Archive of Our Own

Yuuichirou found that the soft clicking of Mikaela’s rain boots against the sidewalk was music to his ears - and also a truly hilarious sight to see as his best friend skipped across the leaf covered sidewalk. Yuuichirou found himself entranced with how the fallen leaves seemed to swirl through the air, cutting through the sharp wind with their delicate sides. Around both Yuuichirou and Mikaela they twirled, dancing with grace as they painted the sky with oranges, reds, and yellows. In the end, they came crashing down onto the ground.

Only for Mikaela to kick the leaves afterwards.

And while Mikaela seemed overjoyed to be running through the fallen leaves, his purple backpack bouncing behind him as he ran, Yuuichirou found himself walking behind Mikaela in a light stroll. It was in the late afternoon, only a few hours after school had ended, but Yuuichirou was exhausted. His schedule was the same every day - classes, football practice, and then homework.

Yuuichirou had already gotten two out of the three done, seeming that he had left football practice merely thirty minutes before. However, it had been exhausting, as usual - with Kimizuki randomly throwing footballs at his head as surprise attacks. And while Yuuichirou caught some of them, there were others that he didn’t. Kimizuki’s sneak attacks would only result in Yuuichirou chasing him down, the two of them play fighting until they got screamed at by Coach Goshi.  

Though seeming that Yuuichirou was the team’s quarterback and Kimizuki was the running back, the two of them were cut some slack – Coach Goshi only demanding that they ran eight laps before rejoining the team on the field. And while Yuuichirou and Kimizuki ran, their fellow teammate and friend, Narumi, stood on the football field with a large grin spread out over his face.

That only drove Yuuichirou to run faster so he could slap Narumi’s smile off his face.

Drill after drill, Yuuichirou continued to push through – the countless hours of practice making his muscles ache while beads of sweat ran down his skin. Though what seemed to make practice better for Yuuichirou was that Mikaela had waited for him. That was just the kind of friend Mikaela was. He was reliable and patient, and as Yuuichirou ran through his game plays, Mikaela sat on some bleachers with his head buried in a book.

Yuuichirou’s eyes always flicked away from the ball during team drills for a few seconds – laughs even escaping his lips as he watched Mikaela aggressively flip through his book’s pages, reading with passion. Time seemed to go by quicker when Mikaela was there, and the blond would even take time to cheer for Yuuichirou during practice instead of burying his head in fiction.

Not that Yuuichirou had a problem with that. If anything, Yuuichirou found Mikaela’s love of books and learning admirable. While others seemed to poke fun at it, Mikaela didn't care – he was proud of what he liked and would stick up for himself no matter what. Yuuichirou would too, seeming that if anyone messed with his best friend they’d leave school with a black eye.

Though the two of them were completely different with their interests, they worked together perfectly and could laugh their days away.

So usually, once practice was over, Mikaela ran out onto the field - congratulating Yuuichirou by punching him hard in the gut while screaming-

“Good job! That was amazing… but can you explained to me what just happened?”

It was the same thing every practice. Time after time, Yuuichirou would have to explain to Mikaela just how football worked.

But, time after time, Mikaela failed to understand.

Though what surprised Yuuichirou that day after practice was when Mikaela ran up to him - not to ask him questions, but to demand that they walk to the Halloween store together so the two of them could pick out costumes. Halloween was only a little more than a week away, and Mikaela already had plans.

That was what he told Yuuichirou, at least.

But when Yuuichirou asked just what exactly those plans were, Mikaela only tapped his lips for a moment before shrugging.

“Just one or two things we gotta do. The usual,” Mikaela had explained while the two of them stood on the side of the football field. After a moment or two, Mikaela reached out to grab Yuuichirou’s hand – giving it a slight tug.

Yuuichirou ignored how his cheeks began to grow warm, only staring down at Mikaela as his emerald green eyes swirled with curiosity.

“Could you be a little more specific?” Yuuichirou had questioned with a slight roll of his eyes, not noticing as he unconsciously held Mikaela’s hand back. It was just instinct

“Well, we still need halloween costumes for when we go Trick-or-Treating together this year.” Mikaela had explained, staring up at Yuuichirou while a large smile curved his lips.

Yuuichirou clicked his tongue and nodded, internally cursing himself for being so forgetful. The two high school seniors had gone Trick-or-Treating together since they first became friends with each other in freshman year. At that point, it was like a tradition.

“Right, right,” Yuuichirou had said with exasperation, though he was incredibly excited.

“Don't tell me you forgot.”

Yuuichirou fake gasped at Mikaela’s scolding. “I would never,” he said, pretending to be offended. “Give me some credit.”

“You tend to be an airhead sometimes,” Mikaela pointed out, raising his free hand to tap Yuuichirou’s chest.

“Shut up,” Yuuichirou said through a groan.

“Make me,” Mikaela jabbed, smiling slyly.

Yuuichirou raised a hand to flip Mikaela off. Though he continued as he asked, “But you implied that there were two reasons we were getting costumes. So what’s the other?”

Mikaela suddenly grew quiet.

Which was a big surprise to Yuuichirou, considering that Mikaela never stopped talking when they were together.

Yuuichirou pushed forward though, giving Mikaela a knowing look. “Mika?”

At that moment, Mikaela coughed once and shook his head. “It’s just-” Mikaela paused to clear his throat. “It’s nothing big. No big deal.”

“Mika,” Yuuichirou had repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Mikaela sighed in exhaustion and defeat. “It’s just… there’s a halloween party I wanted us to go to.”

Yuuichirou leaned down a little bit, taking a step closer to Mikaela. “Alright…” He breathed out, a little surprised. Not that Mikaela didn't like to party or anything, but it was Yuuichirou who usually invited Mikaela to them.

Then there was also the fact that Yuuichirou hadn't heard of any party happening. And that was saying something, considering that his football team was no better than the cheerleaders when it came to gossiping.

“It’s just a small party,” Mikaela had explained, clearing his throat as he blushed lightly – a clear sign to Yuuichirou that he was lying.

“Uh-huh. Whose party is it?”

Mikaela licked his lips and whined slightly. His pulled his hand away from Yuuichirou’s – much to the football player’s despise – before doing a small twirl. “You know… just… like… a friend’s party … and by friend I mean… Shinoa…”

“Shinoa,” Yuuichirou once again repeated, this time with disbelief. “Mika, her parties are definitely not small.”

“Maybe it will be this time-!”

“I doubt it,” Yuuichirou commented, not upset at all – just making a point. Though he watched as Mikaela shot him a glare, and he couldn't help but to laugh at it. “So, when’s this party then?”

Mikaela once again grew silent.

So, Yuuichirou playfully yelled, “Mika!”

Rising on the tips of his toes, Mikaela pursed his lips before patting Yuuichirou’s shoulder pads. His sweet smile faded into one more mischievous,

Mikaela bit his bottom lip and pulled it back before speaking–

“Tomorrow.”

At the time, Yuuichirou’s expression immediately fell and he let out a loud groan – though Mikaela didn't care, for he took a step back and did another twirl.

“That’s my birthday,” Yuuichirou expelled, crossing his arms over his chest. “Mika–”

“I know, I know,” Mikaela had cut in, waving a hand at Yuuichirou to silence him. “Trust me, I know you don't like to celebrate with birthday parties.”

At the time, Yuuichirou could only grunt and remain silent.

Mikaela continued, “But I’m sure it’s just a regular party. Shinoa never said that it was for you. Trust me. Just go change out of your sweaty clothes and come with me to the costume store.”

Yuuichirou didn't want to agree with Mikaela, but he didn't have a choice – considering that the face Mikaela was sporting was just too hard to deny. How Mikaela pushed his bottom lip out into a pout and crossed his arms over his chest – Yuuichirou was like putty in his hands and just couldn't turn him down.

So, with reluctance, Yuuichirou quickly changed out of his jersey and into a pair of sweats and a tank top – grabbing his bag before following Mikaela off campus and down the sidewalks.

And now, Mikaela led Yuuichirou forward as he guided both of them towards the closest Halloween store. It was the best one, if Yuuichirou had any say in it – and, on top of it all, it was one both he and Mikaela went to every year to buy their costumes,

As the two of them walked down the sidewalk next to the busy road, Yuuichirou couldn’t help but to laugh as he watched his best friend rush through each piles of leaves that laid near them. Brought on by the fall season, leaves covered almost all of Sanguinem and provided Mikaela with a million chances to jump, kick, and stomp his way through each pile of leaves he saw.

Mikaela claimed that he did so because every pile he ran through equaled one wish he could make.

Of course, Yuuichirou had never heard of a such a thing before, but the spark and dazzle which appeared in Mikaela’s eyes when he told Yuuichirou of it was enough to make Yuuichirou believe in it in a heartbeat. Almost as if it was his new religion.

And while the two of them walked down the sidewalk (or really, while Yuuichirou walked and Mikaela galloped), backpacks slung over both of their shoulders, a cool gust of wind pushed them forward. The two of them made it to the large costume store in a record breaking time, and Mikaela instantly ran inside – dragging Yuuichirou along by holding his hand, of course.

Yuuichirou didn't mind one bit, and that surprised him.

If anything - Yuuichirou often tries to understand Mikaela’s excitement for things. He liked to share it, though sometimes, he can only simply watch Mikaela’s bustling with a smile on his face.

It’s just costumes, He thinks.

They are nothing but costumes, really.

Roaming the premise, it seemed like there weren’t many customers inside. Is it getting late already?

The more he thought about it - he felt a bit guilty. He wanted to truly feel excited about what Mikaela had in store for him…

“Do we have to?”

Mikaela shot him a look, Yuuichirou hopelessly following Mikaela down the aisle that contained racks of costumes and accessories.

“That is a question I'm not answering.” Mikaela said. “Rules are you automatically have to go and you absolutely need to have a costume for it.”

Yuuichirou snorted with a roll of his eyes. “Why?”

“Because I said so.” Mikaela remarked.

“According to what rules that you've magically made up? Ones that I have no choice but to follow?” Yuuichirou quirked a brow.

“The super best friend handbook.” Mikaela answered earnestly. His sincerity is what wanted to make Yuuichirou laugh. “Any ideas on what you wanna be?”

Mikaela’s hands are on Yuuichirou’s shoulders, hauling him further down to venture through each section.

Yuuichirou finds himself too caught up in his thoughts to consider looking thoroughly.

“I know they all must look awesome but, as you can see, we don't have all day.”

“Could I go as Deadpool?”

Mikaela stopped, stepping beside Yuuichirou to throw his hands in the air. “You were Deadpool last year.”

Yuuichirou remembered the policy that they were supposed to be something different every year to keep things consistent.

“I was?”

“You were Alex DeLarge the year before that, too.”

“Right.” Yuuichirou sighed. “Maybe I can go as myself this time.”

“A brainless jock?” Mikaela teased, causing Yuuichirou to gawk.

“Offense. I'm not entirely brainless!”

“You haven't made it in the honor roll once.”

“Progress is made in time.”

“Sure, whatever. Use your hardcore athlete strategies to help you with that.” Mikaela stuck out his tongue. “Come on, Yuu-chan. Only once a year there is a time where people get to express themselves. Be someone else for a day or more, feel how it's like. To be whoever you want!”

“I think you're looking a little bit too deep into it.” Yuuichirou said impassively, “I don't think you'd be doing it right if you wanted to dress up as a seabear or cheese.”

“That's where creativity comes in.” Mikaela clarified. “There's a spark in being either of those things. You can be food, an animal, an object. There's always a beauty in something, right?”

“You read way too many fucking books, that's what.” Yuuichirou said jocularly. “I could wrap myself in duct tape and call myself a mummy. Pour garbage on myself and say I'm a sewer monster. And that could only take about five to ten minutes.”

“I dunno... sounds like wise words coming from a brainless jock to me.” Mikaela shrugged, Yuuichirou glared at him.

“Hey!”

Mikaela snickered, and he gives Yuuichirou a light shove on the arm to lighten up.

“You know I love you. You're not the most brainless out of all of them.”

“Don't categorize me where the rest of them are at all. I'm better, anyway.”

Mikaela’s smiling deviously. “Really?” He questioned.

Yuuichirou can never put a finger on Mikaela’s ambidextrous nature, it always makes his stomach churn - sometimes, he can never read the other. He could admit that Mikaela was something else.

“To be the least brainless of the most, doesn't make you any less of a simpleton.”

Yuuichirou narrowed his eyes. “I'm not gonna let your nerd talk confuse me.”

“It's a mere penny for my own thoughts.” Mikaela giggled. “You're a fool. But you know your stuff. I give you credit. Unlike most.”

Yuuichirou grumbled. What a backhanded compliment. “We gonna pick out some shit or what because I wanna leave here as soon as possible.”

“Slow down, Casanova. It's your big day tomorrow! It's not like you're dressing up for a wedding rehearsal.” Mikaela convinced. He folded his arms, studying Yuuichirou.

