Asmodeus had been awfully quiet for today.

Ever since you last saw him this morning at your house, up till now.

Even when you were arguing with Mammon and provoking him, Asmo didn't say a word. Lunch? Nothing as well.

That's why you found it highly strange when he broke out of his stupor and wrote on your palm with his finger.

'I love you.'

And apparently, "Sure." was not the right answer.

You thought he was just joking around as always.

Like when he'd just throw around 'I love you' in a carefree manner. You figured it was just an automatic thing.

Hearing Simeon mutter to himself about it being a little cold, you unzipped your jacket and offered it to him. In a bashful manner, Simeon waved his hands around in refusal. Saying something along the lines of not wanting you to be cold instead.

About a minute passed before Asmo suddenly stiffened in his seat on your desk. You turned to him, seeing his expression overcome with terror.

"...Asmo? What's up?" You were beginning to get concerned.

"...(M/n)."

"Yes?" Your brows furrowed.

Asmo had been calling you by your name quite a lot.

"You're not planning on ditching me, aren't you?"

"...Ditch you where?" You weren't sure what he was talking about, really. He sighed, leaving your desk. "Just...don't."

"I won't, but..." You trailed off as you watched Asmo go towards his desk, not sparing you a single glance. You sighed inwardly, looking back upfront.

"Anything wrong?" Simeon questioned from beside you. You pressed a finger on your cheek. "I think I upset Asmo."

"Oh. Um, did you apologize?"

"I should. If only I knew what I did exactly." You pondered.

Was it because you didn't reciprocate his words of affection?

But if you did, wouldn't that be a lie?

The male chuckled from beside you.

"Well, knowing you, I'm quite sure you'd be able to figure it out and make it all fine." Simeon assured, putting down his pencil and closing his notebook. You turned your body to face Simeon. "Make it all fine?"

"Yeah." Simeon shot you with one of his charming smiles. "After all, you don't exactly want Asmodeus to be angry at you, wouldn't you?"

"Why's that?"

"Because he's your boyfriend, right?" Simeon chuckled. "And because you're concerned. You don't want Asmodeus to be angry, either with you, nor with anyone."

"What does that mean? I'm not that concerned." You softly scoffed. Simeon paused, only to giggle and stand up. "(M/n), it wouldn't hurt to show a little compassion towards Asmodeus, wouldn't it?"

Your eyes widened slightly, wanting to retort, only to find yourself speechless. You watched Simeon give you a sweet grin before leaving. He made his way to the back where Solomon sat and handed him a few papers. The duo conversed, leaving you with a sense of solitary now that both Simeon and Asmo were gone.

"...That's because I don't want to love Asmo." You sighed, talking to yourself in a stubborn mutter. "What's the use in compassion, anyway?"

Finally, the teacher entered the room and class began shortly after.

- - -

Solomon and Simeon carried the conversation after you, Mammon, and Asmo left the classroom. Having no after school meeting with the council, Mammon and Asmo were free to do as they wished. Yuki soon joined your group.

It made you quite uncomfortable to have Asmo be so quiet. You inquired about it earlier, but he dismissed it. And your pride didn't want you to keep digging to find out.

When you all neared the gate, all of you looked at one another, as if silently bidding farewell before splitting.

Surprisingly, Asmodeus went first. He waved in a dazed manner before walking away in a slow manner.

You pressed your lips together in contemplation. Then you parted them.

"Asmo."

"...Yeah?" He momentarily paused, cocking his head to look back at you. You felt your heartbeat quicken before you swallowed. You had to look away and cast your gaze to the side.

"...Be careful on your way home."

His gaze lingered for a few more moments before letting out a sigh. "Yeah. Thanks."

"..."

No one in the group spoke as Asmodeus' silhouette disappeared into a corner. Then Solomon whistled. "A quarrel already?"

"Oooo." Mammon grinned. "I'm surprised it's ya who did wrong."

"What happened?" Yuki questioned.

You sighed, form slumping at the comments. "Dunno. He started getting all quiet and worn out since this morning."

"Really? Nothing else?" Mammon raised a brow, haing expected more drama. You nodded.

Simeon hummed. "Still, I'm concerned."

"...(M/n), what did you intend to say before Asmo left?" Solomon questioned. You shrugged. "Not sure. I was...thinking of walking him home, I guess."

"Why didn't you?" Simeon followed up sheepishly.

"Doubts." You vaguely answered. "Anyway, Yuki. I have a bit of leftovers from last night and I don't want it to spoil. Want to come over for dinner?"

"Did you cook?" Yuki tilted their head to the side and leaned closer in anticipation. Mammon was visibly surprised at the reaction, prompting your smugness to grow. You nodded.

"Hell yes!" Yuki practically cheered. Mammon huffed before rolling his eyes. "I'm going."

"Ha? Who invited you?" You mocked. He playfully shoved you to the side. "Ya told me to come over earlier, you ass!"

"Psh." You rolled your eyes as you turned to Solomon and Simeon.

