Meet the parents

PK Academy was still buzzing with gossip.

Ever since the confession incident, Saiki had become the unfortunate center of attention. Students whispered in hushed tones whenever he passed by, some out of curiosity, others out of sheer disbelief.

Makoto Teruhashi, of course, found it hilarious.

Saiki, on the other hand, did not.

Which was probably why he was currently pretending Makoto didn't exist.

Makoto wasn't having that.

"Morning, Saiki," he drawled, casually sliding into his usual seat beside him. "How's my favorite all-knowing being holding up?"

Saiki twitched. "I'm not all-knowing."

"Mmm. Sure." Makoto rested his chin on his hand, watching as Saiki very deliberately avoided eye contact. "You know, if you need a shoulder to lean on after such an emotional experience, I'm always here."

Saiki shot him a look that practically screamed, Don't push me.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: -0.1]

Makoto barely stopped himself from laughing. "Relax, I'm just kidding. Well, mostly. It is funny seeing you get flustered, though."

Saiki sighed like he was this close to setting something on fire with his mind.

Before Makoto could tease him further, their homeroom teacher walked in, clapping his hands to get the class's attention.

"Alright, settle down! Today, we'll be starting a new project."

A collective groan filled the room.

"Quiet down, quiet down! You'll be working in pairs, and I've already assigned the groups."

That got everyone's attention.

Makoto perked up slightly. He already had a very strong feeling about who he'd be stuck with, but he waited for confirmation anyway.

Just then, he caught something from his left—

A very soft, very desperate whisper:

"Oh, dear God, please let me be paired with Saiki! Please, please, please—"

Makoto turned his head slightly, catching Kokomi with her hands clasped in front of her chest, looking utterly divine as she prayed to whatever cosmic force dictated the seating arrangements.

His lips twitched.

Oh, this is going to be good.

The teacher started listing names, and sure enough—

"Saiki and Teruhashi Makoto."

Makoto grinned.

Saiki visibly tensed.

From behind him, Kokomi gasped, her aura dimming for a split second before she quickly recovered, smiling as though the world was still perfect and nothing was wrong.

Makoto almost felt bad.

Almost.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: -0.2]

…Okay, rude.

As the rest of the students groaned, Makoto leaned in closer to Saiki, voice dropping to a whisper. "Guess it's just you and me, partner."

Saiki looked like he was regretting every life decision that led him to this moment.

Makoto had never been more entertained.

"So," he drawled, propping his chin up with one hand as the class shifted into chaos around them, "we should probably figure out how we're going to split the work, don't you think?"

Saiki barely spared him a glance. "I'll do it."

Makoto snorted. "Wow. Not even pretending to include me?"

"You'd just distract me."

"Harsh," Makoto said, but he wasn't actually offended. If anything, he was more amused than ever.

Still, that wasn't going to fly. He wasn't about to let Saiki do everything.

"Come on, Saiki," he coaxed, nudging his elbow lightly. "We're partners, remember? That means we should spend time together. Get to know each other. Bond over our inevitable suffering."

Saiki stared at him. "No."

Makoto laughed. "You didn't even hesitate!"

"I'm not spending more time with you than necessary."

"Ouch," Makoto said, placing a hand over his chest like Saiki had just stabbed him. "That was uncalled for."

Saiki gave him a flat look, but Makoto caught the way his fingers twitched slightly against the desk.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

Makoto grinned. Progress.

Before Saiki could escape, their teacher clapped his hands again. "Alright, everyone! You'll have a week to complete the project, and I expect equal effort from both partners!" His eyes lingered on Makoto at that part, which—honestly, rude. "Use this time wisely."

Makoto stretched his arms behind his head. "So, Saiki, when do you want to start?"

Saiki sighed. "Today. After school."

Makoto blinked. "...Huh?"

Saiki adjusted his glasses. "The sooner it's done, the better."

Makoto grinned. "Well, well, Saiki. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were eager to spend time with me."

Saiki's eye twitched. "I'm not."

Makoto hummed. "Sure, sure. So—your place or mine?"

Saiki gave him a flat stare. "Mine."

Makoto raised a brow. "Oh? Inviting me over already? You really are eager."

Saiki ignored him, but Makoto swore he saw the smallest shift in his expression.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.2]

Makoto smirked. Oh, this was going to be fun.

By the time school ended, Bai Ying was grinning from ear to ear.

Saiki Kusuo. His group partner.

It wasn't like he was upset about it—far from it, actually. If anything, this was an opportunity. A golden one. A full excuse to invade Saiki's personal space without needing to come up with some ridiculous plan.

Not that he minded ridiculous plans, but sometimes, fate just handed you a free pass.