Yuuichirou sends Mikaela a look. “You checking me out or something?”

“I think I have an idea of what would fit your style. Aggressive. Definitely hardcore. Intimidating. Mysterious. What do you think?” Mikaela propped a fist under his chin.

“Something that's not a shitty broccoli costume?” Yuuichirou frowned.

Mikaela sputtered out a short laugh. “No.” He dragged out in thought, with a click of his tongue, he scowled.

“Think bigger.” He demanded. “What's your type?”

“Anything that I like?” Yuuichirou knew he was bad at this. But it doesn't seem to faze Mikaela.

“You're lucky that I know you. Which is why I'll help you before you choose an absolute disaster piece of garbage that you'd call fashion.” Mikaela hummed. “Come with me.”

Mikaela’s grabbing Yuuichirou’s hand and dragging him before Yuuichirou can object or even think of a comeback. Though, he knew Mikaela had a point there. He didn't have a single clue on what he wanted to be and he's grateful to have Mikaela do the picking for him.

He was undeniably lost.

It was a while going through their selections, Mikaela randomly putting outfits to Yuuichirou’s chest making mental measurements and adjustments. A shake of his head meant fuck no and dozens of those later Mikaela seems to find something that makes him nod, an approving smile creeping on his face.

“Oh yes.” Mikaela whispered, “Try this on.”  

It's a jacket along with a top that resembles a skeleton. Matching the body parts.

Yuuichirou willingly takes it as he's pushed into the dressing room, curtains closed on him.

This is unbelievable. But there's no say when it comes to Mikaela dragging him into things.

Mindlessly he puts them on and opens the curtains, only to see Mikaela waiting outside patiently.

He wanted to get Mikaela’s opinion on it first before he checked it out himself. After all, he doesn't care much about what he thinks about it.

The look that changed Mikaela's expression makes him slightly nervous, he expected Mikaela to gag over it.

But he looks as if Yuuichirou had just won the lottery.

“Perfect.” Mikaela breathed.

“You really think so?” Yuuichirou questioned warily, “Maybe I'd look more hilarious in a  broccoli costume.”

Mikaela took Yuuichirou to the dressing room mirror. And Yuuichirou is quite surprised with the results.

“What do you think of your look?” Mikaela’s hands are on Yuuichirou’s shoulders. “Am I a genius or what?”

“...I’d look pretty hot as a skeleton.” Yuuichirou murmured. He knows he sounds conceited and certainly carried away smirking and grooming himself.

“Right. But I'd have to give you a full makeover first…” Mikaela hummed, observing Yuuichirou intently.

“A makeover?” Yuuichirou is ripped from admiring himself, hands fixing at his collar. “Do you think I can wear some gloves?”

Mikaela placed his hands on his hips. “Of course.” He says, “Not only that but… definitely a much more effective makeover…”

Yuuichirou stares with a puzzled expression.

“Before the party, of course.” Mikaela smiled. Yuuichirou looked at his best friend warily, Mikaela had his antics he tended to rope Yuuichirou into. Yuuichirou knew that for sure.

“Uh huh.” Yuuichirou managed to say.

Mikaela shook his head and laughed. “Come on! Lighten up, birthday boy.”

“It ain't my birthday yet.”

“But it will be in a few hours, birthday boy.”

“Mika–” Yuuichirou dragged the word out into a whine, only inciting a laugh from Mikaela.

“Yuu-chan, come on,” Mikaela groaned with a pout, rolling his eyes once. “You’ll have fun. I’m gonna make your birthday great this year.”

“They’ve been great every year,” Yuuichirou commented, flinching in pain when Mikaela accidentally pinched a piece of his skin while playing with his costume’s collar. Immediately, Mikaela apologized under his breath, though Yuuichirou waved him off in forgiveness and only continued. “You know I always enjoy the birthday stuff you plan.”

“That’s my goal…” Mikaela mumbled, his voice laced with guilt as he noticed the red mark on Yuuichirou’s neck. Casually, he reached up and poked it softly. “But I want to make your birthday better and better every year, you know?”

Yuuichirou’s eyes flicked down to Mikaela as he uncomfortably stretched his neck up. The blond messed with his costume and pinch mark.

Yuuichirou couldn't help but to think about how generous Mikaela was – even if Yuuichirou preferred to stay inside for his birthday.

When they first met, Mikaela had dragged Yuuichirou out on his birthday. They had only been friends for a few months at the time, but that didn't seem to be a problem for Mikaela. Together, Yuuichirou and Mikaela saw a cheesy horror movie before walking around the local mall.

Though every time Yuuichirou made a comment about something cool he saw in a store’s window, Mikaela instantly would freeze and run inside of the store – coming out with the said item in hand.

And that happened every time.

By the time Yuuichirou left the mall, he was chugging around fifteen birthday gifts Mikaela had insisted on buying him. Mikaela had parted with Yuuichirou at the end of the day, hugging him tightly before hopping into his mother’s car so he could return home.

It was the same the next year; however, instead of going out, Mikaela and Yuuichirou had a movie and video game marathon at Yuuichirou’s house until they were both yelled at to go to bed. Mikaela had also baked Yuuichirou a cake that day before showering him in endless amounts of gifts.

Yuuichirou never understood Mikaela. He gave so much, while Yuuichirou struggled with that. He had never been too good at birthday gifts, and when Mikaela’s birthday came along he never knew what to give.

When Yuuichirou first celebrated Mikaela’s birthday, he had given him a bag of Sunchips with a bow on it.

However, over the course of three years, Yuuichirou had climbed his way up to instead buying Mikaela a can of Pringles. It was something, even though Mikaela always claimed that Yuuichirou’s company was the best gift he could receive. Which was utter bullshit in Yuuichirou’s opinion, considering that he would give Mikaela the world if he had the chance.

“Jeez, ya sap,” Yuuichirou grumbled before blowing out a puff of air. “You’re too good for me.”

Mikaela’s eyes flicked up to Yuuichirou’s face for a moment, suddenly taking a step back to put distance between them. “That’s what best friends are for.”

“Then I don't deserve you.”

Much to Yuuichirou’s surprise, he was met with a sudden sharp pain as Mikaela kicked his ankle. Yuuichirou wobbled over a bit as a string of curse words fled from his mouth.

“Yes you do, so don’t say that, you dumb jock,” Mikaela scolded, collecting Yuuichirou’s belongings before shoving them back towards him. “Or I’ll beat you up.”

“Like you could beat me,” Yuuichirou said with a scoff, standing up straight.

“I could take you with my eyes closed.”

“Or really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“Even if I came at you first?”

Mikaela nodded and took a step to the side, pushing past some dressing room curtains as he began to exit. The store was nearly dead at that hour, considering that everyone was still at work or had other commitments – leaving the store for Mikaela and Yuuichirou’s entertainment.

“Most definitely,” Mikaela called back over his shoulder, hips swaying as he walked away from Yuuichirou. “I could still take you down in the blink of an eye.”

Yuuichirou took a few steps forward, his voice dropping in volume as a grin spread out over his face. His eyes seemed to darken as he raised his hands and wiggled his fingers, creeping up behind Mikaela’s back with no suspicion from the blond.

“Oh, really…”

Mikaela nodded pridefully, freezing in his tracks as he placed his hands on his hips.

Yuuichirou continued, “But what if I just…”

With a sudden burst in his step, Yuuichirou dove forward and suddenly began tickling Mikaela’s sides – inciting a loud squeal from the blond as he jolted forward. Yuuichirou didn't stop though, only cornering Mikaela back into the dressing room’s corner so he could tickle up his sides. Eventually, Yuuichirou went higher and began tickling Mikaela’s armpits.

Yuuichirou couldn't help but to laugh along with Mikaela as he watched tears of joy pool in Mikaela’s sapphire eyes. Though Yuuichirou could barely see them through Mikaela’s lashes, they were still visible and as bright as ever.

Mikaela’s protesting mixed with his squeals though – both of them bouncing off the walls and echoing throughout the Halloween store. Neither Yuuichirou or Mikaela cared, only continuing their play fight.

Yuuichirou suddenly pulled away when Mikaela brought his knee up in an attempt to jab Yuuichirou at his stomach. Thankfully, Yuuichirou had always been quick on his feet and pulled away at just the right time.

Yuuichirou’s shoes stomped against the floor as he regained his balance, carefully watching Mikaela as he wrapped his arms around his sides. It wasn't long until Mikaela brushed it off though – his tears wiped from his eyes. Soon, Mikaela brought his fists up and pursed his lips, locking eyes with Yuuichirou.

“I’m gonna kick your ass–”

“Like I’d even let you get to me,” Yuuichirou said cockily.

Mikaela studied Yuuichirou for a moment before shrugging and dropping his hands to his sides. He clicked his tongue and sighed deeply. “I guess you’re right,” Mikaela expelled nonchalantly.

Yuuichirou raised an eyebrow, shifting his weight onto one foot as he stood there. He watched Mikaela carefully as his companioned kicked his foot at the tile beneath him. “Really-?”

“No,” Mikaela yelled, suddenly charging forward – slamming into Yuuichirou, who was caught off guard. “Sneak attack!”

Yuuichirou let out a deep, husky laugh as he threw his head back, only glancing down at Mikaela as he tried to push him back. Compared to Mikaela, Yuuichirou had a lot more muscles. After all, he worked out every day and made it his goal to lift weights every week.

Mikaela ramming into Yuuichirou barely shoved him back on his feet. Though it did cause Yuuichirou to wobble a bit – but that all changed when Yuuichirou suddenly bent down, only to pick Mikaela up into his arms. Yuuichirou let out a victorious cheer.

Mikaela, on the other hand, let out a groan – not able to attack Yuuichirou anymore since he was up in the air.

Yuuichirou smiled proudly though, only grunting softly as Mikaela’s weight rested in his arms. Mikaela and Yuuichirou soon locked eyes – the blond sticking his tongue out at Yuuichirou before grumbling.

“This is cheating,” Mikaela commented, pushing his bottom lip out as he scrunched up his nose. “I'm defenseless.”

Yuuichirou rolled his eyes, shifting Mikaela’s weight in his arms. “Told you that you couldn't take me,”

“You’re just a cheater.”

“How is this cheating?”

“You know I’m afraid of heights,”

“....You’re like, five feet up in the air...”

“So high!” Mikaela cried out in a burst, throwing his head back. “I'll get you back for this. Just you wait. Watch your back.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” Yuuichirou murmured in disbelief.

Though before he could continue, someone cleared their throat to the left of both Mikaela and Yuuichirou.

Both of their heads snapped to the side, their eyes greeted by the sight of a store worker staring right at them. The woman at the entrance of their dressing room crossed her arms over her chest before straightening her work uniform out.

Sheepishly, Yuuichirou helped Mikaela out of his arms and back down onto the ground.

The two of them really had no boundaries, though they couldn't help it. They were just best friends.

Yuuichirou wondered if that was all.

“Are you going to buy the costume?” The woman asked slowly, shooting a sharp glare towards Yuuichirou and Mikaela. “Because the commotion back here is not-”

“We’re sorry,” Mikaela chirped in, lacing his own hands together as they rested in front of his body. “He was just about to change out of his costume now.”

The woman raised an eyebrow.

Yuuichirou cut in, “Yeah. I was gonna get out of it now.”

His words came out in a soft grumble, a bit disappointed that him and Mikaela’s playfighting had come to an end due to her arrival.

“My dumb friend here apologizes,” Mikaela said sincerely as he dropped his head, motioned towards Yuuichirou. “He’s very loud and has bad manners. Sometimes I wonder if he even has a brain, but it’s hard to say. I apologize on his behalf and I'll try to get him in check.”

Yuuichirou gasped, head snapping over towards Mikaela. “What the fu-”

“Just-” The woman raised her hands and silenced both of them. “Take your time but please keep the volume down. That’s all I ask on behalf of the store.”

“Will do,” Mikaela said without a second to spare, offering the woman a small smile as she sighed and walked away. Mikaela took that as an opportunity to turn towards Yuuichirou and shake his head in disappointment. “God, Yuu-chan. How rude of you to be so loud.”

“I'm gonna slap you so hard with a book the next time you whip one out during school,” Yuuichirou shot back, beginning to pull at his costume.

Mikaela placed a hand on his chest, looking absolutely disgusted. “Fine, I take it back. I surrender… just don't hurt my book babies.”

“You’re so dramatic.”

“You love it though,” Mikaela hollered in a sing-song voice, rising on the tips of his toes before swaying to the side. He reached out and patted Yuuichirou shoulder before exiting the dressing room. “Now, when you’re changing I’m gonna go grab my costume.”

Yuuichirou nodded once, his lips pressed out into a thin line. “Alright, you gonna need any help?”

“I actually already know what I’m gonna be,” Mikaela clarified, pride seeping through his voice.

Yuuichirou reached down, lifting up the bottom of his shirt as he prepared to undress after Mikaela’s departure – his stomach exposed. “Damn, already? What’re you gonna be?”

