"...(M/n)?"

"Hm?"

"...What happened this morning?"

"..." You suppressed a sigh as you tugged on their hand to sit down on a nearby bench by the RAD garden, just outside the cafeteria.

From there, you proceeded to enlighten them on exactly what had transpired this morning. From the moment you kicked the box to the locker beside it, until the moment you bolted away from the duo.

Yuki looked just as dumbfounded as you expected them to be. Not that you could blame them.

It was ridiculous, truly.

"Turns out, I was right about not liking Asmodeus at all in the first place. I mean, what kind of obnoxious dumbass would pull such a spectacle? Did he really think proudly announcing someone's love letter to him would make them glad? God, he's so fucking despicable." You ranted to Yuki.

Your friend frowned immensely, not feeling too great knowing damn well they were the reason. They sighed before shivering. Though...

"...That shiver seemed like you're holding back a laugh. Spit it out, Yuki."

"...Pff–" They began to tremble, digging their nails into their skin to try and reduce their laugh.

It wasn't right to laugh at such a situation.... But it was just too ridiculous of a situation you had landed in this morning.

"I'm going to sock your nose if you don't stop."

"B-but (M...(M/n)..." They began, trying to cough and wipe away tears that built up in their eyes. "...I was kidding when I told you to say it was you!"

"I panicked, okay? Saying I was tasked to put it there might raise suspicion, by the way. And Solomon was there. I don't know." You knew they had a point. Your heat crawled up your neck at the brutal and embarrassing memory.

"...Still, I appreciate you looking out for me then. It might have been easier for you to have just said it was me in case they asked."

"I don't really want you to get upset with me in case I didn't do what you said." You spoke in a lower tone as you confessed. Yuki paused, blinking twice as they processed your words.

You heard them sigh. Slowly, Yuki grabbed your other shoulder and pulled you in for a side hug. Your eyes widened slightly.

"...Stupid, why would I be upset, when I persuaded you to do it in the first place?" They shook their head gently. The action made their hair tickle your cheek as you closed your eyes in resistance.

"...I don't know."

"You almost always go along with the dumb shit I do, so why would I be upset. I practically owe you more than I could ever know." They pulled away, shooting you a sheepish grin. "I don't know what the hell I did in my past life, but it must have been really huge for me to be rewarded with you."

"That sounds...idiotic, Yuki. How sappy." You hid a smile as you tilted your head down slightly.

"Whatever." Yuki rolled their eyes before patting your back. "So, I'll be here whenever you need me, alright?"

"...Excuse me, You're Yuki from class A3, right?" A voice called out. You flinched as Yuki scooted away frantically. Your friend turned to look at the source.

"...Yes, I am. Do you need anything?" They inquired. The student you recognized as Belphegor handed them a clipboard, a few papers attached. "You forgot to take these earlier. You said you'd take care of this for Lucifer, didn't you?"

"...Damn." Yuki took the clipboard and skimmed over it. Then they sighed exasperatedly. "Thanks. I must have rushed to leave earlier and forgot to take it."

Belphegor gave them a nod before taking his leave.

You took a look at the items printed neatly on the paper. "...You're running errands for the student council?"

"Well, I came across Lucifer earlier in one of my classes and he just asked me to take care of it."

"You didn't deny it?" You hummed in thought. Yuki shook their head. "I'd have loved to. Lucifer is just not one of the people you can say no to. Not in a good way."

"Fair enough." You skimmed the words for the last time. "...It says you have to submit this by the end of the day...?"

"Um, I'd love to do this now, but..." Yuki's eyes trailed over to you, silently pondering. "I just told you I'd be here for you."

"I'm not in dire need of your presence right now. And besides, I don't recommend being the recipient of Lucifer's wrath." You leaned back on the bench. Yuki hummed. "You'll be fine on your own?"

"...What am I, a child?" You raised a brow teasingly. Yuki chuckled. "Sometimes. But anyway, if you're so sure, then I'll try to finish this as soon as possible, then I'll look for you immediately."

"I'm not sure you can finish that within lunch, but alright."

"...And I know you really dislike Asmo after what happened." They hesitantly started. You raised a brow, not expecting them to pull out the subject randomly. "Uh huh?"

"...So when he approaches you again, you can just do what you want as long as you don't get in trouble."

"You're giving me permission to punch him if he annoys me?"

"Technically, punching him would earn you detention and possibly worse." Yuki corrected. "I don't know. Just don't land yourself a harsh punishment or something."

"And you're fine with me possibly socking this guy you liked because...?" You trailed off with a mischievous grin. Yuki turned around. "I don't really like him as much after I saw how insensitive he was earlier. I mean, even though he didn't know it was mine. Either way, he was a real asshole for doing that."

"Yay." You cheered in a very unenthusiastic manner. Yuki waved goodbye before taking their leave.

You glanced around the garden in an attempt to distract yourself. Or at least to find something to do alone.

A mop of white hair caught your eye. Your eyes met with blue ones. Now having your attention, Solomon waved casually with his usual polite smile.

"(M/n)."

"Solomon." You nodded as a greeting. "How long have you been near? I thought you were studying."

"That's what I told Asmo." He sat down next to you. "I'm curious. How long have you been friends with Yuki?"

"How random. Have you been eavesdropping for a while?" You tilted your head to the side with a smile. Solomon chuckled. "Maybe."

"I've been friends with them for a while, I suppose. Though that isn't really specific." You vaguely informed. Solomon shrugged. "I don't mind. I heard your friend liked Asmo?"

"I suppose so." You nearly scoffed. "I can't believe you manage to stand that guy."

"He's not that bad, I swear." He defended with a sheepish smile. "But I can admit what he pulled just now was bad."

"Hm." You mindlessly hummed, unsure of what to reply with.

"..Are you jealous?" He started suddenly. You paused, straightening in your seat. You fixated your gaze into Solomon's eyes, wondering what the hell that meant.

As if sensing your question, Solomon chuckled. "Oh, I mean, of Asmo."

"What the hell do I have to be jealous of that guy? "You grimaced in disgust. Solomon held back a laugh at the pure disgust on your expression.

"...Maybe Yuki's affection, although it diminished just now?"

"...Cut to the chase, Solomon. Don't beat around the bush." You knew fully well of Solomon's tendency to run circles around the topic in amusement to watch people grow nervous.

"...I'm saying you may like Yuki." He smiled innocently as he remarked. Seeing your eyes narrow, he laughed. "Did I hit the nail right in the head?"

"Solomon, I don't really care about what theories you form in your head, but I appreciate it if you just keep them there, alright?" You evaded the question, finding it ridiculous.

Ridiculous of how close and on point it may have been.

"Oh, so I'm incorrect?" Solomon paused, pondering to himself. You sighed, standing up. "I have to finish a few school work. I wonder why you lied to Asmodeus earlier about you studying. Maybe you can't stand him after all?"

"That's not it at all." He chuckled. "I was just curious as to what he'd do without me."

"Solomon, you're not making a very good impression on me right now." You shook your head in dismay. "Whatever. See ya."

"..."