.o0o.

It had been a week since Seiji had told a couple girls that he was gay. Rumor had spread like wildfire and soon the entire school knew about it. Seiji seemed particularly happy to have gotten rid of his tail for a while but that day at lunch, he looked upset. A common observer wouldn't have noticed as Seiji liked to keep his emotions to himself but his friends knew better.

"What's wrong, Sage?" Touma asked when the blond sat down. Seiji didn't respond for a minute while he thought of the best way to say what was on his mind.

"Well, it's nothing, really. Just that word of our relationship has not spread quite as quickly as my supposed sexual orientation."

"So... you're telling me that you've got gay guys after you now?" Seiji nodded miserably. Touma laughed. "Just tell them you're taken." Touma caught sight of the boys in question. Three guys sitting abnormally close and glancing up when they thought no one was looking.

"I would but only Ryuji is out of the closet. I wouldn't want to blow their cover."

Touma lifted his hand to his chin and contemplated Seiji's options. Seiji seemed to have a plan already settled on and leaned in and whispered "Sorry," before pressing his lips to his blue haired friend's. It was short and held little emotion; their very first kiss. He pulled back slightly and asked if they were still looking.

"Everyone is." Touma responded quietly. And, indeed, nearly every head was turned towards them. Apparently, two guys kissing was an odd sight. Either that or everyone was looking for visual proof of the rumors. Seiji ducked his head and Touma pretended to read again, both were beet red.

"Oh man!" Shuu said as he sat down. "I missed something really good!"

"Oh, nothing really." Ryo said, grinning, "Just two of our friends making out."

Shin hit him upside the head. "They kissed, that was all. And I'm sure they feel awkward enough about the situation without you saying stuff like that."

"They're gonna hear it anyway. They might as well get used to it from the people who don't mean any harm by it." Shuu reasoned.

"You're just saying that so you can tease them too." Ryo muttered rubbing the back of his head.

"As much as I hate to admit it, he does have a point." Shin said. "You'll undoubtedly hear many more comments and don't think they'll all be as well intentioned as Ryo's was."

Seiji lifted his head briefly. "I'm starting to think this wasn't such a great idea..."

"Hey," Touma smiled, "It's not so bad. I get a lot of crap for being such a nerd, anyway. Give it another week and it'll all be back to normal."

Unfortunately for them, it was a lot longer than a week before things began to settle down.

.o0o.