He slung his bag over his shoulder, stretching lazily as he caught Saiki lingering near the classroom door. "So, your place, huh? You didn't even hesitate when you suggested that earlier."

Saiki adjusted his glasses. "It's the most efficient option."

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

Bai Ying held back a smirk. "You just don't want to waste time, huh?"

Saiki didn't reply.

Across the room, Kokomi glanced over, eyes narrowing slightly. Makoto knew that look. She was watching him. Again.

Yeah, she was still suspicious.

He waved at her in what he hoped was a reassuring, totally-not-suspicious way, before casually gesturing to Saiki. "Alright, lead the way."

Saiki sighed, but he didn't argue.

That was practically a win.

The walk to Saiki's house was quiet, but not in an awkward way. More like a careful, measured silence. Bai Ying took the time to glance around, noting Saiki's usual route. Straightforward, minimal interaction, avoiding crowded areas as much as possible.

Typical.

"I was expecting Nendou to try tagging along," Bai Ying mused, breaking the silence.

"I made sure he wouldn't," Saiki replied flatly.

Bai Ying chuckled. "Smart."

Saiki shot him a glance, but Bai Ying just smiled innocently.

They turned a corner, and soon enough, they were standing in front of Saiki's house.

Bai Ying tilted his head, taking it in. "Huh. Normal."

Saiki gave him a deadpan stare. "What were you expecting?"

Bai Ying shrugged. "I don't know. A fortress? Some kind of secret lair? Maybe a shrine dedicated to coffee jelly?"

Saiki sighed.

Bai Ying laughed. "Alright, alright. I'll behave."

Saiki opened the door, stepping inside. Bai Ying followed, expecting a quiet entrance—

"Welcome home, Kusuo! Oh? And a guest?!"

Bai Ying barely had time to react before a woman—Saiki's mother, presumably—was suddenly in front of him, eyes sparkling with delight.

"Kusuo, you didn't tell me you were bringing a friend over!" She clapped her hands together, beaming. "Oh, this is wonderful! I'll prepare snacks—"

"We're working on a project," Saiki interrupted, voice resigned.

"Oh, of course!" She turned to Bai Ying, smiling warmly. "What's your name, dear?"

Makoto hesitated for only a split second before offering a polite smile. "Makoto Teruhashi. It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

Her eyes widened. "Oh my! You're Teruhashi Kokomi's brother, aren't you?"

Bai Ying resisted the urge to sigh. "Yeah, that's me."

Saiki's father appeared in the hallway, looking just as enthusiastic. "Oh? A friend of Kusuo's? That's rare!"

Bai Ying smirked. "I like to think I'm special."

Saiki visibly tensed.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.2]

Interesting.

Saiki's mother positively lit up. "Oh, what a charming young man! You should visit more often, dear!"

Bai Ying grinned. "I just might."

Saiki looked like he regretted everything.

While Bai Ying was having the time of his life.

But Saiki's parents were… a lot.

Bai Ying had met many types of people before, but he wasn't entirely sure how to deal with this much enthusiasm. At least not while Saiki was very clearly trying to pretend this wasn't happening.

"So, Makoto," Saiki's mother chirped as she guided them toward the living room, "how did you and Kusuo become friends?"

Saiki's eye twitched. Bai Ying didn't miss it.

"Oh, you know," Bai Ying hummed, leaning slightly toward Saiki. "He couldn't resist my charm."

Saiki shot him a look that clearly said stop talking.

Bai Ying ignored it.

Saiki's father gasped dramatically. "Kusuo, you never told us you had such a close friend!"

Saiki exhaled sharply through his nose, clearly holding back a sigh.

Bai Ying grinned. "He's shy about it. But don't worry, I get it. I'm very lovable."

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

Saiki turned away, adjusting his glasses. "We should start the project."

Bai Ying chuckled. "Sure, sure. Lead the way, partner."

Saiki's mother beamed. "Ah, young friendships! So wonderful!"

"More like young love…" Bai Ying muttered to himself, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Saiki pretended not to hear it—but the subtle side-eye he shot Bai Ying said otherwise. Bai Ying sent a playful wink at Saiki's parents before following Saiki up the stairs.

Saiki's room was exactly what Bai Ying expected. Simple. Minimalist. The kind of place that looked like it belonged to someone who didn't want to attract any attention.

Not a single personal decoration.

"How cozy," Bai Ying drawled, stepping inside.

Saiki sat down at his desk, already setting up the project materials. "Sit."

Bai Ying hummed, flopping onto the floor instead. "So bossy."

Saiki ignored him.

