Lie Ren believed he understood Jaune very well after spending many months together—living in the same dorm, dining at the same table during meal time, and studying and learning in the same faculty. Literally seeing and talking with each other every day it's impossible for him to be unable to understand and grasp Jaune's character.
In his mind, Jaune was a strange quirky individual.
He had many flaws that you would be able to notice from a single glance. For example, the lack of confidence in which he carries himself despite trying to pose confidence in front of others, believing any woman would love having a nickname like 'Snow Angel' being forced onto them in front of everyone. Or the fact that he had impulsively cheated his way into Beacon with a fake transcript without knowing the first thing about Aura.
Leaving the last one aside...
While Ren also didn't know the first thing about impressing a woman since he wasn't interested in things like that. That and he only knew one over the top happy-go-lucky female before entering Beacon; so yes, his expertise on the subject was quite lacking but even he understood that suddenly calling a girl snow angel in front of everyone wasn't the best approach to go about asking a girl out. Especially someone as prideful as Weiss Schnee.
However, even with all these flaws; Jaune wasn't without redeeming qualities. Something he grew to appreciate a lot about his friend while observing him over the time they were together.
Not wanting to be a burden, the determination and effort Jaune put in to better himself knowing that compared to others who had years of training ahead before attending Beacon—he was far behind. After witnessing the effort Jaune put in, Ren too, was motivated to better himself.
But all of these weren't the main point…
The main point was that Ren believed he had quite a good grasp on Jaune's character.
So he couldn't help but be completely astounded when Pyrrha spilled the beans to them about what Jaune had been doing with Yang secretly behind everyone's back—disguised as training.
The information… to say the least, with his understanding of Jaune, was beyond shocking!
''Uhh… dude, why have you been dozing off while staring straight at me? Don't tell me it's my outfit!? Are there any stains on it I've overlooked!?'' Jaune panics as he rummages his hands around his black suit for any stain. ''Hmm, I'm not finding any stain though, and besides, didn't I just wash it last night?''
''C'mon dude, stop spacing out and tell me if you see any stain or not.'' Jaune shot Ren a look and said while spreading his arms wide.
Ren, lost in the trail of thought due to… while, for various reasons, but mainly because the friend he believed he knew very well had been giving him one shock after another. Eventually snapped out of it after Jaune repeatedly pleaded for him to check if there were any stains on his black suit.
Maintaining a stoic demeanor, Ren finally answers Jaune. ''Haa... No need to panic Jaune, no stains could be found on the suit. The person you're trying to impress won't be disappointed.''
''Impress…? What are you talking about, I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm going to an important place and… it requires dressing nicely, that's all. Heh heh…'' Jaune awkwardly chuckles as he denies what Ren had said.
Jaune, you're not very good at lying... Ren thought but didn't choose to point it out.
''Anyway, I gotta go tell Pyrrha and Nora I won't be back until late into midnight.''
Watching Jaune quickly escape, Ren rolls his eyes, sighing at his terrible acting. ''Why the need to keep it a secret, and if so, at least don't make it look obvious by dressing up and going out so often.''
He really couldn't grasp Jaune's reason for hiding his apparent relationship with Blake and Yang. Maybe Ren could sort of understand if he did it because he was afraid the two would find out, and something along the lines of a very violent argument would break out between the two.
However, thinking more deeply about it, Ren highly thought that was likely not the case.
First of all, if Jaune was really going behind both girls' backs and secretly dating both without them knowing. In Ren's opinion, Jaune would've been far more discreet about their apparent relationship.
But the way Jaune wasn't even remotely trying to be discreet, with him and Yang practically stuck like glue during lunch hour. In his mind, since Blake seems to be together with Jaune—if she hadn't known about her apparent boyfriend and partner's intimate relationship, she would've said or done something by now.
But she didn't and was unnaturally calm despite her partner and apparent boyfriend being in close contact with each other the whole lunch period.
So the real question is… are Blake and Yang sharing a boyfriend? If so, Ren had to consider reevaluating his friend's ability when it comes to this aspect.