Mikaela walked backwards on his feet, eyes flicking up to the ceiling as he pretended to think. Yuuichirou could only watch Mikaela as the blond took on his usual coy persona

Soon, Mikaela raised a hand, pressing it against his plump lips before winking.

“It’s a surprise,” Mikaela explained, tilting his head to the side before sticking his tongue out – closing the dressing room’s curtains behind him as he left, leaving Yuuichirou standing there in utter disbelief.

Though for the first time all day, Yuuichirou actually felt excited for something.

They left the shop with their costumes, however - Yuuichirou’s costume was the only one that was revealed.

After all, it’s because he willingly showed it to Mikaela.
He found it unfair that Mikaela didn’t want to show his costume. Matter of fact, by the time Yuuichirou left the dressing room he saw Mikaela waiting up front with a plastic shopping bag in his hand.

“Come on, slowpoke. I’m gonna grow gray hairs by the time you catch up to me.”

“We finished already?” Yuuichirou had said, appalled. “The hell did you buy?”

“I had my mind set on a costume long before we came here, Yuu-chan.” Mikaela smiled with mischief, “If you’re not prepared then where’s your Halloween spirit?”

He didn’t want to question Mikaela’s wise words. He did question on who Mikaela was going to be.

Mikaela’s always prepared for everything - and there’s a possibility of things Yuuichirou predicted he could be… but with no hints dropped whatsoever, Yuuichirou’s left curious and impatient.

He noticed that not only yesterday Mikaela was acting secretive - it dragged on throughout the morning on the following day.

Shinoa must’ve spread word about her party  at some point. It made Yuuichirou nervous.

He thinks it’s not just Mikaela, or maybe he’s overthinking it. Before class he saw Mikaela, Shinoa, Akane, and Mitsuba huddled close together.

Upon seeing Yuuichirou they all disperse and have strange, welcoming smiles on their faces. Not that they don’t do it all the time - it came off to Yuuichirou as a distraction.

“Hey, birthday boy to be!” Akane exclaimed, “You excited?”

Mikaela’s laughing as Akane and Shinoa run to trap him in a bone crushing group hug.

“Maybe let him breathe first so he can answer?” Mitsuba suggested flatly. Yuuichirou laughs meekly, noticing how Mikaela seemed silent, watching the whole thing unfold with a shy smile tugging at his lips.

“I don’t know, really.” Yuuichirou shrugged. “I tend to get kinda, uh, nervous. So I don’t know how to feel.” He’s looking at Mikaela and he felt the need to be alone with the blond instead of feeling cornered.

He doesn’t know if Mikaela has gotten the message, lingering beside Mitsuba with a hand resting on the strap of his backpack.

“That’s not good, is it?” Mikaela questioned. Shinoa and Akane part themselves from Yuuichirou, attention diverting to the blond. “I thought you were excited!”

“I am. I just.” Yuuichirou scratched the back of his head. You know.

“Mika here told me you guys went costume shopping.” Akane nudged Yuuichirou’s arm. Shinoa stuck beside him, and Yuuichirou realizes that Mitsuba and Mikaela have different classes.

“It was supposed to be our thing but they endlessly interrogated me until I confessed.” Mikaela said sympathetically, Mitsuba snoring as the two of them leisurely walked ahead, the bell ringing. “It’s not my fault. I swear.”

“I wanna know all the details.” Shinoa prodded. But Yuuichirou’s eyes watch Mikaela’s frame as he retreated from the group.

He noticed how giddy Mikaela was whenever they met up between and during their classes, talking about the costumes and what they’ve planned to wear. He asked for Yuuichirou’s opinions on birthday ideas and Yuuichirou doesn’t want to break it to Mikaela that he’s feeling all kinds of things. Excited? Just barely.

He’s not trying to be a downer with a cloud over his head. His friends on the team messed with him in the halls and wished him a happy birthday, acquaintances and those that he knew did the same.

It was enough to make him smile, but it’s not compared to how kindly his longtime friends were treating him - Yuuichirou wasn’t used to this scene, he admits.

The rest of his friends saved him a spot during lunch. He had to ask his coach about an important matter and they’re being extra mushy about the whole ordeal.

“Maybe we could pretend today is just any other day?”

“It feels like ‘let’s torment Yuuichirou’ day.” Kimizuki teased. “We should be ten times as sappy just to annoy the shit out of you.”

“I wonder who would pay you to be affectionate.” Yuuichirou shot back jestingly.

He earns a hearty “fuck you” from Kimizuki and a shove before Yuuichirou eyes his friends seated at the time. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Nothing serious.” Shinoa piped up, “Shouldn’t concern you because you’re not allowed to pry into birthday boy plans.”

“Her rules.” Mitsuba reminded Yuuichirou, “Not mine.”

“Yoichi?” Yuuichirou tried, but Yoichi refuses to spill.

“How’s your day been going?”

Yuuichirou rolled his eyes. And he feels Mikaela’s hand rest on his back.

“Maybe the gag is that we don’t wanna ruin your surprise.” He assured. Immediately, Yuuichirou’s skeptical about it.

“Making plans without me?”

“They’re a secret. But you don’t need to worry about it!” Mikaela said convincingly.

“As long as you’re happy, we’re happy.” Akane added, “That’s what family’s for.”

Mikaela’s the first to reach for Yuuichirou’s hand. Kimizuki wrapping an arm around Yuuichirou’s shoulder to pat him hard on the back, the others joining in to offer their support.

It made Yuuichirou feel safer and much more comfortable. It’s the first time all day he genuinely smiles.

Before the big night Shinoa treats them all to milkshakes at the local diner a couple blocks from their school.

It was Yuuichirou’s treat and apparently, something they’ve planned on before going to the party.

It’s brash of Shinoa to flaunt the cash she never seemed to run out of to pay for everyone, but if it meant ordering his favorite milkshake and getting to talk to Mikaela, it was very much worth it.

They spent their time talking about school matters, and Yuuichirou found himself observing how Mikaela often looked at him when they spoke about things light-hearted.

He was checking up on him. Seemingly content whenever Yuuichirou smiled or laughed at a dumb joke that came out of Shinoa’s mouth and Mitsuba scolding her for it. Akane happily suggesting a cheers dedicated to Yuuichirou for being their friend and tolerating their bullshit since they were freshmen.

“We’re very sorry.” Mikaela whispered. Yuuichirou laughs so much he can barely focus on drinking his milkshake. His shoulders loosen and he smiled more than once watching the afternoon skies turn dark.

They all had to get ready for the party, one by one - getting up take their leave.

They’d be meeting later tonight, anyway. His friends promising to see Yuuichirou later - and Mikaela offered to stay behind with Yuuichirou for a while until they’ve both finished.

Yuuichirou liked hanging out on school days. It meant less people during the evenings as students loiter around the blocks to head to a cafe or a joint to chatter briefly before they leave. No one ever stays long, but Yuuichirou liked to.

Staying somewhere warm in solitude during cool weather was just how he liked it.

“Looks like you’re enjoying your day so far.” Mikaela scooted closer to Yuuichirou, sipping from his straw.

“Of course I am.” Yuuichirou said in defense, “You guys made me feel less nervous. Though I still wanna know why you guys have been acting weird all day?”

Mikaela nudged Yuuichirou’s shoulder. “You say it as if we’re planning your assassination. Lighten up!”

“I’d be more content if that was the case.” Yuuichirou stated jokingly, earning a half-hearted giggle from Mikaela.

“You’re hopeless.” Mikaela tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, “Fine, I’ll tell you…” He flushed slightly, averting his gaze.

“I was worried that you might not be on board with the whole party thing because I like to do a lot for the people I absolutely adore and care about. You know? I told them and they wanted to assure me the party was going to go smoothly. That you’ll like it, Shinoa’s going to make sure of it.”

“You never have to.” Yuuichirou murmurs, lauded. “Honestly if I could spend a birthday just with you and me hanging out together at my house or yours, it’d still be the best day and wouldn’t make a single difference.”

“We all love you. Yuu-chan.” Mikaela reasoned warmly. “It’s what you deserve. More than something simple. Something bigger. We’re seniors, might as well go out with a bang. Make more memories that more are remarkable than ever that you’ll place somewhere in your mind to store it and never forget.”

Yuuichirou realizes he’s staring at Mikaela with such fondness and appreciation. He really is hopeless without Mikaela.

That’s why he needed Mikaela.

“This really means a lot, Mika. I wish I could have thanked all of you guys earlier.” He said, and usually, it’s not his thing to be overly sappy about anything. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me.” Mikaela gently places a hand on Yuuichirou’s chest as a way of showing gratitude, patting it lightly. “Thank Shinoa, she’s the one throwing the party  since Mahiru’s going to be out of town.”

Yuuichirou laughed nervously. Mikaela doesn’t seem to notice how much Yuuichirou meant it. How much more Yuuichirou wanted to say.

How happy he is just to be with Mikaela right now. Feeling the cold breeze wafting in when the bell chimes and the door opens, leaves descending from the branches surrounding the premise  and onto the ground below. The fog that blurred up the edges of the window and the luminescent hue of the lights in the diner.

“You’re right.” Yuuichirou mentions absentmindedly. Mikaela beams brightly as he sipped his milkshake.

Yuuichirou’s heart races at how close they’ve become sitting with one another.

The spinning of Mikaela’s ceiling fan proved to be little entertainment for Yuuichirou as he stared up – patiently sitting on the foot of Mikaela’s bed as the blond worked on his face only hours later. Much to Yuuichirou’s despise, Mikaela decided to go all out on his costume makeup, and Yuuichirou was beginning to forget just how long he had been sitting there.

When Yuuichirou first arrived at Mikaela’s house, already wearing his costume, he had explained to his companion that he wanted the bare minimum done on him.

Somehow, Yuuichirou desired only a little makeup for a skeleton costume that relied heavily on face makeup, considering that without it, Yuuichirou looked as if he was merely wearing something that of a formal occasion. Though even after Yuuichirou explained his wishes to Mikaela, the blond only nodded and rolled his eyes.

Mikaela had simply said, “Sure thing.”

After that, the two of them made their way to Mikaela’s bedroom, a place Yuuichirou was all too familiar with. From sleepovers to study sessions, Yuuichirou had spent countless hours in Mikaela’s bedroom. It was coming to the point where, to Yuuichirou, it felt like his second bedroom. Or really, the whole home was like his own.

On the way back to the bedroom, Yuuichirou even greeted Krul, Mikaela’s mother, as she stood in the kitchen, cooking dinner. Before Yuuichirou and Mikaela disappeared into the room, Krul had thrown Yuuichirou a peace sign… as expected.

Yuuichirou had always been blown away with how lenient Krul could be.

However, that was all out of mind as Yuuichirou tried to hold still – Mikaela kneeling between his legs and hovering over his body. Yuuichirou tried his hardest not to fidget or make any sudden movements, for if he did he would surely get a punch in the stomach. All courtesy of Mikaela, of course.

It all seemed to grow so much harder though when Yuuichirou’s nose began to itch. Mikaela said they were almost done, and the blond wasn't even painting around his nose, so Yuuichirou subtly wiggled it to bring ease to the tickle.

Mikaela seemed to notice right away even though he was working on painting who knows what on the corners of Yuuichirou’s forehead.  

“You need to hold still,” Mikaela murmured, Yuuichirou watching as Mikaela bit his bottom lip. The blond concentrated on steadily holding the paintbrush in his hand.

The tips of the thick bristles were coated in black paint, and Mikaela squeezed the large brush tightly as he inched it down the side of Yuuichirou’s forehead. He continued to move in light, gentle strokes before beginning to softly blow onto Yuuichirou’s forehead in an attempt to dry the paint.

Yuuichirou watched as Mikaela pulled away to study his work.

“It’s hard not to,” Yuuichirou grumbled in defeat, rolling his shoulders once. “Are we almost done?”

Yuuichirou desperately wanted to get up and move around, the wet paint on his face driving him insane. He needed to do something, anything, to take his mind off of it.

Mikaela only pursed his lips, tapping the plump skin with the metallic end of his brush. Yuuichirou’s eyes ran up them in slight awe, studying the makeup brush Mikaela held closely.

Mikaela had insisted on using his own brushes, telling Yuuichirou that they were better quality than the regular, cheap kind – but also because he worked better with them. The brushes were long and had thick ends, but what really caught Yuuichirou’s attention was the design of them. Right below the bristles and down, the brush was a metallic tiedye – each vibrant, neon color fading into one another as they fell.

The colors blended together perfectly, starting with a neon pink tinted with orange before going down to purple, blue, green, and then yellow. The bristles of the brush were different though, the ends covered in paint seeming to be purple before fading down to pink and yellow.

Yuuichirou assumed Mikaela had spent a lot of money on those brushes.

Once, Yuuichirou had tried to buy Mikaela some brushes as a gift, considering that he knew his best friend thoroughly enjoyed makeup and anything artistic he could mess around with. Of course, the brushes Yuuichirou had tried to buy for Mikaela costed one dollar all together.

