'You, Belong To Me." / Yandere Ayato x Thoma / Highschool AU

Old friends ~ Chapter 13 ~

Ayato let out a chuckle, "You look as if I've already fed you something dreadful. Don't worry, today's not the day. Anywho, I hope we can start on the assigned project today. I'd prefer to get it done before the deadline."

"Okay, I'm fine with that." Thoma smiled.

--

"Ayato san.. There's a message notification on your phone." Thoma pointed out, Ayato immediately looked over,
"Oh, mind reading it for me?"

"Ahm... Sure." Wow, Did Ayato trust Thoma that much? Hehe, that made Thoma's heart flutter. He looked over at Ayato's phone. Oh, how adorable.. He had a picture of him (Ayato) and Ayaka as his lock screen. But, Thoma couldn't ponder over that now
"Uh... 'Come get your fuc...' Uh.. 'Come get your order."

"Ah. I think we missed the part when she called for us. Heh, I'll g-"

"I'll go get it, Would you mind reading my part though? Point out some mistakes if you find any." Thoma handed Ayato the rough draft he wrote for the homework assignment with a smile, stood up and rushed to the cashier.

He paused in his footsteps when he saw a familiar.. shade of red. Oh. Oh no.

"Enjoy your meal, and have a great day." Hu tao waved with a smile. She looked more apologetic than upset or teasing. Had something happened?

Just then, the boy turned around and... He looked horrible. He looked as if he had cried and not slept properly. He also looked more paler than Thoma remembered. The usual cheerful expression on his face was dead. He looked as if he'd pass out of exhaustion any moment. He nodded and started to walk but then noticed Thoma, he looked.. More upset now. He closed his eyes and looked away once he opened them, walking away. Thoma just silently watched Diluc walk away. He couldn't process how different he looked from a few months ago. Suddenly, he felt eyes on him and quickly walked to the source, the brunette.

"Aiya, couldn't have been any slower, could you?" Hu Tao sounded slightly annoyed but she then let out a.. Creepy giggle.
"Hey, soon to be uncle." She said cheekily, handing Thoma the order.

"Wait.. What do you mean by that?"

"Heheh, You don't know? I'm Zhongli's niece, Nice to meet you." Hu tao winked at him and Thoma felt shocked. Just then, Ayato walked from behind him,
"I was wondering whats taking so long, quit troubling him, Hu tao."

"Aiyaaa! First you ignore my calls and messages and now you're out here showing me such attitude." Hu tao crossed her arms,
"I was just talking to my uncle to be you know. He'll be my uncle one day, probably." Hu Tao let out a giggle,

"Oh.. Yes, I forgot you were Zhongli-sensei's niece." Ayato almost face palmed.

"Wait, You knew about that?! And you didn't even- wait..." Hu tao gave the both of them a weird look and muttered, "theres something going on here.. Aiya! You're making me lack behind, take your order and shoo now." Hu tao quickly added, realizing she should probably be serving other customers.

"Sorry Hu Ta-"

"Mhm, sure. Lets go." Ayato pulled Thoma by the hand and dragged him to their table again, not letting him finish his apology.

--

"Are you alright Thoma?" Ayato had suddenly paused to observe Thoma and asked him that. He seemed to be acting unusually.

"Me?.. I'm. Fine." Thoma replied, trying to put up one of his best smiles but failing at it.

"Hm.. No, you seem bothered by something. Whats the matter?" Ayato asked in a caring tone. Thoma! Control your heart! Its beating so fast.. Ayato might hear it!