Remember how painful it was when Jaune was trying to woo Weiss, Ren genuinely believed his friend's greatest ability did not lie in pursuing a romance with the opposite gender. But if the speculation of those two sharing was real… then he seriously and earnestly must reevaluate Jaune's ability without a doubt!
Unfortunately, everything was just speculation based on the current evidence he saw so none of it was necessarily true. Afterall, there's other speculation that could be true and was worth considering.
Such as—maybe they weren't really dated and were just casual. While Ren felt Blake, Yang, and especially Jaune; who seems like the type that is a helpless romanticizer and doubts would be the type for a casual intimate relationship. The idea wasn't an impossibility either.
As for how Ren came to know about the concept of casual intimate relationships—when one is a lover of good literature, they would naturally become curious about strange titles and end up flipping through the entire thing. Something Ren deeply regretted to this day.
He was, after all, not like his book buddy, who was completely obsessed with the 'Ninja of Love' series. Another thing he wished he hadn't grown curious about after seeing her always reading it during their book club, which in turn, he ended up secretly finding a copy of it to explore the imaginative literature world contained in it… inside a bookstore no last.
Ahem, back to the main topic. The point was, while them seeking pure physical relationship among each other wasn't in the realm of impossibility, Ren still felt it was likely the former.
The ridiculous amount of photos Nora took; showing Jaune and Blake dating, and spending time together in Vale, made them seem far more than just two separate individuals of the opposite gender, seeking casual pleasure with another.
Regardless of which one is true, Ren pinched the bridge of his nose, and couldn't help but think Jaune's current relationship status was quite messy to think about. Not to mention Pyrrha could be considered involved too, with her harboring deep feelings for the blonde.
Despite Pyrrha trying to hide it with a stiff smile, Nora and he could still notice that she was far from better. Only the man directly involved, Jaune, was unaware because of how dense he was so as to not uncover Pyrrha's feelings for him when everyone else could with a glance.
''Haa… I'm sure everything will solve itself. It's best not to get too heavenly involved either, otherwise, it might become worse.''
Ren reminded himself as he sighed at the thought. Normally, Jaune either dated or had a casual relationship with two other girls shouldn't matter much to them, but with Pyrrha was obviously being heavenly affected. It somehow ended up mattering a lot, which made Ren quite worried.
Ren didn't wish he and Nora to get involved because he didn't want to escalate things further by getting involved in the drama. He could only hope that this wouldn't affect their team dynamic too much.
With that said, Ren took out a book sitting neatly on the small study table and flipped through the book to enjoy some quality reading alone without his team causing disturbance.
It was the weekend and they had no class; he at first was planning to head to the Library but chose against it. It wasn't for any particular reason, he suddenly just was not in the mood. And with no one else except for him in the dorm right now, doing his reading here instead was not bad either.
…
When you deeply immerse yourself in something that interests you, time tends to pass quickly without you knowing. For Ren, who didn't have many hobbies he could truly say he enjoyed the few hobbies he had—like reading—were things he truly indulged himself in when having the time to himself.
Unfortunately, the treasured time couldn't last forever.
—Smack!
Placing a bookmark in between the page he left off, Ren shut the book he was reading and sigh.
Ren could hear footsteps inching closer to the dorm, and with how noisy the owner of the footsteps was being, he immediately recognized it as his happy-go-lucky partner, Nora, which prompted him to shut the book directly since he wouldn't have time for it anymore after this.
No sooner than later, the door burst open. Nora rushed to the room with her arms raised and spread out, a wide energetic smile plastered on her face; accompanied by a loud voice.
''Renny, fearless leader, we're back~! Did you miss us~!!'' After saying that, looking around and only seeing Ren, Nora tilted her head and asked. ''Uh! It's only you Renny, where's Jaune-Jaune?''
Behind Nora, Pyrrha also steps into the dorm with a somewhat exhausted look in her eyes.
Ren didn't find it odd that Pyrrha had such a look in her eyes after accompanying Nora to Vale to her favorite snack stores for the majority of the day. Knowing his partner and childhood friend the best, even with his calm and patient temperament. Ren couldn't remember the last time he was thoroughly exhausted by her unending energy.