Needless to say, Mikaela turned them down.

Yuuichirou understood why Mikaela had declined his offer now that he saw the ones he owned.

“I think…” Mikaela trailed off and hummed, tilting his head to the side. “I’m almost done.”

“What else do you need to do?” Yuuichirou questioned in a slight whine, drumming his hands against his thighs. “It feels like a bird shit on my face.”

“Yeah, your face really does look like that too.”

Yuuichirou narrowed his eyes. “Really?”

“Yup,” Mikaela chirped, reaching down to grab the open bottle of grey paint which laid on his bed. He squeezed it softly to get some of the contents out and onto his brush. “But I think the makeup helps, considering that your face looks like bird shit every day.”

“Hah, hah,” Yuuichirou laughed dryly.

Mikaela smiled proudly, bringing the brush back towards Yuuichirou’s face. On instinct, Yuuichirou instantly straightened his posture.

The cold paint against Yuuichirou’s nose caused a shiver to run up his spine. However, he forced himself to stay still as Mikaela covered the whole thing in paint.

Next, Mikaela went back down and grabbed another brush – one that was thicker. Mikaela put black paint on the bristles before leaning down and sighing deeply. He gently placed a bit of black paint on Yuuichirou’s nose before clearing his throat.

“Close your eyes,” Mikaela demanded softly.

Yuuichirou looked up at Mikaela’s and instead narrowed them. He cleared his throat before speaking, “What?”

“Close them,” Mikaela repeated, making sure the copious amount of black paint was still distributed across the brush.

“But why-”

“Yuu-chan, just trust me.”

Yuuichirou sighed at the knowing, stern look Mikaela gave him; however, he complied and closed his eyes with little complaints escaping under his breath.

Mikaela seemed to waste no time, and before Yuuichirou knew what was happening the blond was pressing the cool paint on his face – brushing it over both of his eyes to make perfect circles. Yuuichirou unconsciously leaned away, the cool paint making the hairs on his skin rise.

Immediately, Mikaela scolded him. And once he was done, Mikaela told Yuuichirou to keep his eyes closed as the paint dried. Otherwise, it would crack and destroy all of Mikaela’s so-called “hard work.”

“Don't be such a baby,” Mikaela teased after a while. Yuuichirou desperately wanted to see himself in the mirror.

“I ain't,” Yuuichirou expelled, tapping his foot against the ground. “I just wanna see what the hell you did to me.”

“Nothing bad, I swear,” Mikaela commented with a hearty laugh.

“You said that the last time I let you mess around with makeup on my beautiful face,” Yuuichirou decided to point out, waving a hand. “Next thing I knew you gave me eyeliner that looked like a dick.”

“And you rocked it.”

“Thanks?”

“No problem,” Mikaela said with ease, a booming, sweet laugh escaping his lips – one that made a smile spread out over Yuuichirou’s face.

Damn him.

“But seriously, can I open my eyes yet?” Yuuichirou queried, licking his lips – internally cringing because of the feeling of fresh paint on his face. Not that it was uncomfortable or anything, it was just so unfamiliar.

Yuuichirou heard Mikaela hum before speaking.

“Yes, Yuu-chan-pouty-pants. You can open your eyes.”

In a flash, emerald eyes were revealed through thick eyelashes – scanning the room and squinting slightly because of the shining lights in Mikaela’s room. Yuuichirou payed no attention to it, instead rising and suddenly walking over to the stand up mirror Mikaela had placed up against a wall. The floorboards underneath the carpets creaked under Yuuichirou’s feet as he approached the mirror.

When Yuuichirou got there, his breath hitched.

Mikaela had painted all over his face, shaping Yuuichirou’s features with black paint. Black stripes descended over his mouth – going past his lips and curving up to resemble a skeleton’s bare smile. Though on Yuuichirou’s cheeks, Mikaela had curved and shaded a half circle for the painted mouth to fall into.

Yuuichirou was impressed, he really was – for Mikaela didn't stop there. The blond had painted around his eyes and over his whole nose, giving his face some shadow and contour. Mikaela had even painted on his forehead – small lines and markings protruded from the top corners of it.

Nevertheless, it looked amazing.

“Do you like it?”

Mikaela’s question broke Yuuichirou out of his swirling thoughts.

“I thought I did a pretty good job on it,” Mikaela commented with a hint of pride underlining his voice. He crept up from behind Yuuichirou and leaned up on the tips of his toes so he could rest his chin on Yuuichirou’s shoulder.

Yuuichirou let out a soft chuckle, tilting his head down and to the side so he could look at Mikaela with passion. Though he slowly raised his hand and sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, yeah…” He breathed out. “I like it. A lot, actually.”

“Oh?” Mikaela wondered out loud, a sly smile creeping up on his face.

“Yeah,” Yuuichirou said, nodding in affirmation. “Sorry for doubting you.”

“Don't be,” Mikaela said smoothly, poking Yuuichirou’s side. “Critics always doubt an artist’s work. Yet I keep going.”

“Oh shut up, Picasso.”

“Make me,” Mikaela jested, sticking his tongue out as he pulled away. “But I still had fun making you look like a sexy skeleton or something.”

Yuuichirou’s eyes followed Mikaela’s body as the blond walked across the room – going into his closet and retrieving the small plastic bag he had got from the Halloween store. Yuuichirou assumed it was Mikaela’s costume, but he found his mind wandering.

Sexy skeleton… Sexy…?

Yuuichirou let out a nervous cough as blood rushed to his cheeks.

He watched Mikaela with intent as the blond shooed Yuuichirou forward.

“Anyway,” Mikaela breathed out, clicking his tongue. “Out, out, out,”

“Huh?” Yuuichirou shook his head slightly. “How come?”

Mikaela shook the bag once. “I gotta change into my costume. You go out with Krul and wait until I’m done. I’ll make my grand entrance and then we can leave.”

Yuuichirou raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips. “Why do I gotta leave the room?”

“‘Cause I’m changing, dumbass.”

“So…? Moving is too much work. Plus, we’re both–”

Yuuichirou was interrupted when Mikaela suddenly screamed and threw his arms up into the air – crying out loudly. “You fucking pervert!”

Yuuichirou raised his hands in surrender as he spun on his heels, beginning to walk towards the bedroom door. “I'll be leaving now.”

Mikaela’s screaming halted. And then there was silence.

More silence, until–

“Thanks, Yuu-chan.”

Yuuichirou only rolled his eyes and grumbled before exiting the bedroom, walking out into the living room before plopping down on the red coach. A sigh instantly left Yuuichirou’s lips as he slouched down, his body aching a bit from football practice – but also from keeping a straight posture for Mikaela for so long. It seemed to really take a toll on him.

As Yuuichirou sat there, his eyes danced across the crowded room. Mikaela and Krul had always been ones to decorated the house with wacky furniture and items. However, Yuuichirou was all too used to it – not even thinking twice about the random, purple bowling ball which laid in the corner of the room.

Though, Yuuichirou raised his drooping head when Krul soon walked into the room, a bowl of spaghetti in her hands as she approached Yuuichirou.

“Hey, Yuu,” Krul started out slowly, her slippers pattering against the carpet.

Yuuichirou offered a small smile as he spoke, “Hey. How are you doin’?”

Casually, Krul plopped down next to Yuuichirou and shrugged. She took a few bites of her food before clearing her throat. “Ah, could be better. Work’s really stringin’ me out, you know?”

“I feel ya there,” Yuuichirou chirped with a sigh, shaking his head. “School’s really been whoopin’ my ass the past few days.”

“I remember the feeling. Though now it's countless shifts down at the hospital for me. On top of a shit ton of paperwork,” Krul added on.

Yuuichirou nodded, listening as his mouth parted slightly. Krul had always been such a hardworking woman – ever since Yuuichirou first met her in freshman year. She was a surgeon and an amazing, involved mother for Mikaela… which seemed hard to juggle.

“Oh, damn. I’m sorry,” Yuuichirou said with grim, scratching the back of his head. “At least you get to relax now.”

“True, and I wouldn't have it any other way,” Krul said in content, setting her bowl of spaghetti down on the coffee table in front of her before stretching her arms up in the air. “All the people at my work and assholes and can suck my dick.”

“They really buggin’ you that much?”

“You have no idea.”

“Mika and I will come down to your work sometime to back you up.”

“You boys better,” Krul expelled, yawning loudly. “That would be pretty entertaining to watch.”

Yuuichirou watched Krul closely as she fell back on the couch, and he couldn't help but to chuckle when he finally took in her appearance.

She wore neon orange sweatpants with a cheesy purple sweatshirt – silver, glittery letters printed over the front. Yuuichirou had to hold back his laughter as he watched her.

“I mean, at least you get be home now and take a break,” Yuuichirou commented weakly. “And I see that you’re wearing your… I love my cats more than you, shirt.”

“You bet your ass I am.”

Yuuichirou cleared his throat. “Can I ask something?”

At some point, Krul’s eyes had shut in exhaustion, but she peaked one open to stare over at Yuuichirou. “Shoot.”

Yuuichirou licked his lips and chuckled before speaking, “Why do you have that shirt if you don't even own any cats?”

“When I was back in high school like you and Mika were,” Krul drawled, fork swirling around her plate, “My friend asked me if I was ever going to get married and have kids in the future, and I called her an idiot. Then I said, when I’m thirty, I’m probably going to break up with the first guy that I’ve ever been with to live alone with a dozen cats.”

Yuuichirou’s rendered speechless.

“That did happen, although I had Mika and unfortunately we never got around to having any cats. But my motto still stands.”

“Is this supposed to be an inspiring life lesson learned?” Yuuichirou asked, genuinely perplexed.

“I think what I’m trying to say is that, when life turns to shit? Get a bunch of cats. Trust me, you’ll love them more than you will love yourself.” Krul said casually.

“Okay.” Yuuichirou frowned. “I’ll keep that in mind?”

“I give the best birthday advice.” Krul jested, and just before Yuuichirou can attempt t think of a reply to that, Mikaela comes jogging out of his bedroom.

Yuuichirou expected a variety of things Mikaela would wear as a costume.

His guesses were endless. And he’s been dying to know - and now that he does, he’s stuck between deciding if he should be surprised or plain disappointed.

A bit of both.

“Sorry I took so long!” Mikaela chimed, he’s got a beaming smile on his face. “Guess what I am!”

Yuuichirou opened his mouth. He had no words, and he’s sputtering. Trying to make out anything possibility in response to the inquiry.

He fails to, miserably. Because he has nothing to say and he’s downright astounded.

Mikaela was dressed like a fucking bee.

Krul breaks the pregnant pause that hit the area to that of a whirlwind.

“Certainly... dressed for the swarm weather but… not the right season.” Krul answered hesitantly.

Yuuichirou sent Mikaela’s mother a look, and his eyes flit back to Mikaela in agreement. Thinking he’d break out into a sweat knowing that Mikaela was expecting him to say something.

Mikaela raising his eyebrows at Yuuichirou - turns out, Yuuichirou was right.

“I’m going to get ready to drop you guys off.” Krul stood up to take care of the plate in her hands, successfully fleeing the situation.

Yuuichirou stood up, the both of them waiting until Krul disappeared into the kitchen.

“What the fuck is that?” Yuuichirou questioned, appalled. “This is your costume?”

He expected tenuous. Something revealing. Inciting. What brought out a whole new alluring persona of Mikaela instead of what Yuuichirou usually has seen…

Not something formidable to make Yuuichirou feel ashamed of his own thoughts. He’s too stunned to make anything positive out of it.

“I’m expressing myself just as much as you are.” Mikaela countered, “No one deserves to be judged on their choices.”

“Yeah but Mika-” Yuuichirou gestured over to Mikaela, “I expected you to look good.”

“Careful there,” Mikaela threatened, “I sting.”

“You’re wearing a bee costume. Mika. Not the right season.” Yuuichirou reasoned. He couldn’t believe Mikaela was taking this seriously.

He could just barely - as it’s something Yuuichirou would catch a child wearing on a street to go trick or treating with their parents.

Not to a high school party . So it’s not appropriate or exactly fitting for the definition of suitable and the opposite of appealing. It’s sort of mediocre, really.

But it’s Mikaela. And that’s why, it’s suitable if someone like him were to dress up in a bee costume.

He admitted he found it adorable on Mikaela. At the same time, he’s seen people who have worn far worse during the past occasions.

“What if I told you I have a stinger?” Mikaela smiled sweetly.

Yuuichirou’s face turned pale. “I meant to say that it looks great on you.” He forced with a nervous laugh.

Krul grabbed her keys, in the knick of time - leisurely strolling over to the front door with her shoes put on and coat draped over her shoulders.

“I’m kidding.” Yuuichirou feels Mikaela’s hand pat him hard on the back. Sending a menacing smile. “Just don’t push it next time.”

