The classroom was quieter than usual.

The sun had already started dipping below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the desks of Class 3-E. Most of the students had already gone home after another exhausting day of lessons, training, and trying to assassinate their unusual teacher.

Everyone had left… except for Isogai. Of course he had.

Maehara stood near the doorway, his bag hanging loosely over one shoulder as he watched his classmate from a distance. Isogai was sitting at his desk, surrounded by papers and notes, his expression more serious than usual.

Too serious.

Maehara knew that look.

It was the same expression Isogai wore whenever he was trying to handle everything himself. Class responsibilities, helping others, keeping everyone organized… he always acted like he could carry the whole world on his shoulders without ever needing a break.

And honestly? It annoyed Maehara a little.

Not because Isogai was responsible. That was one of the things he admired about him. It annoyed him because Isogai never seemed to realize that someone wanted to take care of him too.

Maehara walked over quietly and leaned against the desk beside him.

Hey.

Isogai looked up, slightly surprised.

Maehara? You're still here?

Maehara raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful smile.

Wow, harsh. I was starting to think you missed me.

He chuckled when Isogai gave him an unimpressed look, but the smile didn't last long.

Maehara noticed.

He always noticed.

His expression softened slightly as he glanced down at the papers scattered around Isogai.

Seriously though...

He reached over and gently tapped one of the papers.

How long have you been sitting here?

Isogai opened his mouth to answer, but Maehara already knew he was about to say something like "I'm fine" or "It's nothing."

He sighed dramatically. Don't even say it.

He pointed at him with a teasing grin.

You're gonna say you're fine, aren't you?

Isogai went quiet, which was basically an answer. Maehara smiled a little, shaking his head.

You're terrible at taking care of yourself, you know that? He pulled out the chair beside him and sat down. For someone who's always looking out for everyone else, you sure are bad at letting people look out for you.

He tapped his shoulder, trying to get his attention.

You're making that serious face again. You know you're allowed to smile, right?

Maehara gave him a mischievous grin.

Guess I'll just have to fix that.

Maehara walks behind Isogai with a quickness before wrapping his arms around his waist and nuzzling his nose behind Isogai's ear. He knows this is a sensitive spot from any type of touch, tickling, biting, touching and that's exactly why he's doing it