"How about you two?" You smiled at the duo, extending an invite. Simeon shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't this evening. I have to take care of a young cousin of mine. Maybe another day."

"I'm going to Simeon's to see Luke, too. Maybe next time." Solomon declined.

"Alright then. See you tomorrow!"

- - -

"How do I apologize for not saying I love you back genuinely?"

"...Are you talking to me?" Yuki paused abruptly as they were in the process of shoving a sandwich down their throat. You frowned. "Who else? Mammon?"

Said male scowled.

"Um, I don't know about things like that. Actually, why would you think I know anything about that?" Yuki swallowed.

"Well, you're being courted, right?"

Mammon perked up at your words.

"Well, you're in a relationship, right?" Yuki mockingly refuted. "What's this about? Asmo saying he loves you ingenuinely?"

"No. I think it was me."

Yuki choked, prompting Mammon to smack them in the back with too much force. You deadpanned.

"Gross–"

"Excuse me, what?!" Yuki soon cackled, tears in their eyes. Both from choking and amusement.

You then summarized all that progressed earlier as you reheated the food from last night's dinner.

Mammon held back a laugh, fidgeting with the utensils. "What, so Asmo's all butthurt 'cuz you didn't say it back?"

"I don't know, alright? It's ridiculous for me too." You exhaled exasperatedly.

"Then why don't you say it back?" Yuki chuckled. "Didn't you say yes to his courting?"

"I only answered Asmo because I wanted him to stop courting me, remember?"

The laughter promptly stopped, having Mammon and Yuki process your words. The former froze. "...What?"

"...Wait, you guys weren't listening?" You were surprised and a little annoyed. Mammon crossed his arms. "Why didn't you just reject him?!"

"He was persistent and all! You don't think I tried?"

"Why didn'tcha just tell him you were straight or somethin'?" Mammon nearly exclaimed. You paused.

"...Actually, you're right."

"...Shit, no hesitation." Yuki winced. "You really don't love Asmo? Like, at all?"

"Asmo told me he was looking for a partner because he wanted 'experience.'" You used air quotes to emphasize. "So, I thought I'd give him just that."

"So you're not treating this relationship as a real relationship?"

"He isn't either, right? He's just pretending, see." You shrugged nonchalantly as if it wasn't a big deal. "It's like...acting or something. I dunno."

The duo made swift and awkward eye contact, a frown and grimace decorating their expressions.

"...What?" You raised a brow at the silence, turning off the stove. Mammon couldn't hold in a sigh. "Geez, man."

"Um..." Yuki hesitantly began. "Have you ever thought that maybeee... Asmo actually does love you?"

"Yuki, you told me yourself, didn't you? Maybe he just thinks he likes me." You chuckled at the memory. Their eyes widened.

"Wh– I was just... spouting out nonsense back then because I was bitter! You shouldn't believe everything I say, you know!"

"Bitter, why?" You adjusted your grip to keep your skin from grazing the hot pot.

Yuki pressed their lips together before sighing. "I don't know. I guess I just didn't want to lose you to Asmo. As my best friend."

"...Yuki, I'm not the type to just dump my friends once I get into a relationship, much less a fake one." You rolled your eyes. Yuki chuckled sheepishly. "I know. Maybe I just got...paranoid...?"

"Well whatever." You brought the pot to the table and set it down on a pot holder. "It doesn't matter, really. I mean, it's not like I care whether Asmo actually likes me or not."

"..." Mammon stared blankly at your face as you worked.

'What did Levi call me earlier? A...tsundere? I think that's what (M/n) is.'

- - -

The next day came, and Asmo was still as quiet as ever. You inquired once again about his dilemma in the morning, and he answered the same.

"Just distracted with some things."

He looked anxious.

And you knew that was bullshit.

Seeing Solomon calmly shake his head teasingly at you during lunch made you scowl.

When the group split up for classes, Simeon told you he was off to the bathroom and that you should go on ahead. You were reluctant, but Solomon pulled you aside to talk before you could protest.

You stared at his face blankly, eyes half-lidded. He crossed his arms, a ghost of a smirk present in his features.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing." You confirmed. Solomon chuckled.

"(M/n), just communicate with him. Ask him what's wrong at least."

"Why should I?"

"Ah-ah! Red flag!" Solomon smirked, leaning closer to peer at your face. "I didn't know you were a hypocrite."

You couldn't lean back to create space between the two of you because the wall was already close behind you.

"Wh– Excuse me. What part?"

"The part where you refuse to communicate? Didn't you tell Asmo he should communicate when something was wrong?"

You stiffened at his reply. Seeing this, Solomon's smug aura intensified, much to your demise. He uncrossed his arms and patted your shoulders.

"Look. If your partner's avoiding you, don't avoid them back unless they've made it clear they don't want to talk to you. But as you can see–" Solomon made a strange motion of his hand rotating in a circular manner. "-- It's not like that in this situation. And you, being the great boyfriend you are," He smiled, feigning innocence. "Will the rational thing, right?"