Hearing her question, Ren calmly answered. ''He'd said he'll be back late tonight. Likely passed at midnight like usual. ''
''Ah, where would Jaune-Jaune be out so late for—Wait! He's out with Blake or Yang again—Oops! I shouldn't have said that!!'' Nora pondered for a second and immediately understood. And with her habit of blurted out her thoughts aloud, she said before quickly stopping herself when gazing over at the person behind her. ''Sorry Pyrrha, I didn't mean to bring up the topic!'' She hurried to explain, knowing her mistake.
However, the damage had already been done.
Pyrrha's gaze turned slightly downcast, her soft pink lips clamped tightly together, but quickly composed herself, she squeezed out a smile and said. ''Don't worry about it Nora, I'm—I'm fine. Anyway, today was a long day so I'll clean myself up first to ready for the night.''
''Al-alright.''
Nora's small mouth parted to utter words of comfort, but she could only utter that while watching Pyrrha head directly to the washroom, locking the door.
Haa… Ren sighed.
He felt things had only become worse after Pyrrha personally stumbled upon Jaune and Yang's secret, disguised as training.
...
A few weeks quickly fly by.
Lie Ren leisurely sip on a tea while reading his book quietly by himself at the corner of the dorm, where he had set up a little study table reserved only for him.
With Nora having gone out together with Pyrrha and not around to bother him, Ren made sure to always thoroughly enjoy these rare moments of peace. However, if only he was truly alone...
Haa...
Ren placed the teacup down, sighed, and darted his gaze toward the only other male member of team JNPR. Helpless, he lifted his brow in an inquiring manner, ''Jaune, is there something you want to talk to me about? You've been staring intently at me for the past minute with… that look.''
Jaune, finally gaining Ren's attention after staring intently at him for the past minute with a pleading look, directly parted his lips to speak. ''Ren, you know you're my best guy friend and I consider you like a brother I never had, right? So would you please help me out with a small favor?''
As he spoke, Jaune's face pressed closer to Ren, causing Ren to shrink his head back from the closeness. And with a resigned expression, Ren utter, knowing that refusing would only make Jaune more persistent. ''Please stop. I'll help so there's no need to ask with such a pleading gaze.''
''You mean it Ren!? Will you really help me?''
''Yes.''
''Woo-hoo! I know I can always count on you.''
Seeing Jaune dancing about and looking so joyful, Ren only twitched his lips and said. ''So what favor did you want to ask of me?''
''Nothing much, I just want you to help me bake a giant cookie. Don't worry about the ingredients either, I already went and bought all of it. I just… well… not sure how to start on the baking process, and since you're an expert at cooking I was thinking I ask you for help.'' Jaune calms down, explaining the favor he wanted Ren's help with.
''So that's why you woke up really early this morning,'' Ren nodded, understanding why Jaune had woken up early today at the crack of dawn and freshen up to head out somewhere. That said, there was still one thing he had to know. ''But why do you suddenly desire to make a cookie out of nowhere?''
''Oh that... it's for Ruby.'' Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, and a shy embarrassed blush traced his cheek for a split-second.
''For Ruby?''
''Well, you see… I wanted to give a surprise present to Ruby but I didn't know what to give her after looking around Vale for a long time. And since she really likes sweets and her favorite sweets are cookies, I thought of making a giant cookie for her.''
Ren frowned expressionlessly, seemingly thinking about something. He couldn't help but deeply observe Jaune for a moment, a suspicious feeling willed up in him but thinking it couldn't be, he didn't bother voicing it.
''Fine, but if we do this we'll do it seriously.''
''Of course.''
Ren said, knowing that his quiet time alone had been cut short.
That day, from the start to late into the afternoon, after Ren and Jaune went to the cafeteria to get permission to use a private kitchen for baking, they then worked tirelessly to bake the largest and sweetest cookie for a certain obsessed lover of all things sweet.
...
''Jaune, we got to cream those butter and sugar first. After that…''
''I'll get right on it.''
''Alright now that we're done with the wet ingredients, let's mix those dry ingredients together next.''
''Uh-hum, all extra large amounts of dry ingredients for the mixing.''
''... Jaune, don't you think you're putting in a little too much.''
