Chapter 1: Sneezing Shame

Bobby tiptoed through the quiet halls of the school, his eyes scanning the empty corridors for any sign of Saint Dane. He clutched a crumpled tissue in his hand, trying to stifle the sniffles that threatened to give him away. It had been three days since he'd woken up with a tickle in his throat and a pounding headache, and he was determined to keep it a secret from the pesky Saint Dane. As he turned a corner, he spotted Saint Dane leaning against a locker, his usual smirk plastered on his face. Bobby's heart sank, and he quickly ducked behind a nearby trash can, holding his breath. Saint Dane's eyes narrowed, and he sauntered over to the trash can, his long coat billowing behind him. "Ah, Bobby, what are you hiding from?" Saint Dane's voice was like a gentle breeze, but Bobby could sense the teasing tone beneath. Bobby peeked out from behind the trash can, his face feeling hot and flushed. "N-nothing, Saint Dane. Just, uh, looking for something." Saint Dane chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I think I know what you're looking for, Bobby. You're looking for a way to hide that nasty cold of yours." Bobby's eyes widened, and he tried to play it cool, but his sniffles grew louder, and he couldn't help but let out a tiny cough. Saint Dane's smirk grew wider. "Ah, come on, Bobby. Don't be shy. I can see the redness in your eyes, the flush on your cheeks. You're a walking advertisement for humanity's fragility." Bobby felt his face grow even hotter, and he tried to cover his mouth with his hand, but Saint Dane took a step closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Go on, Bobby. Let it out. I dare you." Bobby's eyes darted around, searching for an escape, but Saint Dane's words tickled his nose, and he felt a massive sneeze building up inside him. He tried to hold it in, but it was no use. A loud "Ah-choo!" echoed through the hallway, and Bobby's face turned bright red with embarrassment. Saint Dane let out a triumphant whoop, his eyes shining with delight. "Ah, see? I knew it! Humanity's greatest weakness: their pitiful, fragile bodies." Bobby looked down at his feet, feeling mortified, but as he glanced up at Saint Dane, he caught a glimpse of something in his eyes – a flicker of endearment, perhaps, or even affection. It was quickly replaced by Saint Dane's usual smirk, but Bobby couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen something there, something that made his heart skip a beat. "Saint Dane, shut up," Bobby muttered, trying to salvage what was left of his dignity. Saint Dane chuckled, his eyes never leaving Bobby's face. "Oh, Bobby. You're so adorable when you're sick." Bobby's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he looked away, unsure of what to make of Saint Dane's words, or the strange, fluttery feeling in his chest. Little did he know, this was only the beginning of a most unexpected adventure.