Obediently, Yuuichirou nodded shortly in return.

“You guys coming? Don’t wanna be late to the birthday party do you?” Krul questioned, and Yuuichirou’s phone starts to vibrate in his pocket.

He wondered how long he stayed at Mikaela’s house working on his costume makeup, he felt like he was sitting there for an eternity.

There were texts from the others, but the most recent were from Shinoa. Yuuichirou wanted nothing more than to break away from this distasteful moment.

[8:45] where u guys @???

[8:46] the party  can’t start without u!!

Oh thank God.  

When Yuuichirou rose his head again, Mikaela was already at the front door - standing next Krul as he motioned for Yuuichirou to come closer. Emerald eyes watched Mikaela closely, once again taking in Mikaela’s ridiculous bee costume before he shuffled towards the front door.

“Shinoa’s wondering when we’re gonna be there,” Yuuichirou expelled, the cool October breeze slapping him across the face when Krul opened the front door. Shivers ran across Yuuichirou’s skin, causing him to sink down into his costume in an attempt to harbor warmth.

Mikaela was the first one to step out of the house, the converse he wore hugging his bare ankles - the only revealing part of his costume being from above the knees and down. Yuuichirou’s mind was boggled at the layout of Mikaela’s outfit, it was just so strange.

It was a regular bee costume - a puffy, thick, striped layer of fabric falling over Mikaela’s body. It fell down right below Mikaela’s rear, and Yuuichirou was surprised to see that Mikaela wasn’t wearing any leggings underneath considering that it was so short.

Yuuichirou was so conflicted, Mikaela’s costume was so sexual yet dorky at the same time. He didn’t know if his mind would be able to take it.

Though on the top part of Mikaela’s body, the blond wore a long sleeved black shirt. Already, Mikaela had rolled up his sleeves  to expose parts of his arm. Then, to top it all off, Mikaela had a headband with antennas - the top, ballish parts a sparkly, golden yellow. Yuuichirou tried to hold back his snickers as he followed Mikaela out of the house, for every time the blond walked, his antennas bounced.

It was just too good. If it weren’t for Mikaela’s sassy personality, Yuuichirou would have been teasing the shit out of him.

Though as Mikaela opened his mouth to speak, Krul suddenly cut him off.

“Don’t worry, boys. Mama Krul’s got ya,” Krul hollered as she exited her home, slamming the door shut behind her before dramatically whipping her car keys out from her purse.

Yuuichirou’s mouth fell in disbelief. Mikaela, on the other hand, was blushing in embarrassment as he covered his quivering mouth with his hand.

“Please,” Mikaela breathed out, dropping his head. When he reached the car he leaned up against it in defeat. “Don’t ever say that again.”

Krul pursed her lips while furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. She unlocked her car, which was parked in the driveway, as she approached the driver’s door. “Why not?” She pondered out loud, swinging the door open. “I thought I sounded kinda cool.”

Yuuichirou snorted.

“Cool’s not the word I would have used,” Mikaela grumbled, sliding into the backseat with Yuuichirou trailing behind him. Once they were both seated next to each other, Yuuichirou closed the car door and began to buckle up.

Krul sassily blew out a puff of air as she plopped down into her seat. After closing the door, she slipped her keys into the ignition - and it wasn’t long before Krul had backed her car out of the driveway and pulled out onto the main road.

“Well, I thought it was pretty cool,” Krul expelled with glee, bouncing a little as she made her way down the leaf covered road.

“I thought it was just bad. Cringey, even,” Mikaela grumbled with a pout.

Krul clicked her tongue. “I thought the same thing when you were born.”

Yuuichirou’s eyes broadened. “Oh fuck,” He wheezed out loud -  he noticed Mikaela was glaring at him. “I’m - I’m sorry, I just… holy shit-”

Mikaela’s glare only seemed to harden, and he raised his hand to run his finger across his throat - his eyes never leaving Yuuichirou’s as he straightened his posture and continued.

“You’re so funny,” Mikaela jumped back in with astonishment and pure sarcasm. “My mother, the comedian. With her cringey jokes and spicy burns, it never seems to end.”

“I thought it was funny,” Yuuichirou chirped in, wearing a bold, teasing smile as he eyed Mikaela carefully. He playfully gave Mikaela a thumbs up before shooting a wink towards him - only causing Mikaela to raise a hand to flip Yuuichirou off. “Now I see where Mikaela gets his sense of humor.”

“From me, of course,” Krul resounded, her shoulders bouncing as she laughed. “I’m fuckin’ funny as hell.”

“Says who?” Mikaela questioned, the volume of his voice rising as he boomed with laughter.

“Says me,” Krul answered smoothly and with ease. She soon turned her car and turned onto another back road. Shinoa’s house was only a few blocks away from Mikaela’s house, Yuuichirou knew that.

Though Yuuichirou watched as Krul licked her lips and suddenly grinned. “But before you two leave, we gotta set up some ground rules.”

“Ground rules?” Yuuichirou mouthed silently, glancing towards Mikaela in confusion.

Mikaela shrugged and bit his lip. “What do you mean?”

“Like-” Krul paused and waved her hand as she thought. “What time I’ll pick you guys up. Or I guess, make sure you guys don’t get roofied or some shit.”

“Don’t drink any open drinks,” Yuuichirou spoke slowly, like he was reciting his knowledge. “Make sure the drinks are closed before you throw it back.”

“Another thing, I’ll text you before we’re ready to get picked up,” Mikaela said slowly, with hesitation as he leaned forward to study his mother closely. “Is that alright.”

“I have no problem with that,” Krul admitted cheerfully. “I’ll be up ‘til like five A.M. marathoning The Office anyway.”

“Without me?” Mikaela gasped.

“I’m gonna rewatch a few episodes. We can pick up where we left off together tomorrow now,” Krul explained, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. Yuuichirou watched her with interest as something seemed to click inside of her head. “Oh! Another thing, don’t get drunk.”

There was silence in the car - Yuuichirou’s eyes flickering over to Mikaela as his mouth went dry. However, the nerves Yuuichirou felt were definitely not felt by Mikaela.

Instantly, Mikaela spoke with confidence:

“I’m gonna get tipsy as hell.”

Yuuichirou’s mouth instantly dropped, but he didn't know why he was even surprised at that point. Mikaela and Krul’s ridiculous banter was just seeming to become normal at that point. However, even after going through all of their silly comments and horrible comebacks, Yuuichirou wasn't prepared for the next line which left Krul’s mouth.

“Just kidding, that’s more like it!” Krul busted, her car’s speed slowly down as they went down the narrow street. “If you don’t get drunk then are you even partying?” 

“What the hell…” Yuuichirou murmured while shaking his head in utter disappointment. “You guys are driving me insane, I swear.”

“That’s how I feel every day at school with you.”

“Mika, when we get out of this car, I’m gonna punch you so hard.”

“I'll dropkick you first, Yuu-chan.”

“Like you’ll even be able to, shortie.”

“Watch your back, hoe.”

“I’ll come at you.”

“I can take you.”

“I will destroy you.”

The remainder of the car ride was spent with Yuuichirou and Mikaela bickering, all in good fun, of course. The air around them was light and filled with loud laughs – Mikaela eventually lunging towards Yuuichirou in an attempt to start a play fight. Gently slaps and whacks were exchanged between the two of them, but after a while they grew tired. In the end, both Mikaela and Yuuichirou slouched to the side, but Mikaela refused to move his leg which was draped over Yuuichirou’s lap.

Yuuichirou had really begun to have high hopes for the night.

With Mikaela’s cheerful, heartwarming laughs rushing into his ears – how the blond reached over and grabbed Yuuichirou’s hand to give it a squeeze of affirmations and affection… it was hard for Yuuichirou not to smile….

It was hard for Yuuichirou to stop his heart from hammering against his chest. He knew that as long as Mikaela was by his side, he’d really have a hell of a night. He was ready.

Shinoa’s house is likely the most brightest on the block.

It's littered with Halloween decorations. Lights spread across the building of orange and red colors.

There were people in the streets though Yuuichirou wasn't sure if they were coming inside when he and Mikaela walked inside.

Matter of fact, upon entering- the music was lowered to a faint volume.

“I think we're early.” Mikaela whispered from behind him.

Yuuichirou checked his phone, wondering why the hell Shinoa was rushing them to go inside.

In the house he can see the dimming lights and various decor spread everywhere. The main ones were off aside from a few hanging lanterns. Yuuichirou could barely see a thing.

“Did she want us to come early for something else?”

He's too distracted by how eerie everything seemed. He should've known something was off. Those who seemed like students donned in their costume attire hadn't said a single thing. If he could recall, he was only met with odd looks.

“Mika?” Yuuichirou questioned, “Mind texting Shinoa what's going on…?”

He's daring to take a few more steps into the quiet house. The music played that of what usually does at a typical house party, except it was silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Originally his footsteps were paired with Mikaela’s own when he walked in. But he noticed that Mikaela wasn't there when he turned around.

Yuuichirou was positive he wasn't talking to himself.

What the fuck is going on?

First everyone is rambling on about Shinoa’s party and were insisting that he show up and now that he does he ends up in this predicament.

Something told him that he was a part of a scary prank that's creeping his way and Mikaela was in on it the whole time.

“Mika?” Yuuichirou’s voice boomed. He doesn't get an answer.

Since when did Mikaela have time to run off so quickly? He checked the home briefly to see that there's no signs of Mikaela anywhere.

“Hello?” Yuuichirou called out boldly. “Is anyone here?”

He went back outside, desperate that maybe they were all in the backyard expecting of his arrival.

Those loitering outside Shinoa’s home vanished.

Aside from the talking, the damn music remained the only noise in Yuuichirou’s surroundings.

He laughed, thinking he was going insane.

“Okay guys.” Yuuichirou surrendered, walking into the home. “You got me. Whatever this is I give up.”

Patiently, and with caution- he waited to hear something.

For a split second, there was silence.

Yuuichirou figured he should start looking around. If this was a prank, everyone couldn't just disappear like that. They all had to be somewhere.

His gut instinct were proven right all along when the lights turn on.

Instantly, various figures reveal themselves - popping out from the places they hid away in the shadows.

Yuuichirou swore his heart stopped at seeing so many beings at once in their costumes jump out at him.

They screamed, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUUICHIROU!”

He's a complete idiot not realizing what this was going to lead to all along.

He nearly goes deaf by the party horns blowing in his ears. There were confetti that were popped out next, followed by the loud noises.

If it was possible to suffer multiple scares at once Yuuichirou is grateful he didn't have a heart attack.

God, he should've seen this coming. If anything out of all things he didn't expect a surprise to come out of it.

A heavy breath escaped his lips, he was shocked, but relieved that this wasn't a prank.

Mikaela’s arms are wrapped around his shoulders, startling him. He sees Shinoa the first to come running and the rest of his friends enveloping him in bone crushing hugs.

His teammates pat him on the back when they dispersed, Kimizuki had done the same - Narumi looping an arm around Yuuichirou’s shoulder pulling him into a headlock.

Yuuichirou doesn't know how long everyone's screaming for but it eventually ceases as the music turns up until it begins blaring.

“Oh man.” Shinoa breathed, he noticed she was dressed up a majestic butterfly. Akane and Mitsuba were dressed up as witches standing on either side of her. “We totally got you good.’

“How was it?” Yoichi asked, giddy. He was dressed up as Peter Pan. While Kimizuki was a pirate, and Narumi was a werewolf. Shuusaku lastly was Dracula.

“Fuck you guys.” Yuuichirou sputtered out a weak laugh.

“What?” Mikaela frowned, “I thought this was supposed to be a harmless scare.”

“You were in on this!” Yuuichirou barked, “You just fucking disappeared when I was nearly about to shit my pants!”

“You were scared.” Kimizuki snorted. “Just admit it.”

“It wasn't even supposed to be a scare, anyway.” Akane rolled her eyes. “Don't listen to them, the plan was to wait until you come in so we can all hide at the backyard door until the right moment.”

“The look on your face looks like you did shit your pants.” Mitsuba added, humored.

“You look really good, Yuu!” Yoichi compliments throughout the resounding music that made the ground thump beneath them. “Are you supposed to be Jack Skellington?”

“He's just a regular skeleton.” Mikaela answered for him. “Thanks to me if it weren't for my handy work he would've showed up here in something mediocre.”

“I would not.” Yuuichirou argued, but all his friends are laughing anyway. “Fuck, you guys. I admit. It did scare the shit out of me.”

He forgot how nice it felt to be surrounded by friends and others who enjoyed being around him.

Sure, he didn’t know who the fuck some of the people there were, but everything just felt so… warm. With everyone around him laughing, dressed up, and hanging over each other as they scattered out around Shinoa’s house – it was a feeling Yuuichirou hadn’t felt in a long time.

For it was true, the air around him was filled with passion. Narumi and Kimizuki pulled away to poke fun at each other, and Shinoa and Mitsuba seemed inseparable. However, it didn’t matter, because everyone's laughter blended together in such harmony. It was a sound like none other.