"..." You shot him an exasperated look as he let go of your shoulder.

"...Well, see you next period, (M/n)!" He then turned around, waving goodbye before leaving you on the lone corner.

...

What the fuck was that about?

- - -

You thought last period would be the next time you'd be seeing Asmo, but no.

The physical education teacher thought it would be a fun surprise to gather everyone from other sections to play a few matches in volleyball. Abruptly.

Because, fuck math, right?

Maybe you could disappear into the back and not have to play the whole hour.

Multiple students in your grade gathered at the gym after changing uniforms, as the PE teacher ordered. Simeon waved you over.

"It's a bit...surprising, huh?" Simeon chuckled sheepishly. You crossed your arms, clearly not pleased. "We're not supposed to have PE today..."

"There's nothing we can do about it, however." Simeon sighed. "Look on the bright side. We get to see Yuki and the others again, right?"

"...I guess."

- - -

You're not sure what just happened.

All you know is that you're suddenly in a match with Asmo, Satan, Yuki, Solomon, and Simeon, with only Simeon on your team.

Not knowing literally anyone else in your fucking group, you could only work with Simeon, really. Curse this introverted ass that somehow hindered even your PE.

"...Asmo, here!" Yuki yelled from the other side. The champagne-haired male nodded before hastily making a set.

...

Well, at least Asmo wasn't acting all sulky, right?

Fast forward to minutes later, you found yourself getting carried because you weren't moving a lot, much to your delight.

It was such a shame Simeon wanted to include you quite a bit, so you still ended up playing.

Such as now.

"...!" You and Simeon made eye contact as he stood beneath the ball, nodding at you. Holding back a sigh, you ran up to the net and jumped, hitting the ball to the other side of the net's floor.

Or, what was supposed to be the floor.

Instead, you heard the ball bounced off of what you think was skin.

"Shit, Asmo, watch out!" Someone from the audience shouted. Like, two seconds late. After the ball had already left Asmo's face. Was that Mammon?

"..."

The court went silent.

The champagne-haired male labeled as your boyfriend laid a hand on their face, slowly sinking to the ground. Your eyes widened, snapping out of your stupor and hurriedly ducking under the net and rushing over.

'Shitshitshitshitshit– Why did it have to be you–?!'

"A-asmo, h-hold on..." You could hear your heartbeat in your ears. "L-let me see, please."

He merely groaned, still holding onto his nose. He cracked an eye open. "...(N/n)? Is that...you?"

"Yes. Um," You looked around, only to find other people, mostly female students, crowding around. Mammon and Solomon cut in, asking for them to give Asmo space. You spotted the PE teacher.

"Coach Vargas! I'm going to take Asmo to the infirmary!" You yelled out. The muscular man paused, then nodded. "Careful on your way, (L/n)!"

"Alright, Asmo. I'm taking you out." You tried to lead him to the door, which proved to be more difficult than ever due to his concerned fans. You exited the gym and closed the door behind you.

'Huh. So that's one way of getting out of PE class.'

You shook your head at your thoughts. You focused on the male leaning onto your side, still holding his nose. "Asmo?"

"Mmm...whaa?"

"I didn't break your nose, didn't I?"

"I hope not." Asmodeus grimaced at the thought. You frowned. "...I'm sorry."

"..."

You both made a left turn, towards the infirmary. Neither of you spoke as you opened the door and ushered Asmo in.

Sitting on one of the beds, Asmo gazed at you.

The nurse was nowhere to be seen.

"Let me see it."

"...No." Asmodeus stubbornly turned his head to the side, much to your surprise. Your brows furrowed. "What? Why?"

"Just...no."

"Asmo, it'll be fine. I swear–"

"No, it's not fine!" He accidentally raised his voice. You flinched back, retracting your hand slightly. "...A-ah, um..."

"...Sorry."

"That's my line." You frowned, guilt flooding your system. "I was the one that hit you, remember?"

"...It was you?" He furrowed his brows. You grimaced. "...Yeah."

"...Then don't worry about it. I was a little distracted, anyway."

"On what?" You were concerned. He then smirked, trying to hide his agony. "On how ethereal you looked on the court, Darling."

"..." Gross.

Maybe now was the time to bring it up.

"...Okay, Asmo. I didn't want to ask you why directly, but I don't want this to keep going." You took a deep breath. "What's wrong? I...don't know what I did yesterday, and I need to know."

"Eh?" Asmodeus turned his attention back to you. You were frowning in guilt. "It's... I'm sorry, okay? For whatever it is. But I at least want to know what I did wrong so I won't repeat it again."

"What...made you think you did something wrong to me?" Asmodeus shifted in his seat.

Blood dribbled down his arm, making your eyes widen. You pulled open one of the drawers and grabbed a few tissues. "Shit, shit, shit. You're bleeding."

"Oh."

"...What do you mean, oh?" You questioned irritably. "Just take your hand off. I'll see what I can do."

"No...!"