Explainations in order

Firey stood silent for a moment, trying to find a way to explain himself in a way that didn't make him seem as strange as he probably was.

"So uhm... I might've.. I, uh. I found out that..." Leafy was looking at him expectantly. "I might've found out Coiny has a secret hideout and it's behind that shelf so I-"

"He what?!" Leafy whisper-yelled, still being mindful of where she was despite her surprise. "There's hidden rooms in this library and I didn't know?! Why don't I get one..." Leafy trailed off, realizing she was getting off topic. "Ugh, anyway! How did you find out?"

Firey swallowed, "I uh... followed him during lunch and saw him going in through a back door." I sound like a stalker, I'm a borderline stalker. Oh no.

"Wait, is that why you skipped out on lunch with me and Pin on Monday?" Leafy inquired. "Now that I think of it..."

oh god she's putting the pieces together. Firey thought, his hands forming into fists at his sides.

"You skipped out on lunch yesterday too! Have you been coming here to w-" Firey put his hand over her mouth before she could finish her sentence.

"Ahah!! let's leave the library it's so dusty in here, and nobody needs to hear this conversation." Firey whispered before taking his hand back and leading a, practically gawking, Leafy out of the library.

He pushed the large doors opened and glanced around before Leafy forced him to face her.

"You've been skipping lunch to watch your rival in a secret room in the library!! For what, blackmail purposes?!" Leafy exclaimed, somewhat worried at whatever Firey was getting into.

"No! well yes.. " Firey realized Leafy was glaring at him. "No to the blackmail part, I'm not that mean! I.. I have sorta been coming to the library to uhh... i dunno.. watch him." he felt his face getting warm.

Leafy was stunned. "What am I supposed to say to that..?" she thought aloud unintentionally, not immediately realizing so.

"I don't know! I don't know why I care so much either, I was hoping you would!" Firey said back, gesturing wildly and feeling embarrassed. "do... do you know..?"

"Oh my fucking god Firey." Leafy mumbled putting her head in her hands. The taller was immediately scared, as Leafy rarely cursed, and when she did it meant bad things. She mumbled into her hands again, too quiet for Firey to hear.

"C-could you repeat that?"

Leafy sighed, "Have you ever... considered... that you could possibly, y'know..... like him?"

"I don't like him. he's my rival that's like.. the whole point?" Firey said, tilting his head to the side.

"Oh my tree Firey I meant like... like-like him." Leafy deadpanned, almost astonished at her friends obliviousness.

Firey felt his face grow hot, "w..what?! No way! I... No he's... no!" he stumbled over his words. "I mean, even if I did, which I don't, he's dating Pin!" Firey felt an odd ache in his chest saying those words. "Even if he weren't, I'd have no chance with him if I liked him! We hate each other!"

"...It's too early for this." Leafy faced up at towards the ceiling, her eyes closed. "Just consider it ok? I'm gonna get to class to study. We have a test in 3rd period today."

And with that, the noirette left without another word. She wondered if maybe she'd been to hard on the other, but quickly shot it down knowing he'd probably had worse from the very boy he refused to admit he might feel something toward.

—————————————

Coiny jolted as he heard speaking from behind him, he couldn't catch what was said, but the voice was definitely familiar. He turned from where he was sitting before standing and walking up to his dresser to look behind it.

He couldn't see much in between the cluttered books, but he heard footsteps. It was brief but he could tell there was more than one person, and they had seemingly left in a rush.

...I shouldn't think too much of it, probably just some people passing by...

He couldn't help the nagging feeling in his chest though. He decided he was done hanging out in what he called his house of hiding from life, and instead left to see if the cafeteria was giving out free almost expired waffles like they did sometimes.

Coiny entered the school, only to see Leafy tiredly stepping out of a hall. The hall leading to the library.

Did I hear her?! I guess it did sound like her... who was she talking to then?

The brunette turned to the hall Leafy had just exited, and saw Firey sitting leaning against a wall and just staring at the ground. His cheeks dusted with pink.

What's up with him?

Coiny wondered, before once again thinking back to the earlier occurance. I'm sure i heard multiple pairs of footsteps... could it have been him and Leafy?

He couldn't ponder though, as more students filled the halls and the first bell rung. Coiny repositioned his bag on his shoulder and began his trek to his first class, all the while still thinking back to Firey standing outside of the library.

Cute.

———————————

Leafy like "omfg why are gay people so stupid" while having 💗💛💙 in her tiktok bio

also sorry this is out kinda late, i wanted there to be chapter art but i couldn't start it so