North Fox, I Don't Believe You're Empty-Handed

Saotome Osamu, a third-year student at Inarizaki High.

With his striking looks, top marks, and bold, free-spirited personality, Saotome has held the number-one spot on the school's most popular boys list ever since he enrolled.

Admiring looks, praise, and adoration have long been part of Saotome's life, as inseparable as fish and water.

Saotome likes being the center of attention. He even enjoys being the shining star in a crowd, with everyone's eyes fixed on him.

But there are exceptions to everything...

Kita Shinsuke, Saotome's deskmate.

For two years, he's held the top spot in their grade, keeping Saotome stuck in second place for over two years.

Expressionless and cool in tone, he gives formal answers no matter what you ask. He's the complete opposite of Saotome.

Most importantly, he isn't attracted to Saotome at all!!!

They've known each other for two years, but just as Kusuo Saiki never once cried "Oho" over Kokomi Teruhashi, Saotome has never heard Kita offer him a single genuinely enthusiastic compliment.

Damn it! It's so frustrating!

Just who does Kita think he is?!

Saotome got a new outfit and made a very-not-obvious five or six passes in front of him. Kita didn't compliment him. He actually said, "It's getting cold in autumn. You should wear a warmer base layer next time!"

This is the latest cutout style... Achoo!!

All right, Saotome has to admit that Kita makes a good point every time.

Saotome took the tissue Kita handed him and vowed to try even harder:

Next time!! He'd make Kita smile radiantly and say in a sweet, coaxing voice, like someone feeding a cat, "Just as I'd expect from Saotome. I can't take my eyes off you~" (This is entirely Saotome's imagination.)

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Tsundere love-struck bottom × steady top who doesn't realize he's flirting

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Please note before reading: OOC warning, OOC warning, OOC warning

Theme: The essence of love is being seen