Yuuichirou could only focus on how fast his heart was racing as he looked ahead, watching his group of friends bicker and play fight as they stood around him.

Yuuichirou could only focus on how warm Mikaela’s hand felt against his own – only now realizing that Mikaela had walked forward, reached down to grab Yuuichirou’s hand, and laced it with his own.

“That’s hopefully the only jump scare you’ll get tonight,” Mikaela breathed out with slight remorse, though he continued to giggle.

“I think I’ll be able to take any more thrown at me,” Yuuichirou mused, his smile growing.

“Really?” Mikaela questioned with a bit of sarcasm. “You sure you won’t scream like a baby?”

“Hey, that’s you,” Yuuichirou pointed out, nudging at Mikaela’s side. His eyes flicked up for a brief moment when Shinoa suddenly changed the blasting music. Yuuichirou wasn’t surprised that the next song that came on was Just Dance by Lady Gaga – it was so like Shinoa. Though his focus fell back down onto Mikaela after a moment or two. “Remember when we went to that haunted house together last year?”

“Oh, God!” Mikaela groaned with volume, throwing his head back. “You’re still on that?”

“Only ‘cause it’s so damn funny,” Yuuichirou explained as he started to laugh, raising a hand to run it down the side of his face. “When that mummy popped out from behind the door you screamed so fuckin’ loud.”

“You screamed a few times too, asshole!”

“Yeah, but you were basically clinging onto me,” Yuuichirou bleated, a proud, lopsided smile curving his face. However, too caught up in the moment, he forgot to think before speaking. “I didn’t mind though. I liked it.”

Mikaela’s laughter died a little. “Huh?”

Yuuichirou’s face fell a little, realization striking him.

I did not just admit to liking Mika being draped over me. No, no, no–

“You did?” Mikaela queried. He didn’t sound upset… it was actually the opposite. If anything, Mikaela sounded relieved – happy, even. “Like it, I mean.”

Yuuichirou coughed nervously and forced himself to speak. “I-I mean, yeah… It was… nice.”

“Nice?” Mikaela repeated with a raised eyebrow – accompanied by scarlet cheeks.

Yuuichirou’s dry mouth fell as he nodded eagerly. “Yeah…”

“Well–“ Mikaela cleared his throat and ducked his head down, tucking his hands behind his back. “It was nice for me too.”

“Wait,” Yuuichirou spoke up, leaning forward. He had to double take. “You mean. You… You–“

“Alright, guys!”

Shinoa’s sudden hollering made Yuuichirou and Mikaela’s head snap to the side.

Shinoa climbed up on a chair and bounced in place, holding something colorful in her hands – though Yuuichirou couldn’t tell what it was. It was clear that he’d figure out soon, considering that Shinoa has begun to wave him over.

“Get your ass over here, birthday boy!” Shinoa exclaimed, clicking her tongue.

Yuuichirou glanced at Mikaela, opening his mouth to protest, but Mikaela beat him to talk.

“Go on,” Mikaela whispered softly, offering a sweet smile. “Have some fun on your special day.”

Yuuichirou studied Mikaela closely for a moment. For the first time all night, or really in forever, Yuuichirou couldn’t bring himself to look away. Mikaela’s deep… sapphire blue eyes were staring up at him, and Yuuichirou felt as if he were drowning in them.

Yuuichirou’s eyes traced over the curves of Mikaela’s face, taking in every small detail. How Mikaela’s nose scrunched up when he smiled, even how his dimples began to show through. Yuuichirou’s eyes twirled around Mikaela’s wavy hair which cupped his face perfectly, giving Mikaela such an angelic glow.

Why had Yuuichirou only noticed this before…

No, that was lie. Yuuichirou would have been lying to himself if he thought that. For it wasn’t the first time Yuuichirou had realized Mikaela’s beauty.

Yuuichirou had noticed Mikaela’s perfection the first time during math class, when he found himself not able to peel his eyes off the blond. The next time, it was when the two of them were hanging out together in the library.

Another time, they were getting milkshakes.

Then there were the times they studied together, played video games, cooked, took walks to the park, went to the store, played board games, watched movies, walked to class, listened to music, bowled, walked around the mall, slept next to each other in bed during a sleepover.

So, maybe it was more than once.

But that didn’t mean anything.

No, Yuuichirou would have been lying again.

It meant everything.

“Come on, go,” Mikaela rushed, swatching Yuuichirou’s side. “You’ll have fun, Yuu-chan.”

“Yeah…” Yuuichirou breathed out, nodding once as he shook his head, coming back into reality. “Yeah… yeah, I’m going.”

Yuuichirou swallowed deeply before spinning on his heels, beginning to walk towards Shinoa. He rolled his shoulders once before licking his lips, listening to his shoes click against the hardwood floor as he approached his companions.

Yoichi was on the ground next to Shinoa, clapping happily as he watched Yuuichirou. Shinoa joined in on his clapping once Yuuichirou was in front of them – and she soon jumped down off the chair and placed her hands on his hips.

“Are you ready?” Shinoa question with mystery and excitement.

All Yuuichirou could do was chuckle and shrug. “I guess?” He said hesitantly. “Unless something’s gonna jump out at me again.”

“Nope! It’s better than that.”

“Thank God.”

“I’m about to bestow the greatest honor onto you,” Shinoa explained, raising her hands to reveal a blue, plastic crown which she held. Yuuichirou assumed she had bought it instead of made it. After all, it looked so put together and nice.

“And what’s that?” Yuuichirou pondered, tilting his head to the side.

Though before he had time to react – Shinoa was jumping up in the air, only to smack the crown down on the top of Yuuichirou’s head with a loud smack. Yuuichirou winced a little but brushed it off, only laughing a bit.

“That, my good sir, is your party hat,” Shinoa elaborated, fixing her costume – a purple butterfly. Yuuichirou assumed it corresponded with Mikaela’s. “Oh, I mean… your birthday boy party hat.”

“This is bullshit,” Yuuichirou said with a snort and rolled his eyes.

“But it’s the best kind of bullshit,” Shinoa commented, pointed at Yuuichirou while wiggling her eyebrows.

“You got me there,” Yuuichirou admitted in defeat. “But it’s kinda itchy.”

“Hush thou,” Shinoa screamed, throwing her arms up in the air. However, she took a few steps forward and soon whispered– “Don’t worry too much about it. ‘Cause I see someone who surely thinks ya look great in it.”

“Huh?” Yuuichirou breathed out in confusion. “What do you–“

Shinoa gave Yuuichirou a knowing look as her eyes flicked past him. Yuuichirou’s face followed… right back to Mikaela.

The blond wore a heavy blush, but when Shinoa and Yuuichirou looked his way, his head snapped down and he wandered to the side – over to Mitsuba, where he embraced her in a hug.

Yuuichirou pulled his bottom lip back, his heart doing flips in his chest. “I don’t understand.”

“You don’t gotta understand,” Shinoa said with ease, shrugging as she skipped back over to the loud speakers set up in the corner of the living room. “You just gotta act.”

Yuuichirou’s eyebrows furrowed.

He had no time to speak up though, for Shinoa suddenly reached to the side and cranked up the volume on the speakers. Music blasted louder than ever as Shinoa yelled with enthusiasm–

“Now, let the party commence!”

Yuuichirou hadn’t thrown back too many shots.

Maybe five or six.

But to him, that wasn’t a lot. His tolerance was high, after all. Though, on the other hand, the lights around him and the booming bass seemed to become so much more vibrant.

Now, Yuuichirou wasn’t drunk – and he definitely was not tipsy. He was just finally starting to wake up and get into the groove of Shinoa’s party as he sat on the couch next to Mikaela. Beer in hand, side pressed up against Mikaela’s as his hand rested on the back cushions of the couch, Yuuichirou let out loud laughs as each cheesy joke Shinoa told.

“Hey,” Shinoa slurred, raising her red, plastic cup in the air as she sat on the coffee table. “Guess what my butterfly name is.”

Yuuichirou was beginning to think that Shinoa, in fact, was the drunk one. They had only been at the party for merely two hours though.
However, Yuuichirou wasn’t that surprised. After all, at the very beginning, Shinoa had engaged in a contest with Kimizuki to see how many shots they could each take.

No surprise, Shinoa had won.

“Butterfly name?” Mikaela questioned, taking a sip of his beer.

“Yeah, you know…” Shinoa trailed off, waving her hand around. “Like, my butterfly costume name.”

“Oh, do tell,” Yuuichirou cut in, an amused smile spreading out over his face.

Shinoa took a second or two to gather herself. She cleared her throat, played with the front of her shirt as if she were fixing an imaginary tie, and then wiggled her eyebrows.

“My dear friends, I am… Larry Va,” Shinoa expelled with confidence and pride, wearing a large cheshire smile. “The butterfly,” She finished.

However, nothing clicked inside of Yuuichirou and Mikaela. In fact, both of them were utterly confused.

“W-What?” Mikaela sputtered out with a laugh. leaning forward with interest.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Yuuichirou commented, shaking his head as silent laughs ran past his lips.

“Yes it does!” Shinoa bursted, suddenly standing up. “Larry Va!”

Yuuichirou and Mikaela blinked in confusion, staring up at Shinoa with blank faces.

“Larry Va!”

“I still don’t get it,” Mikaela said sheepishly, shrugging a bit as he stared at his companion.

Yuuichirou mouthed a, “what the fuck.”

Shinoa seemed to sigh in disappointment before continuing, scooting closer to Yuuichirou and Mikaela as she spoke with passion. “Larry Va… Larryva… Larva.”

“Oh,” Yuuichirou and Mikaela dragged the word out at the same time, their mouths falling once they finally understood.

Though Yuuichirou cut their wonder off when he blew a raspberry and shook his head. “Shinoa that still doesn’t make any sense.”

“How much have you had to drink again?” Mikaela added on to Yuuichirou’s playful teasing, nudging at his best friend’s side. “You already drunk?”

“For your information, I’ve had this name planned for about a week now!” Shinoa hollered, swaying side to side as the blasting music continued to play.

As the three of them sat in the living room, people around them were lingering and dancing. Though around the between the dining and living room there seemed to be a large amount of people grinding up against each other – and Yuuichirou assumed that was the “dance floor” for the long night ahead of them.

Yuuichirou wasn’t one to keep up with the pop songs that were being played, though he found himself swaying to the Kesha song which flowed through the air. However, it was coming to an end, and Yuuichirou was beginning to anticipate what would be playing next.

“I don’t believe you,” Mikaela admitted. “You seem hammered.”

“I am hammered,” Shinoa cheered in delight, jumping up on her feet. “Hammered on life.”

Yuuichirou watched as Mikaela opened his mouth and laughed loudly. However, something about Mikaela’s expression changed when the next song on Shinoa’s playlist came on – the blond’s face seeming to light up like a lightbulb. And though it was truly a stunning sight for Yuuichirou to see, Mikaela was suddenly leaning over to grab his shoulders.

Mikaela shook them with intensity as he looked up at Yuuichirou with desperation.

“Oh my God!” Mikaela squealed with delight. “Yuu-chan, the song!”

Yuuichirou’s face scrunched up in confusion, and he cleared his throat before listening past the chattering voice and high pitched laughs so he could hear the song being played.

Baby, can’t you see

I’m calling

A guy like you should wear a warning

It’s dangerous

I’m falling

“Toxic?” Yuuichirou guessed, and his cheeks puffed up with pride when Mikaela nodded eagerly.

“Yes! You know how much I love this song!” Mikaela cried in a whine, his feet bouncing and pattering against the floor in excitement. He let a noise of desperation, like an excited cry, before he grabbed Yuuichirou’s drink from his hands. With his own, Mikaela set both of them down before pulling on Yuuichirou’s hand.

“You gotta dance with me.”

Yuuichirou let out a nervous laugh and looked at Mikaela with doubt. “Me?”

“No, the imaginary person behind you!” Mikaela sarcastically exclaimed. “Yes, you, Yuu-chan!”

“You want me to dance to Britney Spears with you?” Yuuichirou questioned, just to clarify.

Though Mikaela nodded at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

So, Yuuichirou nodded dumbly and let Mikaela drag him up from the couch. Yuuichirou trailed behind Mikaela as the blond dragged him out onto the dance floor – Mikaela ending their walking with a hop before spinning on his heels.

Yuuichirou’s eyes flickered with determination.

Determination for what – Yuuichirou didn’t know. He just wanted Mikaela to have a good time, it was the least he could do.

Yuuichirou began swaying side to side, a grin curving his lips as he watched Mikaela closely.

Mikaela sang along to the music, waving his arms and snapping his fingers sassily as he jumped up and down. The blond pivoted, sounds around in a circle, and even flipped his hair.

Though the last thing Yuuichirou expected was when Mikaela raised a hand and suddenly pointed at Yuuichirou as he sang–

“You’re dangerous. I’m loving it.”

