them to have a chance to talk, I even had to suggest doing a spicy banana salad,” Rak gives him a displeased look, ”see? completely desperate.”
Wait.
Oh my god, even Rak was done.
And that’s it, Shibisu lets out a laugh so loud that a few people turn back to see him with a questioning look. I swear to god these idiots.
“You done?” Rak said with a poker face.
Clearing some little tears, he nods, still laughing. They fall into a comfortable silence until Isu realizes it’s already been ten minutes. No signal of Bam or Khun. Deciding it was enough, he rises from the table.
“Well, I’m leaving,” he makes a peace sign, “guess you’re going to take care of Bam’s things, right?”
“Who do you take me for? You ridiculous turtle,” Rak hums loudly, Shibisu smiles while waving goodbye.
When he finally got out of the cafeteria, he couldn’t help but think that it had been quite an afternoon. He just wanted his friends to resolve their issues and return to their oblivious-but-so-in-love phase.
Nothing – and when he means nothing, he really means nothing – prepared Shibisu for what he would see once he got behind the cafeteria.
Nothing.
If anyone asks, he didn’t squeal, he didn’t make a sound...okay, maybe Isu made a surprised noise, but how could he not?
Back in the alley, hiding from the noise in the cafeteria, were Bam and Khun. Staring at each other, maybe a few meters apart, wait, did Khun’s eyes looked red?
In a blink of an eye, Bam threw himself into the arms of the blue-hair boy. The other answering by instinct, bringing him closer to his body. Just like that.
Well, shit.
Now he couldn’t unsee it.
He wasn’t even trying to find them, but now he wanted to punch himself.
So, in the metaphorical scenario in his head, he thought that if he found them, they would be fighting or some ridiculous shit as they’d always do. He never thought, even in his wildest dreams, that he would see them hugging. Okay, wait, while it was true that they were best friends, he had never seen them so touchy. Maybe some time ago?
But this was more than a mere hug. It was more like, well, more like Bam clinging to Khun while the other man was focused on stroking the brunet’s hair. While Bam hid his face in Khun’s neck, the other one was mumbling apologies, saying them slowly, like a prayer.
Without a second thought, he hid behind some plants. He would never forgive himself if he ruined their moment, god knows everyone in their group was waiting for this to finally happen.
We’re just best friends, my ass .
He took out his phone and started trying to take a good photo, just because he wanted to be able to blackmail Khun with it later on.
Bam talked, still nuzzled on Khun’s neck, voice strong enough that Khun could hear him, and for Isu to catch up on some parts.
“So, you’re not ignoring me?” Bam looked up slowly, disentangling himself from Khun just enough so he could talk more freely. “You really aren’t tired of me yet?” Khun looked down, surprise in his eyes.
“What are you saying, Bam?” Khun chuckled, and Isu swore he could feel the love on Khun’s tone.
Ugh, they’re disgusting.
The blue-eyed Khun cradled Bam’s face in his hands, with care, like it was a sacred thing, almost scared of breaking it. Then he lifted his hand just enough for them to be eye to eye. And with the softest tone of voice he ever heard Khun use, he said.
“I would never get tired of you, love.”
Wait. What.
Wait a damn second.
Something in his brain stopped working. Brain cells? Yeah, he didn’t know them.
Were they finally together? Was it really happening? Someone hold him because Shibisu is not sure if he’s going to faint now, or if it was just the surprise of hearing Khun refer to Bam as ‘Love.'
Yes, now he was even more confused. Someone, please, take him out of his misery.
Last time he checked, they were still in their we’re-just-best-friends-even-though-we-want-to-be-more phase. When did it change? He needed to know, but right now wasn’t the time. They were obviously having a moment.
They were having a moment. Oh my god.
Shibisu decided then that he would ask Khun later, and he wouldn’t take an excuse from his friend. And so, he left them. There was still a lot of homework to do.
It’s hours later that he sends a message to Khun, asking when he finally had the guts to confess. Also wanting to know every detail, word by word, of how they become a pair officially.
What he wasn’t ready for was the message he received from Khun immediately after he sent the text.
[Khun, my love]
What are you talking about Isu?? Bam and I are just friends.
What kind of bullshit is this?
Shibisu swears that he screamed so loud anyone two blocks away could hear him.