"Shuuichi, eat lunch with us today."

Kurama glanced up and saw a group of boys from the science club, holding their lunches and waiting hopefully. He heard footsteps to his right and saw a group of girls.

"No, please, eat with us," one said. The others giggled nervously and shuffled about.

He hated when this happened, hated having to choose either the boys who liked his brains and the girls who followed him around or the girls-and sometimes boys-who liked his looks. None of them knew anything about him outside of school, but they clamored for his attention. Still, Shuuichi Minamino had a reputation to maintain, and he had to eat with someone.

With a murmured "excuse me," he went to his locker to get his lunch and stall for time to decide which group would be the lesser of two evils. He saw Kaitou at his own locker across the hall, arranging books.

"Shuuichi." He nodded in greeting.

"Kaitou."

"Avoiding your groupies?" Kaitou asked, seeing the students clustered in the doorway of Kurama's classroom. "They seem anxious to hear your decision."

"Yes. I'd rather not eat with any of them," he said, removing his lunch bag and shutting his locker, "but I have an image I must keep."

Kaitou shut his locker and snorted. He held up a small wooden case. "But you promised me a chess match, Shuuichi. Surely you remember," he said, pitching his voice so the other students would hear.

"Ah, of course." Kurama waved to his classmates and gave an embarrassed laugh. "I'm sorry, I did promise Kaitou. It just slipped my mind. Perhaps another time."

They trudged back into the class, clearly disappointed. Kurama and Kaitou went up to the roof and ate while they played chess. It was a surprisingly friendly game, and the conversation was pleasant.

Kurama won with a few minutes to spare.

"That was an enjoyable match, Kaitou."

"I'm sure it was. You beat me in sixteen moves."

Kurama chuckled. "You're welcome to a rematch."

"I'll hold you to that," Kaitou said, opening the door for Kurama.

Before he stepped into the stairwell, Kurama leaned in and kissed the corner of Kaitou's mouth. "Thank you."

He smiled a little at the surprise on Kaitou's face and went downstairs as the bell rang.