Getting closer to Saiki (kinda)

The Teruhashi household was as peaceful as ever, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow over the pristine dining table. Kokomi sat gracefully, sipping her tea with perfect posture, exuding the effortless elegance she was known for. Across from her, Makoto was slouched over a bowl of cereal, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just temporarily thrown away a successful acting career.

Kokomi set her teacup down gently. "Makoto."

Makoto didn't even glance up. "Mmm?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Why did you enroll at PK Academy?"

Makoto lazily stirred his cereal. "Told you already. Change of pace."

Kokomi sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're an actor. You never even went to school. You had tutors, personal lessons, an entire career. And now, suddenly, you want to be a normal high school student?" She leaned forward, voice dropping slightly. "What are you up to?"

[Host, she's onto you.]

Makoto resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his system's unhelpful commentary. No kidding.

He flashed his usual charming grin. "Maybe I just wanted to experience a normal school life. You know, youth and all that."

Kokomi gave him a deadpan look. "You? Wanting to live like a normal person?"

Makoto placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "I'm more than just a pretty face, Kokomi. Maybe I have deep, emotional reasons for my decision."

[Lies detected.]

I know, Makoto shot back mentally. Thanks for your valuable input.

Kokomi stared at him, unimpressed. "Yeah, I don't buy it."

Makoto pouted. "Wow, no trust in your own brother?"

"I know my brother," Kokomi shot back. "And he doesn't do things without some ridiculous reason behind them." She tilted her head slightly. "You're not planning something weird, are you?"

Makoto gasped, feigning offense. "Kokomi, how could you?!"

"Uh-huh. That's not an answer."

"Maybe I just missed you," Makoto said with a wink.

Kokomi immediately recoiled. "Ew."

Makoto laughed. "That was a joke!"

[Host, you are experiencing -10 Favorability from Kokomi Teruhashi.]

I'm devastated.

"Not funny," Kokomi muttered, glaring at him. "I swear, if you start acting like some creepy incestuous brother again, I'm going to tell Mom."

Makoto held up his hands in surrender. "No, no, I'm reformed! The old me would've said something dramatic like 'no man is worthy of my little sister's divine beauty.'" He struck a dramatic pose. "But the new me is just a chill, supportive brother who totally doesn't get involved in your business."

[Correction: The System gets involved in your business.]

Makoto ignored that.

Kokomi sighed. "I want to believe you, but I still don't trust you."

Makoto smirked. "That's fair."

Kokomi leaned back in her chair, studying him suspiciously. "So, if this isn't about me, what's your goal?"

Makoto simply smiled. "Guess you'll have to wait and see."

Kokomi rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't do anything stupid."

Makoto grinned. "No promises."

As Kokomi sighed in frustration, Makoto turned back to his cereal. Let her think whatever she wanted—he had a different goal now.

And his name was Saiki Kusuo.

Makoto Teruhashi was a man with a goal.

Yesterday had been enlightening. He had learned three things:

1. Saiki Kusuo was ridiculously good-looking.

2. Saiki Kusuo was ridiculously good at avoiding people.

3. Saiki Kusuo was ridiculously hard to read—but that just made him more interesting.

And Makoto loved a challenge.

So, as soon as he stepped into the classroom the next morning, he made a beeline for his new favorite pastime.

Saiki Kusuo sat at his desk, minding his own business, flipping through a book like he wasn't the most eye-catching person in the room.

Makoto grinned as he slid into the seat beside him. "Yo, Saiki!"

Nothing. Not even a glance.

Makoto smirked. Oh, this is gonna be fun.

[Host, remember: The target's resistance is high. Approach with caution.]

Noted.

"So, I was thinking," he continued, propping his chin on one hand. "We should eat lunch together again today."

Still no reaction.

Makoto leaned in slightly. "You're really making me work for this, huh?"

Saiki finally responded. "No."

Makoto chuckled. "C'mon, at least pretend to be interested."

Another page turned.

[Host, he is pretending you do not exist.]

Oh wow, I never would've figured that out, Makoto replied dryly.

Makoto sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Ouch. You wound me."

Silence.

God, he's good.

Makoto studied him, taking in the way his pink bangs slightly covered his eyes, the smooth, almost ethereal way he moved. The indifference in his expression was so perfect it had to be practiced.

No one is this naturally unbothered. Right?

[Assessment: The Target has honed his indifference to an unnatural degree.]

That was... actually good to know.

"You know," Makoto said, tilting his head, "your friends are kinda cool—Kaidou and Aren. Interesting guys."

Still nothing.

Makoto smirked. "Especially Kaidou. That whole 'dark hero' thing he's got going on? Gold."

Saiki gave the slightest pause before turning another page.

Makoto's grin widened. Gotcha.

Before he could push further—

"Saiki!"

Makoto turned just in time to see a dramatic figure stride into the room.

Ah.

Speak of the devil.