Before Yuuichirou knew what was happening, Mikaela grabbed his hands and pulled him closer.

Mikaela circled his hips, sapphire eyes flicking up towards Yuuichirou under his heavy eyelashes that fluttered. Yuuichirou’s mouth went dry at the sight, and he even bit his bottom lip and pulled it back at the sight of Mikaela.

Yuuichirou mirrored Mikaela’s dancing as the song dipped down onto the chorus – his hips swaying as he wore a small, innocent smirk. Distance was placed between him and Mikaela, the two of them careful not the brush up against each other and they danced to the music.

More than anything, Yuuichirou wanted it gone.

Oh, the taste of your lips

I’m on a ride

Yuuichirou watched as Mikaela’s eyes closed - the blond raising his hands to sensually run them through his hair. Emerald eyes couldn’t leave the sight of it.

You’re toxic I’m slippin’ under

With a taste of a poison paradise

I’m addicted to you

Yuuichirou’s cheeks flared as Mikaela murmured the lyrics under his breath, though Yuuichirou moved on his own. A faint gasp of air ran past Yuuichirou’s lips as he circled his hips, placing a hand on the top of his head as he spun on his heels. Yuuichirou’s knees bent slightly as he made his way around, biting his bottom lip as he dipped down.

When Yuuichirou came back around, Mikaela in his vision, he watched as the blond dropped down to the ground in a squat.

I’m addicted to you

Yuuichirou could feel the beating rhythm roll through his body – much like a heartbeat, but stronger. The hanging lights which were draped around the room seemed to shimmer brighter than before as Yuuichirou danced with Mikaela, and he couldn’t get enough of it. The way the colorful lights feel across Mikaela’s face and blossomed on his skin, Yuuichirou never wanted to look away as Mikaela rose from his squat.

However, as the two of them came back towards each other from their individual dance, something began to pull them together. It was like a magnet, resounding in Yuuichirou’s chest as his desire to reach out and hold onto Mikaela grew. Though the same was with Mikaela, and as the two of them danced there they began to drift closer.

Yuuichirou couldn’t take it any longer.

With a deep breath, he reached out and grabbed Mikaela’s hand, lacing it with his own. It was warm underneath Yuuichirou’s, and he felt a blanket of warmth wrap around his body as he inched closer to Mikaela.

The fear of rejection and disapproval vanished as Yuuichirou watched Mikaela closely – the blond suddenly opening his eyes to stare up at Yuuichirou.

Much to Yuuichirou’s surprise sapphire eyes shimmered and a joyful smile spread out over Mikaela’s face. The two of the continued to dance close to each other, swaying together as the song continued with passion.

And I love what you do

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

Mikaela’s body felt warm against Yuuichirou’s.

And at that moment, Yuuichirou has never felt so alive granted the freedom to be right here. Right now.

He better give his heart a listen - calling out to him to enjoy this very moment and don't fuck this up.

There's been space made in the living room, laughter filling the air, after a long period of dancing - most of everyone decided to take a seat to have a special gathering, as Shinoa called it.

“Hey guys!” She hollered, “Is everyone having a good time?”

The response she gets is resounding. It even surprised Yuuichirou.

“YEAH!” He finds himself shouting with the others in the room.

“Alright, that's enough partying!” She called out. They don't seem too pleased with that answer. Yuuichirou noticed Mikaela coming back with another cup to stand beside Shinoa, exchanging a few words with her.

“Don't worry, don't worry the party isn't over!” She assured, ceasing their fear. “I almost forgot! We gotta assemble and take a moment out of the good time we're having to say some words for the birthday boy!”

Everyone is immediately on board with it. Applauding and cheering despite having their dancing interrupted. This night is dedicated to Yuuichirou after all, and they respected that.

Yuuichirou was seated at the front center, Narumi and Kimizuki hauling him there  where the others sat on the couch, holding their solo cups and having light chatter along with a few jokes thrown in.

Briefly, the music was turned down. At a decent level, and Yuuichirou’s crown was still on his head. Even throughout all the dancing he's done, by the end of this night Guren and Shinya are going to flip their shit once he shows up and blacks out at the front door in his own vomit.

But he could care less at this point. He was having a blast. A nervous smile appearing on his face at all this attention on him.

“Since I'm the host, I should go first.” Shinoa waited for the chatter to quiet down, standing up.

Oh God. Yuuichirou thought. Here we go.

“Watch it, whore.” Yuuichirou remarked warily.

She pressed a kiss to her middle finger to flip Yuuichirou off.

“Happy Birthday cherry boy.” Shinoa said warmly. “Oh, Yuu. I remember the first time we met in the tenth grade. You so confidently blurted out an answer that was completely wrong and I called you a dumbass for it. Then you turned and looked at me, and said ‘at least I said the answer, bitch. Now you try answering one so I can call you a dumbass.’”

Yuuichirou wanted to hide his face, he fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she's going to bring up one of the many times she's tormented him.

“At that moment, the whole class heard what he said. Including the teacher, and he totally put me on the spot. He ended up getting a detention for using profanity in class but, I smiled and said to him ‘I like you.’ That was the first time anytime has ever talked back to me.”

There's applause when Shinoa concludes her story. Yuuichirou smiled when Shinoa raised her cup to him.

“Fuck you.” She said affectionately. “Thanks for putting up with my constant bullying for three years. Akane, you’re up next.”

Akane stood up next after Shinoa stepped aside to sit.

“Okay,” She waited patiently. “Yuu, you're a kind person and compared to most jocks you're not full of yourself in a way that makes me want to vomit.” She added jocularly.

Yuuichirou grimaced. Okay. That's fair.

“You make my friends happy, and because you do, you make me happy too.” She continued. “I'm glad I became friends with you. Mitsuba?” She called next, respectfully everyone clapped.

Mitsuba took Akane's place.

“You're a good guy, Yuu. Shinoa told me that you looked like a complete heartthrob and I was kinda wary considering everyone liked you and you might be an asshole.” Mitsuba confessed impassively.

Ouch. Yuuichirou smiled meekly. It's probably because of all the trouble he's caused all those years… word does get around.

“But you're definitely not who I thought you were.” Mitsuba reasoned. “You care a lot about your friends. We wouldn't have met you if it weren't for Shinoa or Mika and you're a great friend to me. You're also the toughest guy I've met. I've never had anyone punch a guy's face in before for stealing my French fries. I gotta admit, that was badass. But unfortunately you're not my type, Jack Skellington” Mitsuba jested, Yuuichirou snorts as he raised his cup to her.

“Yoichi, get up.” She said flatly. There's snickering and applauding when she sits down.

Yoichi followed up from the couch.

“In case anyone didn't know… even I was bullied. It was a bunch of guys on the team who picked on me and Yuu told them all off, and they seemed really upset that Yuu wasn't joining in. He threatened to beat them up if they didn't leave me alone. I was so surprised… at first glance you looked like an intimidating guy but I was wrong.” Yoichi said. “You asked what my name was and if I could sit with your friends at lunch the next day. That was the happiest I've ever been.”

“Did we mention one of those bullies was that asshole over there?” Mitsuba pointed at Narumi, who blanched being put on the spot.

“Okay I admit I was a dick back then!” He confessed. “But Yuu's changed us for the good. He said there wasn't any point in being mean to people and that we should help and be kind to them.”

Yoichi laughed. “I forgot to mention that thanks to Yuu, we're cool now.”

Everyone clapped at that, grateful to hear that Yoichi and Narumi were on a cordial relationship.

“He could still be a dick every now and then.” Yuuichirou commented.

“Agreed.” Shuusaku voiced in agreement lowly. Narumi gawked.

“I am not!”

Yoichi wormed his way back to his seat, shyly beckoning for Kimizuki to go up and say his words. Kimizuki stands up to loudly clear his throat.

“I'm gonna be honest.” He got straight into it. “I did not like Yuu the first time I met him. I can't count how many times we've fought over the dumbest shit.”

“Like whose dicks are bigger?” Mikaela blurted out. Laughter filled the room, even Yuuichirou had to hide his face behind his cup. He hears Kimizuki snort because that's exactly something they've fought over.

“One of those are the many things.” Yuuichirou admitted lightly.

“I won't lie. Yeah.” Kimizuki coughed. “I didn't want him on the team and he didn't want me on the team but Coach Goshi told us we had to tolerate each other. I remember the first time we lost our game I was really hung up over it and Yuu told me to stop being a bitch and get over it. He said we were gonna win the next one. And that we were going to put our all into it.

We fucking did, of course. We won that game and for the first time I was glad that I put my faith in this piece of shit. He's a good athlete, no, a great one. I aspire to follow his footsteps and be optimistic just as he is.” He looked at Yuuichirou. “Happy birthday, man.”

“WOO!” Narumi cheered loudly, in pursuit - those seated and standing around did the same.

Yuuichirou smiled warmly. That's the nicest Kimizuki had ever been. Kimizuki flushed noticing the way Yoichi was so proud.

“Mika. Floor’s all yours.” Kimizuki mentioned morosely.

Quietly, Mikaela stood up. Waiting for the applause to die down. Yuuichirou held in his breath. He knew Mikaela probably had a lot to say, and his heart pounded in his chest. Compared to the others, Yuuichirou was eager to hear Mikaela’s words the most.

“Okay, okay we have no time for honorable mentions since I deserve to be last.” He stated brashly. Yuuichirou laughed.

“First of all, happy birthday Yuu. You brainless jock.” Mikaela bit his lip, holding his cup with both hands. “You're my bestest friend in the whole world and I wouldn't trade you for anyone else. You're the funniest guy I've met, you're so nice. You're an amazing athlete, you're so skilled at what you do and I'm sorry that I have to ask you every time what the hell is going on because I know nothing about football. I always come to every game to see you play anyway.

I remember when everyone laughed when we were changing seats and you had to sit next to me. Someone was like, ‘you wanna sit next to the nerd?’ And you told them to shut up, and that it doesn't make a difference. You sat next to me and you talked to me so casually despite how popular you were and how I was just… me… we had to work together for a project in the same class, and I remember how excited you looked. Deep inside, I was too. You made me laugh so much with your jokes and how clueless you were. I never minded helping you though. From then on, I felt comfortable talking to you. And we started hanging out just like that. I told Akane and Shinoa about it, practically beaming to them that I became friends with you. Of course they just barely shared my excitement.” He added with a glare. Though that earned some laughs out of it. Yuuichirou thought his heart may burst.

“I'm so… so happy that we're friends. I think you're the only person I know who'd knock someone's teeth out for picking on me. You were always there for me when I was sad. You wanted to beat to a pulp whoever messed with me. You never hesitate to give your support. And of course, I can't forget that you're the first person I've seen squirt milk from their eyes somehow. And it's the most disgusting thing I've ever seen.” Mikaela recoiled.

“But I think I've rambled for too long. Yuu, I love you so much. We all love you so much. We are all so lucky to be important in your life and we hope you feel the same way.” He finished, raising his cup.

The crowd is roaring with cheers. Mikaela’s laugh is heartedly, laced with sentiment. Yuuichirou shared that emotion. He wished he could say just as much to Mikaela in response.

He should say he's lucky to have them all. To have Mikaela by his side. Who makes him feel loved and assured, and that he was a good person. Helping others is always what he wanted to do. It's a selfless act- however, caring for himself is never something Yuuichirou focused on. Not when his objective is making his loved ones happy. Making Mikaela happy.

“How's that for a tender moment?” Shinoa chimed in. There's whistling in agreement. This time applauding louder than ever. “Anyone ready to party some more?!”

“More?” Yuuichirou wheezed in defeat, his body sinking down a bit.

“Don’t tell me you’re tired already, Yuu-chan,” Mikaela teased lightly, joining Yuuichirou.

Yuuichirou blew a puff of air out of his mouth, trying to play it cool. “Pft? What? Of course not.”

“Good,” Shinoa cut back in once the crowd had dispersed. Around Yuuichirou stood Akane, Kimizuki, Yoichi, Mitsuba, Narumi, and Mikaela – all anticipating Shinoa’s words as she spoke with excitement. “Because this party’s just gettin’ started.”

“What else could you have planned?” Yuuichirou questioned slowly, not surprised that Shinoa had gone all out with the party. After all, it was what she did best.

Though the look on Shinoa’s face said it all.

And it definitely did not seem good.

“Truth or dare? Really?” Yuuichirou blurted out with disbelief, sitting on the couch between Mikaela and Kimizuki. Around him with a variety of different chairs sat the rest of his friends who all seemingly agreed to Shinoa’s cheesy party game.

Yuuichirou, on the other hand, was a bit weary considering that the last time he had agreed to doing truth or dare he ended up getting a sunflower drawn on his face by Mikaela. With a sharpie.

Needless to say, no matter how hard Yuuichirou tried to scrub it off, it took a week and a half for it to completely come off.

Another time Yuuichirou played with his wild friends, he had to chug a bottle of maraschino cherries. Now, Yuuichirou couldn’t look at one of those sweet cherries without wanting to throw up all over again.