''Maybe. But remember Ren, we're planning to make Ruby the largest cookie so we have to put in an extra amount of everything.''
''But would it even fit into the oven once we have to bake it?''
''Mmm, I mean… probably… The oven looks big enough from the outside. Don't you think so too, Ren?''
''... If you say so.''
...
''Whew, it took us all afternoon but we finally did it! I couldn't do it without your help, thank you Ren!
''Hmm. No problem. However, we really did put too much stuff in it because of that—it didn't end up fitting into the oven and we had to slice the cookie in two. And despite halving it in two it still nearly didn't fit.''
''Well… You're right, it is rather larger than expected. Heh heh~''
Ren deadpans at the blonde, while the blonde in question, Jaune, chuckles embarrassingly while looking down at the two large pieces of cookies both in the shape resembling a half-cut-out pizza.
The two freshly baked cookies right out of the oven, topped with a variety of sweets ranging from chocolates, Eminem, candy corn, sour patch kids, etc... The cookies, each one, were almost as wide as a human arm's length and could barely fit into the tray they were placed in, so it was not surprising that they couldn't fit into the oven before it was cut in half.
''Jaune, I wouldn't recommend giving something like this to Ruby, all that sweet would be bad for anyone's health, and with what I see of her, she definitely won't hold back from devouring this under a few minutes at best. Honestly, I don't know why you think giving Ruby more sweet than her already unhealthy daily intake would be a good idea. But, I still had fun with the process of making it, so... it's not all that bad.''
''See, it was fun for you too~! And you were looking like you didn't want to—'' But before Jaune could complete the sentence, Ren cut him off with his next sentence. ''However, needless to say, I won't be making something like this again. And if you request me to help you bake another in the future,'' Ren glared sharply at Jaune, ''You'll have to help me make that healthy special beverage of mine.''
''Ack! Helping you make those abomination, aren't you being too extreme!?'' Jaune didn't hide his shock.
''What do you mean by that abomination? How is my special beverage, blended and containing only the most nutritious and tasty vegetable, an abomination?'' Ren sharply inquired, displeased that his self-made healthy drinks were associated with the word 'abomination'.
''Uhh, heh heh…'' Jaune turned to the other side, and realizing his mistake, he corrected himself. ''I meant the delicious and very nutritious beverage.''
Ren might be calm and without much expression most of the time, but having spent months living together, Jaune was naturally able to uncover one or more things that tick the impassive boy off.
The first was the seriousness with which Ren took dance practice! Ugh, just remembering their team dance practice together—Jaune couldn't help but shudder. The other was… the way he would react sensitively when you insult or talk badly about his abomination— Ahem, the special healthy beverage he forces them to drink from time to time.
Thinking about the moment in which he had to chug down those beverages, Jaune felt like puking even though he was not on a Bullhead, flying through the sky, but was instead standing on solid ground.
''Hmm. Of course, it's delicious, I carefully pick and mix in…''
Watching Ren ramble on and on about his special self made beverage, Jaune palms his face, resigning himself to his fate, once Ren got into the mood he couldn't be stopped no matter what.
Sigh, I really shouldn't have said anything in the first place.
...
''... And that's how my specially made beverage was finally created after experimenting with many different kinds of ingredients.'' An unusual proud expression formed on Ren, as he concluded his long lengthy explanation.
''I- I see… It was truly special. Maybe you should try experimenting some more to create an even more perfect beverage than the current one, and this time, how about less greenie and more sugar and the likes?'' Jaune couldn't help advising with a dry tone.
He couldn't help it! He had just spent the last 20 minutes listening to Ren describing the creation of his abomination! Just listening to it had reopened the traumatic experience of drinking the so-called special beverage Ren was so proud of… It made him remember the taste—well, in truth, Jaune couldn't even remember the taste as all he could recall was vomiting for a long time and blacking out the next moment after drinking a single mouthful.
While he might not recall the taste, but from the memory and how he unconsciously shudders every time Ren mentions the beverage. Jaune knew he was better off not recalling the taste.
Whether Ren was able to catch the dry tone underneath the suggestion or not, he simply didn't like the thought of changing the recipe to his already perfect beverage.