Bai Ying leaned back on his palms, glancing at Saiki with interest. "You know, for a guy who acts like he doesn't want friends, you sure didn't fight too hard when I said we were close."

Saiki turned a page in the textbook, not looking up. "That was the easiest way to end the conversation."

"Mm." Bai Ying studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Or maybe you just like having me around."

Saiki finally glanced at him. Flat. Unamused. Completely unimpressed.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

For a while, they actually worked.

Bai Ying wasn't entirely sure how he managed to get through an hour of actual schoolwork with Saiki Kusuo, but somehow, it happened. Maybe because Saiki worked fast. Maybe because Bai Ying was enjoying his company more than he wanted to admit.

Either way, Bai Ying eventually leaned back with a dramatic sigh, stretching his arms over his head. "Man, I'm exhausted. You're really no fun, you know that?"

Saiki didn't even look up. "Then leave."

Bai Ying grinned. "Tempting, but no. I still need an excuse to spend time with you."

Saiki's pencil stopped for half a second. Then he continued writing. "Annoying."

Bai Ying chuckled, tilting his head as he studied him. "You're really used to being alone, huh?"

Saiki finally met his gaze, his expression unreadable.

Bai Ying rested his chin in his palm, his voice softer this time. "You like it that way?"

Saiki was quiet.

A moment stretched between them, something heavier than Bai Ying expected.

Then, Saiki exhaled, breaking the moment. "I tolerate it."

Bai Ying hummed thoughtfully. "Good thing I'm persistent, then."

Saiki gave him a flat look. "That's one word for it."

Bai Ying smirked. "You love it."

Saiki didn't dignify that with a response.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.2]

Bai Ying fought back a victorious grin.

They worked in silence after that, though it felt different now. Less forced.

More comfortable.

Bai Ying wasn't sure how long they sat there before a knock came at the door.

"Kusuo~"

Saiki visibly tensed. Bai Ying raised an eyebrow.

Then the door slid open, revealing Saiki's mother beaming at them both. "It's getting late! Makoto, why don't you stay for dinner?"

Saiki immediately turned toward him. "No."

Bai Ying smirked. "Oh? Afraid I'll steal your parents' love, Saiki?"

"I'd prefer if you left with your dignity intact."

Bai Ying laughed. "Too late for that." He turned to Saiki's mother with a charming smile. "I'd love to stay for dinner."

"Amazing!" Kurumi clasped her hands together. "I'll set the table, then! Oh, I should make something special—what do you like, Makoto?"

Bai Ying tilted his head, amused by the sheer warmth radiating from her. "I'm not picky."

Kuniharu suddenly appeared beside her, grinning. "How about sukiyaki? It's a family favorite!"

Saiki muttered under his breath, "This is ridiculous."

Bai Ying nudged his foot under the table, lips quirking. "Sounds great."

Kurumi clapped excitedly before ushering Kuniharu toward the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone again.

Bai Ying stretched, leaning back in his seat with a satisfied sigh. "Well, that was easy. They love me already."

Saiki shot him a look. "They love everyone."

Bai Ying rested his chin on his hand, smirking. "And yet, I think you're a little annoyed about it."

Saiki didn't dignify that with a response.

They returned to their project, though Bai Ying was still feeling particularly smug about this turn of events. He wasn't expecting to end up eating dinner with the Saikis, but he wasn't complaining.

It was rare enough to be invited into Saiki's space. He wasn't about to waste the opportunity.

The smell of cooking filled the air, making Bai Ying's stomach growl slightly. He realized, somewhat belatedly, that he hadn't eaten much earlier.

Saiki didn't look up from his work. "Should I be concerned that you starve yourself for dramatic effect?"

Bai Ying snorted. "I wasn't trying to starve myself. I was too busy planning how to steal your heart."

Saiki gave him a flat look. "I hope you have a backup plan."

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.2]

Bai Ying grinned. "No need. This one's already working."

Before Saiki could respond, his mother's voice rang out, calling them to the table.

Bai Ying stood, stretching. "Well, let's see if your parents still love me after I eat all their food."

Saiki sighed but followed him out.

Dinner was… an experience.

Kuniharu was as overenthusiastic as Bai Ying expected, pelting him with questions about school, hobbies, and—somewhat suspiciously—his future career plans. Kurumi, meanwhile, seemed absolutely delighted to have another guest, refilling Bai Ying's plate whenever it so much as looked empty.

Bai Ying took it all in stride, chatting easily and answering their questions while sneaking glances at Saiki, who looked like he was barely tolerating the situation.

At some point, Kuniharu gasped dramatically. "Wait! This is just like one of those classic romance stories, isn't it? The charming, handsome boy being invited to dinner by the family of his—"

"Nope," Saiki cut in, shoving a bite of food into his father's mouth.

