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Title: Who could have seen this coming?
Fandom: Original Fiction
Summary: [This story was written for 2022 May’s Yaoi Otaku Forums Writing Challenge. This month’s theme - Kabedon.]
AO3 Link
Writing challenge - Accepted and completed!
This month’s(May’s) theme: Kabedon (must include this scene in your story!!!)
3 given words: battle, insect, swap
Word count: 1013
Click here to read
Since their high-school days, Albus always sees his classmate Noctis as his worst arch-nemesis. He cannot understand what is so special about that guy.
That’s why the long silver-haired man constantly throws various challenges at him: from who would get a higher score in exams to who is better at sport. At some point, even who is worth claiming the title of being the king of arcade.
However, the fluffy ebony-haired student takes these challenges so lightly and as personal entertainment.
‘‘How dares he? Who does he think is he? One day, I’ll wipe that smug smile from his face and crush him like an insect!’’ Or so, Albus keeps telling himself as he observes his rival either from the nearest corner or whenever Noctis is chilling with his friends.
As time passes by, both enter the college. Yet, their never-ending fight continues. Or this is how Albus calls their relationship until they finally settle the score.
Perhaps this is what you call your desire to compete with someone worthy of your time and attention. It can’t be anything else, right? Or so, the long-haired man convinces himself.
Meanwhile, Noctis cannot help but feel amused by Albus’ dedication and passion for him. Besides, it is fun to hang out with his number one fan.
One day, the dark-haired man shows initiative first and challenges his old-time rival. Besides, he is curious about what kind of reaction Albus would have.
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives. It is a warm autumn afternoon in the local shopping mall.
‘Where is that stupid idiot? Did he trick me?’ Albus wonders while he checks the time on his phone.
After he looks around, he notices a familiar figure cheerfully waving at him ‘‘Yo! Have I made you wait?’’.
Yet, the silver-haired man replies while swooshing his hair ‘‘I just got here.’’. When Albus approaches his rival, he keeps his hands in the jeans pocket and thrusts his chest towards him ‘‘You wanted to see me. So, what kind of challenge are you up to?’’.
No matter how much he attempts to look intimidating yet, Noctis sees him as just a small animal trying to act like a big one.
It is still surprising how he endures the temptation to ruffle Albus’ hair and tease him. Although the silver-haired man is older than him, he still looks cute even when he gets angry.
In the end, Noctis casually replies ‘‘Not sure if you heard it, but recently here opened the VR room. I thought we could check it out. Besides, last time you seem to enjoy it. Anyway, how about we should make this more interesting?’’.
As Albus raises his eye-brow, he continues to listen ‘‘What if the loser would have to do as the winner says for an entire day?’’.
‘‘Anything you say?’’ The silver-haired man asks in a curious tone and continues with a proud smirk ‘‘Then, I hope you will still keep your word when I’ll claim my victory.’’.
‘‘If you are also prepared to do so. Because I’m not going easy on you.’’ Noctis backfire and then prompts his self-claimed rival to go.
After reaching the destination place and picking the games, which, according to Albus, would let them compete from the bottom of their hearts. And thus, another battle between two players begins.
So far, Albus seems to win the first round, which was a shooting game. Without any doubt, he proudly boasts about his oh-so-perfect accuracy and quick reaction.
Unfortunately, his arrogance blinded him, and he lost the second round, which was a sword fight.
Even so, there is one more round left. For sure, neither side shows any desire to lose. Lastly, the new match begins.
In the end, the outcome was surprising - it ended with a tie. Even if Albus isn’t happy about the result, he accepts it as just a delay in his victory.
Yet, suddenly, he widens his eyes when he feels how someone pats his shoulder. When Albus notices his old-time rival smiling and congratulating him, he lowers his gaze while murmuring in an embarrassed voice.
‘‘One day I’ll get him… somehow.’’ The long-haired young man thinks to himself.
Some time passes, and it is nearly a time when they should depart. Just as Noctis is about to bid a farewell, Albus holds his hand and walks towards a more desolate place.
At first, the dark-haired man is confused about what is happening. After reaching the park, Noctis just stares at the silver-haired man, who slams his hand against the tree and corners him.
When he takes a better look at his rival, he notices how hard Albus tries to keep a serious face while addressing him in a slightly shy tone ‘‘Listen, it’s not over yet!’’.
Noctis crosses his arms and continues to listen to another dramatic speech ‘‘Consider yourself being lucky! Perhaps this time, our match ended with a tie. However, this accident just delayed the inevitable. Next time we meet, I will defeat you, Noctis!’’.
The dark-haired man closes his eyes and sighs. ‘Let’s see your big talk when we’ll swap the roles~’ Noctis wonders as he stares with amusement.
‘‘Oi, you supposed to take this seriously because you will be under my foot.’’ Albus indignantly adds.
Suddenly, the long-haired man gets alerted when Noctis bends and escapes his rival’s trap. However, he is more surprised about the next move.
After his rival corners him with his arms and delightfully smiles ‘‘Now, now, it doesn’t mean that I would give up so easy, little man.’’.
Just when Albus expects something more to happen, Noctis puts his hand into his pants pocket while the other one ruffles his hair.
Surprisingly, he doesn’t mind such a gesture. Yet, this moment does not last long.
Even when a few minutes pass after his rival bids a farewell, Albus still can feel that sensation in his hair.
‘That stupid Noctis… Perhaps I’ll let it slide through my fingers this time and let him live. But he better be prepared for the rematch…’ Or so, he thinks to himself.