Looking at Jaune as if he had just suggested something absurd, Ren said, his even tone laced with Incredulity. ''Jaune, how can you even think of something already perfect, and adding sugar… That would beat the point of making a healthy drink.''
''I just think… uhh… you're right, it's already perfect. No need for change.'' Jaune was about to explain but gave up, knowing better than to argue with Ren over this. It'll take forever. ''Anyway, can you watch over the two cookies for a sec? I'll get Ruby. Heh heh, she'll be over the top after seeing them.''
Thinking about what expression Ruby will be making, Jaune faintly smiles.
''Hm, sure.'' Ren blankly stared at his faint smile, the suspicious feeling he once had earlier today came right back.
''Thanks, Ren.''
Watching him leave the kitchen space, Ren sighed, and a headache-inducing thought formed in his mind. ''Ruby as well…? It can't be.''
A short moment passed.
While Ren was waiting for Jaune to come back with Ruby, two other unexpected visitors came by instead.
''Wow! Renny, did you make these cookies!? They're so big~ and look at all the things on top of it! Is it for us!? is for us!?'' With eyes glittery like stars, Nora bounces about as she stares at the freshly baked cookies, her mouth watery from the aroma.
''Sorry Nora, but no, these aren't for you to eat.'' However, her assumption that this was for them was immediately crushed by Ren's directness. And Nora, after hearing his words, directly froze like a statue.
Surprise, standing beside the frozen pink hair, Pyrrha inquired. ''I'm amazed that you were able to bake these Ren, though I never peg you for the type to make something sugary like this. But I'm a little confused, if this isn't for Nora then why did you bake them?''
''Yeah, Renny! If this isn't for us, then why'd you bake them!? I demanded you explain or I won't stop pestering you for it!'' Nora stared sharply at him, showing that she was absolutely serious.
''Haa… It wasn't just me baking them, Jaune too. While you guys were gone for hours to Vale, he requested me to help him bake them.'' Ren sigh helplessly at Nora. ''It's for Ruby, so that's why I can't have you eating them.''
''For Ruby…'' Pyrrha uttered thoughtfully.
On the other hand, unlike Pyrrha's mild reaction, Nora's reaction couldn't be considered the same. ''What, Jaune requested you to help him make these cookies for Ruby, why suddenly!?''
''I dunno either,'' Ren shook his head, and looked at Pyrrha, then deliberated shortly before proceeding to explain. ''He said he had been looking for a present for Ruby all around Vale but couldn't find anything that she would like, so he thought of making her favorite thing to snack on. Which is these, as you can see.''
''I know that Jaune-Jaune and Ruby are besties like Renny and I—but to suddenly want to give her a present… how suspicious.
Nora held her chin and thoughtfully muttered to herself, not noticing the slight change in Pyrrha's expression.
''Now listen to me again Ruby, make sure to close your eyes when entering the kitchen and only open them when I say so.''
''I know, I know, Jaune, no need to explain it more than once. Now quickly show me already, I can already smell something really yummy~! I can't wait to see what kind of cookie it is!''
''Sigh, it seems you can already tell it's a cookie. Since that is the case, without much suspense; let's enter.''
As they heard the two conversing just outside the kitchen room, Nora suddenly snapped out of her muse, took Pyrrha's hand and dragged her over to the back of the counter. Squatting down and hidden from viewsight.
''Shhh. Don't say anything, Renny.''
While confused by her sudden inexplicable action, Ren blankly nodded, seemingly conveying the meaning of 'he'll play along with her strange game'.
Meanwhile, covering her eyes like Jaune instructed, Ruby's nose twitched in delight when smelling a mouth-watering aroma just a short distance ahead. Unable to hold herself back after smelling the freshly baked cookie, still having her eyes shut, Ruby pleading with the blonde next to her.
''C'mon Jaune, can't I just open my eyes and take a look already? I can tell it's a cookie just from the smell, what's the point of closing my eyes at this point!'' Jaune firmly replied. ''Nope. The surprise is half ruined because of that nose of yours, so please bear with it when it would only take 10 more steps at most.''