Kaidou Shun, with his overly serious expression and bandages that definitely didn't serve any medical purpose, zeroed in on Makoto like he had just uncovered a secret conspiracy.

"You!" Kaidou pointed an accusatory finger at him.

Makoto blinked. "Me?"

Kaidou narrowed his eyes. "You're still hanging around Saiki, huh? What's your goal?"

Makoto barely held back a laugh. "Man, you really do sound like a protagonist."

Kaidou gasped. "So you have been observing me!"

Makoto chuckled. "In a way, sure."

[Host, are you purposefully encouraging his delusions?]

Makoto smirked. Maybe.

Before Kaidou could protest, the classroom door slammed open.

"OI, SAIKI!"

Makoto turned just in time to see a very large, very loud guy charging toward them.

Ah. It's Nendou.

Makoto barely had time to process before Nendou clapped a hand on his back hard enough to rattle his soul.

"What's up, buddy?!"

Makoto coughed. Okay. Ow.

Nendou turned to Saiki, grinning like an idiot. "You ready for lunch later, pal?!"

Saiki looked like he wanted to die.

Makoto, thoroughly entertained, smirked. "Hey, Nendou! Good timing!"

Nendou blinked. "Huh? For what?"

Makoto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "I'm on a mission to befriend Saiki."

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Mission Progress - 7%] [SYSTEM MESSAGE: Saiki Kusuo's Awareness Level: 12%]

Saiki finally looked at him.

Makoto grinned. Finally got a reaction.

Saiki's gaze was blank, unreadable, but Makoto could tell he was calculating something.

Good. Let him try to figure me out.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Alert! Saiki Kusuo is analyzing Host.] [Warning: Increased scrutiny may result in premature exposure.]

Makoto smirked, locking eyes with him.

"C'mon, Saiki. It won't be that bad."

Saiki sighed.

The moment Saiki sighed, Makoto knew he was in.

Not in the I-want-to-be-your-friend way—no, that was too easy. This was the kind of "in" that made Saiki acknowledge his existence, which was already a win.

Makoto smirked. "So, lunch later, yeah?"

Saiki gave him a look so devoid of enthusiasm it could kill a man. "No."

Makoto gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Ouch! You really know how to hurt a guy, huh?"

"Yeah, he does!"

A heavy smack shook Saiki's desk as Nendou clapped him on the back.

Makoto blinked. Damn, that impact almost felt like a small earthquake.

Saiki visibly tensed at the word love. Makoto narrowed his eyes slightly, filing that reaction away for later.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Analyzing Target's Reaction…] [Analysis Incomplete: Insufficient Data.]

Huh. So he's got a thing with that word? Interesting.

Before he could poke at it, Kaidou scoffed. "Don't fall for it, Makoto! Saiki's always like this. He acts uninterested, but in reality—" Kaidou adjusted his fake bandages for dramatic effect, "—he's hiding his true nature!"

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "His true nature?"

Kaidou nodded solemnly. "That's right." He turned to Makoto, eyes serious. "He's suppressing his power."

Makoto blinked.

Saiki's hand twitched.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: ALERT! Host is dangerously close to uncovering confidential information about the Target.] [Suggested Action: Redirect conversation.]

Makoto grinned. Nah, let's poke this further.

He rubbed his chin as if deep in thought. "So you're telling me Saiki is actually—what? Some kind of all-powerful being?"

Kaidou shook his head. "No, no, no. I am the all-powerful being. Saiki is merely my loyal companion—an ally in the eternal battle against dark forces!"

Makoto nearly choked. "Your companion?"

Kaidou nodded again, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. 

"I took him under my wing a long time ago. He doesn't talk about it much, but he's my most trusted sidekick. A silent guardian. A protector in the shadows."

Makoto glanced at Saiki, whose expression remained unreadable. If Makoto had to guess, he was probably debating whether it was worth the effort to erase all of their memories.

Makoto leaned in, playing along. "So what you're saying is… Saiki's been secretly working for you this whole time?"

Kaidou crossed his arms, nodding sagely. "Exactly. Though he still has much to learn."

Saiki's fingers gripped the edges of his book slightly tighter.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Target's Patience Level has dropped by 20%. Proceed with caution.]

Makoto grinned. "Huh. That is interesting."

Saiki, still blank-faced, slowly turned the page.

Makoto could practically feel him thinking, I hate this.

Good. He should hate it. Because Makoto wasn't letting up anytime soon.

Makoto was a man of his word.

Which was why, the moment lunch break rolled around, he made sure to stick to Saiki like glue.

The pink-haired psychic tried to escape. He really did. But Makoto was an actor—he knew how to anticipate movements.

So when Saiki packed up with unnatural speed and made for the door, Makoto smoothly slid in front of him.

"Woah, slow down there, Saiki," he grinned. "You act like you don't wanna eat with me."

Saiki looked at him. Then looked at the nearest window, probably calculating if he could jump out of it and survive.