Bai Ying nearly choked on his own laughter.

Kuniharu still looked delighted. "I'm just saying! You two have great chemistry!"

Bai Ying smirked, meeting Saiki's gaze. "Hear that, Saiki? Even your dad thinks we're a good match."

Saiki exhaled sharply, looking very much like he was reconsidering his entire existence.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.3]

Bai Ying hid his grin behind his glass of water.

Dinner continued with more chaos, mostly fueled by Kuniharu's dramatics and Kurumi's well-meaning enthusiasm. Bai Ying enjoyed every second of it.

Eventually, though, the meal ended, and Bai Ying knew it was time to leave.

Kurumi fussed over him as he stood. "Are you sure you don't want to stay longer? You're welcome anytime!"

Bai Ying smiled. "Tempting, but I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome."

"You wouldn't be!" Kuniharu insisted.

Saiki, to Bai Ying's amusement, looked distinctly unamused.

Bai Ying turned to him, eyes glinting. "Well, Saiki? Walk me out?"

Saiki stared at him, unimpressed. "No."

Bai Ying laughed but didn't push. "See you tomorrow, then."

He gave a last nod to the Saikis before stepping out into the night.

As he walked away, he realized something.

He hadn't once thought about the mission during dinner.

No calculations, no plans, no worrying about affection levels.

He had just… enjoyed himself.

The realization left him feeling oddly warm.

And maybe—just maybe—that was more dangerous than anything else.

As Bai Ying strolled down the quiet streets, he hummed to himself, still basking in the afterglow of a successful evening. Winning over Saiki's parents had been laughably easy. He could still hear Saiki's dad gushing about him, and Kurumi all but offering to adopt him on the spot.

[Alert: Target is following. Distance: 10 meters.]

Bai Ying blinked. "…Huh?"

[Saiki Kusuo is approximately 10 meters behind.]

His steps faltered slightly. He discreetly glanced over his shoulder, but all he saw was the empty sidewalk and a few dimly lit houses.

[Stealth mode engaged. Probability of user spotting Saiki Kusuo: 2%.]

Bai Ying frowned. "Stealth mode? What is he, a ninja?" he muttered.

[Clarification: Target is using psychic abilities to remain undetected.]

Oh. Oh.

Bai Ying narrowed his eyes. His mind immediately started spinning with possibilities. Why was Saiki following him? Did he suspect something? Was this some kind of test?

…Or, and this was the truly ridiculous thought—was Saiki actually making sure he got home safely?

Bai Ying scoffed to himself. No way. That would imply a level of care beyond mere tolerance.

And yet.

His fingers twitched at his sides, fighting the urge to grin. He let out a slow breath before casually stretching his arms, voice deliberately light.

"Well, if anyone is out there watching me, hope you're enjoying the view."

Silence.

Then—

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

Bai Ying stopped dead in his tracks.

…No way.

Bai Ying's brain stalled. He stared blankly ahead, replaying the notification in his mind.

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: +0.1]

No way.

Was… was Saiki flustered?

Bai Ying bit his lip, trying—failing—to suppress the giddy grin creeping onto his face. He tilted his head, eyes flicking over the empty sidewalk, pretending to be lost in thought.

"Man," he mused, just loud enough for any potential eavesdroppers to hear, "it sure would be crazy if someone were secretly following me right now."

Nothing.

No movement. No sound.

But Bai Ying was trained in the art of dramatic flair, so he lifted a hand to his chest and sighed, voice dripping with exaggerated fondness.

"A guardian angel, watching over me from the shadows… How romantic."

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: -0.2]

Bai Ying wheezed.

"Oh, come on—"

A streetlight flickered. The air felt heavier. Bai Ying could practically sense the deadpan glare aimed at the back of his head.

This was too good.

He adjusted his bag strap and continued walking, this time a little slower, drawing out each step just to see if Saiki would react.

"So," he mused, tone playful, "if my hypothetical guardian angel is still lurking around… wanna walk me home properly?"

[User's Affection Level with Saiki Kusuo: -0.1]

Yeah, he was definitely being glared at.

Bai Ying laughed softly to himself, shaking his head. He didn't push it any further—partly because he had enough dignity to know when to back off, but mostly because the idea of Saiki quietly ensuring he got home safe, even begrudgingly, was enough to keep him grinning the entire way.

By the time he reached his house, he turned slightly, not looking directly but just enough to send a final, knowing smile into the night.

"Thanks for the escort, guardian angel~."

A shift in the air. A flicker of movement.

And then, Saiki was gone.