''Ahhh, fine, but make sure to guide me properly! I don't want to trip and fall because I'm unable to see!'' Ruby whines at his firm response before cutely poofing her cheek while saying.
Jaune, grabbing onto the petite girl's shoulders, rolled his eyeball and softly said. ''Don't worry, that won't happen. Crater face~ unlike someone who knocks into a princess with luggage filled with dust and then explodes, I'm not that clumsy.''
''You! That was a long time ago, don't bring it up! And I'm not clumsy! Hmph, don't forget that your nickname is worse than mine!''
While this was going on, seemingly completely ignored, Ren gazed at the two and couldn't help but question. What game are they playing? But he remained quiet, a nagging feeling told him that he shouldn't interfere in their play.
Having been dragged by Nora and hiding behind the counter, Pyrrha was filled with confusion. She asked, ''Nora, why are we hiding from them?''
''Shhh. I dunno either, my sense just told me to.'' Nora quickly gestures to Pyrrha to keep quiet and explain vaguely.
More confused than ever, Pyrrha reluctantly complied with Nora. Shifting her gaze to the two playful bickering while sauntering toward the counter, I knew Jaune and Ruby were close; almost inseparable, but… aren't they a little too close? Seeing them so close with no boundary, such thoughts unconsciously enter her mind.
Although painful to think about, with what she had recently discovered about her partner—a certain image she once thought impossible surfaced in her mind.
''Oh oh! The aroma is so strong and enticing! Can I open them now~!'' Squealing with excitement, Ruby exclaimed loudly to Jaune.
''Yep, you can open them up now.'' Said Jaune, chuckling beside her.
''Yes yes yes!'' Extremely excited, Ruby directly opens her silver eyes after getting permission from Jaune. And when she saw the two giant half-slice cookies, an impossible amount of happiness surged from Ruby. ''Whoa, it's a giant cookie!! Look at all the different sweets on it, they all look so good! Jaune, did you make this!?''
Bouncing up and down from extreme excitement with eyes resembling a heart, Ruby incessantly admired the cookies before turning to Jaune to ask.
''Basically, but I had Ren help make it as well.'' Jaune pointed at Ren, smiling when he saw how happy she was.
''Ren...? Oh, Ren, you were here too? So you help make this? Thank you very much.'' Ruby said after only now noticing Ren's presence.
Am I that invisible…? Ren inwardly questions. He put on a faint smile and said. ''No problem.''
''However, why did you make this for me?'' After thanking Ren, Ruby went back to admiring the cookies for a while, she then thought of something and darted her attention back to Jaune.
''It's a present.'' Jaune shyly replied.
''...present?'' Ruby echoed in wonder, ''What for?''
''Well, it's nearly the end of our first year in Beacon and I wanted to give something to you as a gift. Unfortunately… I'm not the best at coming up with gifts so I thought of things you might like, and cookies were the first thing that came to mind. I thought of buying it straight from the store but felt it would be more meaningful to make it by hand. However, I never bake a cookie before so I asked Ren to help.''
Jaune awkwardly rubbed the back of his head while explaining his reason for wanting to give a gift. After, with a small pause, he looked at Ren and added. ''Oh, Ren, I also didn't forget about Nora, Pyrrha, and the rest of team RWBY either. I'll also come up with what to give y'all.''
Hearing him, surprised, Ren was about to say there was no need but held his tongue, only nodded. He could tell… this seems to mean a lot to Jaune. Because of that, saying no would feel very rude
Fearless leader going to give us a gift…? I can't wait! Having heard everything, Nora squeals inwardly with excitement.
A gift from J-Jaune... Pyrrha also felt the same.
''Ohh, Jaune, you're so sweet!'' Meanwhile, Ruby, after hearing his reason, was brimming with joy, directly jumping into Jaune's arms and smacking her little mouth with his. And Jaune, shocked at first, quickly reciprocates the kiss.
Huh!?
Huuuh!?
Taken aback by the sudden intimacy between Ruby and Jaune, both girls hidden behind the counter became petrified from shock.
… his relationship status is getting more messy, Ren, while also taken aback, already had a hunch before that this might be the case so it was easier for him to recollect himself from the shock, and sighed at the sight.