Makoto held back a laugh. "C'mon. Humor me."

Saiki sighed. Again.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Mission Progress - 10%]

 [SYSTEM MESSAGE: Saiki Kusuo's Tolerance Level has increased.]

Nice. At this rate, I'll be his favorite person in no time.

With no other choice, Saiki followed him to the cafeteria, where the usual suspects were already waiting.

Kaidou was whispering furiously to himself.

"Dark forces move in the shadows… We must be vigilant." He turned to Makoto with a serious nod. "It's good that you're sticking close. Saiki doesn't always show it, but he's constantly on guard, protecting those around him."

Makoto barely held back a laugh. "Oh yeah? Sounds exhausting."

Kaidou sighed dramatically. "It is. But that's the burden we bear as warriors of justice. Saiki especially—he's my second-in-command, after all."

Makoto nearly dropped his chopsticks. "Oh, so he got promoted? Must be nice."

Kaidou nodded. "Yes, well, after his years of loyal service, it was only right."

Saiki, completely done, was already calculating his escape route. Teleporting in public was off the table, but a subtle, well-timed exit? That was still possible.

But before he could even shift—

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: ALERT! Target is attempting to escape.]

Makoto leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You leave now, and I'll eat your coffee jelly."

Saiki froze.

How did Makoto know? He hadn't moved. He hadn't glanced at the door or subtly adjusted his posture. He hadn't done anything to suggest he was about to disappear. And yet, Makoto had caught on—almost too perfectly.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: ERROR! Host's awareness level is increasing at an unstable rate.] 

[Risk of breaking Target's secrecy protocol: 40%]

Makoto smirked, fully aware of Saiki's narrowed gaze. Yeah, keep analyzing me, psychic boy. Let's see who figures out who first.

Saiki sighed, standing up from his seat. He had barely touched his lunch, and he was already at his limit. Makoto, of course, rose at the same time, like a shadow that refused to leave him alone.

"Aw, are we leaving already?" Makoto teased, hands in his pockets. "And here I thought we were bonding."

Saiki didn't dignify that with a response. He just started walking toward the cafeteria exit.

Predictably, Makoto followed.

Makoto laughed, following without hesitation. "I'll take that as a yes."

[System Notification: The Host's progress with the Love Interest has increased by 2%. Keep up the good work!]

Makoto barely held back a grin. See? He's warming up to me.

[System Notification: Incorrect. The Love Interest is actively trying to distance himself from you.]

Makoto ignored that. Details.

They walked through the hall, Makoto effortlessly keeping pace with Saiki's quick steps. Saiki, to his credit, looked as composed as ever, but Makoto could tell he was irritated. The slight twitch of his fingers, the way his jaw tensed ever so slightly—it was obvious, at least to someone as observant as Makoto.

"So, where to now?" Makoto mused, hands in his pockets. "If you're gonna ditch me, at least make it interesting."

Saiki kept walking. Maybe if I ignore him long enough, he'll get bored and leave.

Makoto, unfortunately, was immune to being ignored.

[System Notification: Host's persistence is noted. Would you like a side quest to assist in deepening your bond with the Love Interest?]

Makoto raised a brow. "Oh? What kind of quest?"

Saiki's step faltered.

…Wait.

Did he just—

Saiki turned his head slightly, narrowing his eyes at Makoto, who was… talking to thin air.

Makoto blinked, realizing his mistake. His eyes darted toward Saiki before he gave a nervous chuckle. "Uh. Ignore that."

Saiki stared at him.

Makoto cleared his throat. "Anyway! Back to what I was saying—"

Saiki's gaze lingered a second longer before he turned forward again. But Makoto could tell. He was suspicious.

The system chimed in unhelpfully.

[System Notification: Warning! The Love Interest is growing wary of the Host's behavior. Please refrain from exposing system interactions.]

Makoto sighed internally. Yeah, yeah, I got it. No more talking to myself.

Saiki, meanwhile, was already running through possibilities. Was Makoto hearing voices? Was he part of some elaborate prank? Or worse—was he actually catching on to something?

Makoto smirked to himself. He could practically hear Saiki's thoughts whirring.

[System Notification: The Love Interest is analyzing the Host.]

"Anyways, where to next? A rooftop heart-to-heart? A dramatic hallway confrontation? Ooh—" Makoto snapped his fingers. "Let me guess. You're gonna try to shake me off and pretend I don't exist again?"

Saiki kept walking.

Makoto took his silence as encouragement.

"You could've ditched me ages ago. And yet—" he gestured between them, "—here we are. Side by side. Practically inseparable."

Saiki resisted the urge to sigh again.

Makoto smirked. Yeah, I'm not letting go anytime soon.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Mission Progress - 12%] [SYSTEM MESSAGE: Saiki Kusuo's Resistance Level has dropped slightly.]

Makoto grinned. Checkmate.