He was skeptical, of course.

Although, the hand which Mikaela had placed on Yuuichirou’s back helped calm him down a bit as Shinoa clapped her hands to start their little game. Around them, the party continued with dancing and drinking, but all Yuuichirou could focus on was Shinoa when she spoke.

“Alright!” Shinoa hollered, plopping down on her little stool. “And, yes, Yuu. Truth or dare. It’s a classic party game.”

“It’ll be fun,” Yoichi added on, offering a sweet smile as he sat next to Mitsuba.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared to do it,” Kimizuki jested, turning his head to lock eyes with Yuuichirou.

Immediately, Yuuichirou scoffed and rolled his eyes. “In your dreams, Shihou,” He shot back, smirking as he looked at Kimizuki.

“Oh, whatever, Amane.”

“Fight, fight, fight, fight!” Narumi cheered from beside Mitsuba, clapping his hands.

At the same time, both Yuuichirou and Kimizuki hollered: “Shut it, Makoto.”

“Oh jeez,” Mikaela giggled lightly, whacking Yuuichirou on the back. “You two need to chill.”

“Yeah, ‘cause we’re starting now,” Shinoa scolded before clearing her throat. She ran a hand through her hair as she looked at Yuuichirou and Kimizuki. “So shut the fuck up.”

“Damn, ma.” Mitsuba mumbled under her breath, but Shinoa was already continuing.

“Now, who would like to go first?” Shinoa wondered, glancing around at her companions with a raised eyebrow. Everyone seemed hesitant, and Yuuichirou definitely did not want to go first.

He wanted to observe at first – get an idea of how crazy everyone was going to be.

Yuuichirou’s eyes drifted over his friends, waiting for the silence to be casted away by the one who spoke up first. Though who did it, Yuuichirou would have never expected.

“I can go,” Mitsuba suggested, blowing a pink bubble with her gum before smiling.

Everyone nodded eagerly.

“Thanks, Mitsuba!” Akane exclaimed, supportively clapping.

Mikaela let out a booming laugh. “Thank you, you saved me.”

“It’s no problem,” Mitsuba expelled with delight before humming under breath. She leaned forward in her seat and tapped her chin, scanning everyone in front of her before snapping her fingers. Suddenly turning to the side, Mitsuba looked at Yoichi.

“Yoichi!”

The small brunet snapped out of his daze, completely startled as he stared at Mitsuba.

“Truth or dare?” Mitsuba questioned.

Yoichi bit his bottom lip and scrunched his nose up as he thought. Yuuichirou could have swore he heard Kimizuki let out an “awe” under his breath.

“Hmm…” Yoichi sucked in a deep breath and let his eyes flick to the side. “Dare.”

“Go big or go home, Yoichi!” Shinoa yelled happily, shooting finger guns in Yoichi’s direction. “I like the way you think.”

“Oh shut up,” Yuuichirou bursted, not holding his laughter back. “You know now he’s just gonna choose you next because of your ridiculous comments.”

“What if that’s my plan?” Shinoa offered with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

Immediately, Yuuichirou’s head snapped over towards Yoichi. “Yoichi, don’t choose her.”

“Yoichi, I dare you to…” Mitsuba cut everyone off as she spoke, shifting in her seat. “I don’t know, cuss or something.”

Everyone in the group fell silent until Mikaela broke it with a sharp gasp.

“Damn, Mitsu…” Mikaela breathed out with the shake of his head. “That’s cold…”

“Mika’s right,” Narumi agreed as he clicked his tongue. “That’s pretty evil of you, Mitsuba.”

“I can’t believe you’re trying to tarnish our precious Yoichi,” Shinoa commented with solemn.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Akane gasped.

“Do you have no regrets?” Kimizuki questioned, eyes wide.

“No remorse?” Yuuichirou added on.

“Jesus Christ–“ Mitsuba wheezed, running a hand down the front of her face. “Guys-“

“I can do this,” Yoichi chirped in, taking in short breaths and he shook his head and shoulders a few times. Yoichi raised his hands to weakly crack his knuckles before seeming to stretch in preparation. “Okay.. uhh-“

Everyone watched Yoichi in anticipation – all of them basically on the edge of their seats.

Yoichi took a deep breath. “Sh-.... Shh… S-Shi…”

“I can’t believe this happening,” Mikaela mumbled to Yuuichirou, covering his mouth with his hand. “It must be doomsday.”

“Satan is coming through Yoichi’s curse words,” Yuuichirou perplexed, adding onto Mikaela’s exaggeration. The two of them exchanged glances before beginning to giggle together – their foreheads brushing up against each other.

“Everyone shut up.” Akane hissed irritably.

Yoichi continued through their banter though.

“Shhhhhhhh… Sh-Shi… Sh–ugar cookies.”

“I’ll take it!” Shinoa gasped, and suddenly everyone bursted out into clapping because of Yoichi’s attempts.

“That was a hard one,” Mitsuba admitted, patting Yoichi on the shoulder. “We’re proud of you.”

“Thanks?” Yoichi offered with a small smile, though once everyone’s attention switched back over to Shinoa he murmured– “Fuckers.”

“So, who’re you gonna pick next, Yoichi?” Shinoa questioned, catching Yoichi’s attention.

“Uhh…” Yoichi licked his lips before shrugging, blurting out an a name in the midst of his panicking. “Kimizuki!”

“Of-fucking-course,” Narumi grumbled in defeat. “I called it!”

“You were supposed to pick me!” Shinoa whined.

“Well, he didn’t. It’s my turn now,” Kimizuki pointed out, leaning back on the couch. “Hit me.”

“Hmmm… Kimizuki…” Yoichi pondered out loud, pursing his lips. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” Kimizuki said simply and with a shrug.

“Pussy,” Yuuichirou coughed out.

Yoichi snapped his fingers though, seeming to come up with a question right away. “Kimizuki, do you like crocs?”

Both Kimizuki and Yuuichirou had to double take at Yoichi’s question. Well, actually, everyone did – considering that it was just so random.

“Uh, no,” Kimizuki blurted out after regaining his composure. “They’re ugly and weird.”

“Then why do you own a pair?” Yuuichirou asked loudly, turning to face Kimizuki. “You fuckin’ lier. You love them.”

“I don’t own a damn pair.”

“Yes you do! I saw them when Narumi and I stopped by your house before football practice last Saturday! They were purple and tucked away next to your front door-“

“Why were you looking into my house, stalker?”

“Because your ugly shoe choice caught my eye.”

“I don’t own crocs.”

“Yes, you do! This is bullshit-”

“Moving on!” Mikaela bursted, face palming. “We can discuss Kimizuki’s ugly footwear another time.”

“Thank you, Mika,” Kimizuki praised, thankful for the blond cutting in. “Someone gets it.”

“Oh, I’m not agreeing with you. I believe Yuu,” Mikaela snorted with a laugh. “I wouldn’t be too surprised. Your taste in shoes is shit.”

Kimizuki rolled his eyes before playfully flipping Yuuichirou and Mikaela off. He cleared his throat and looked at Yuuichirou with a knowing smile before letting out a small laugh.

“Alright, a lil payback,” Kimizuki vaguely spoke. “Yuu, truth or dare?”

“Dare,” Yuuichirou said without thinking, rolling his neck. His pride usually got in the way in these situations – Yuuichirou would do anything to one up Kimizuki. “I can handle anything you throw my way.”

“Oh, really now?”

“You bet it.”

“Alright, then go play seven minutes in heaven with Mika,” Kimizuki dared, raising his eyebrows as he smiled teasingly.

Though, on the other hand, Yuuichirou was aghast – all of the blood rushing from his face as he gulped. “Excuse me?”

“Finally we got something good.” Shinoa raised both brows. “We should've had some quality necking a long time ago.”

“Necking?” Mikaela flushed. “Why does it have to be me?!”

“We know he's not going to make out with Shinoa of all people.” Mitsuba reasoned.

“Yuu here said he could handle anything.” Shinoa winked. “Right Kimizuki?”

“Fuck you.” Yuuichirou seethed. “I swear to God.”

“Hurry up!” Akane drawled, “I want to see some making out.”

Yeah. Yuuichirou thinks. Everyone is slowly becoming drunk out of their minds. His mind is buzzed up and he's standing, Mikaela had no say being mercilessly dragged towards the stairs where the nearest bedroom was.

“If you guys are there for longer than like, seven minutes - we're gonna come in there and say times up.” Shinoa advised. “Better get kissing.”

“We're not gonna-!” Yuuichirou protested, but Yoichi gives them a smile before he quietly closes the door in front of them.

They're already gone by the time Yuuichirou tries to protest.

“Is this mandatory…?” Mikaela asked worriedly.

“What the fuck?” Yuuichirou threw his hands in the air. “They closed the door in our fucking faces.”

Mikaela snorted. “So… what's the plan?”

Yuuichirou supposed this was someone else's bedroom that soon was going to be destroyed. It's large, neat and tidy.

“I don't know.” Yuuichirou sat down on the bed. “Honestly… I'm glad that we're here like this. Just you and me.”

Mikaela smiled, approaching the bed to sit next to Yuuichirou. “Why is that?”

“Well lately ever since I haven't seen you much.” Yuuichirou explained. “You've been talking about Shinoa throwing this party and it's the first time in a while we've ever spent so much time together. Usually we haven't as much.”

“Don't we always?” Mikaela questioned. “All of us?”

“I love hanging out with you guys more than anything but… I'm just talking about me and you.” Yuuichirou confessed. “I like when it's just us. It makes me even more happy… you know? I miss that.”

“Yuu…” Mikaela’s eyes narrowed. “Is that what's been on your mind?”

“It's stupid. I know.” Yuuichirou shakes his head, averting his gaze. “I just really liked the time we spent together at the costume store and at the diner… Just us. I like spending time with you alone, too.”

Mikaela laughed timidly. “Me too.” He said in an undertone. He scoots closer to Yuuichirou, and they're both blushing. Cheeks faint in the darkness of the room. Their shoulders are touching and Yuuichirou’s heart begins to race.

He found the red that dusted Mikaela’s cheeks beautiful. Breathtaking. Swallowing thickly at how Mikaela tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.

He can even feel Mikaela’s body heat, radiating with warmth. Yuuichirou thought about holding Mikaela and doing things he would normally feel ashamed of, after all - Mikaela was nothing more than his best friend… despite being close like this.

He wanted to do more.

“I just wanted to throw a birthday party you would enjoy.” Mikaela admitted. “I spend days talking to Shinoa about it. You're never really the most excited about your birthday so I wanted so do something nice for you.  To make you happy.”

“Mika.” Yuuichirou mumbled, “You don't have to do any of these things for me.”

“You deserve it.” Mikaela countered, nudging Yuuichirou’s shoulder. “That's what friends are for.”

Mikaela looked so vulnerable. His dazzling smile and the way his feet were rocking back on forth against the bed. He's looking at Yuuichirou, bright blue eyes gleaming.

Yuuichirou locked gazes with Mikaela, his eyes narrowing.

“I wouldn't be having such a good time without you.” Yuuichirou reached to tuck Mikaela’s fallen strands back behind his ear. “Everything is so much better when you're here, with me.”

Mikaela laughs lightly. “Is that so?”

“Yeah.” Yuuichirou murmured.

Mikaela unconsciously leaned closer to Yuuichirou. Knees bumping with Yuuichirou’s own and arms touching. Faces centimeters apart.

“Yuu?”

“Hmm?”

“What if we…kissed?” Mikaela asked. “Just once. To see how it's like?”

“Have you kissed anyone before?” Yuuichirou questioned.

Mikaela slowly shakes his head. “No.” He whispered low enough Yuuichirou could barely catch it.

“I always wanted to know what it's like to kiss someone you've wanted to kiss. And feel that it's special… and not something you're entitled to.” Yuuichirou said idly. “Would this count as me being your first?”

Mikaela flushed deeper. “I think so. But I wouldn't mind… because it's with someone I trust.”

“God. I wouldn't either Mika.” Yuuichirou huffed a laugh. “We are so drunk.”

“Yuu.” Mikaela placed a hand on Yuuichirou’s chest, drawing Yuuichirou close until their bodies were pressed flush together. “Kiss me.” He closed his eyes and parted his lips.

Yuuichirou mirrors the action. He gulped.

He was going to kiss Mikaela.

He was going to kiss his best friend.

This was rather something that not friends did… But akin to what lovers often do.

And this felt so right. How much he had wanted to. Waiting for them to be alone since this night began.

He's leaning in, his lips a mere beat away from coming in contact with Mikaela's.

Yuuichirou finally gets to feel how Mikaela’s lips taste for the first time and God he's been waiting forever-

The door bursts open, making them rip apart from each other and jump, startled by the loud noise. Yuuichirou kinda wanted to grab the nearest object and chuck it far in Shinoa’s smug face.

You've got to be fucking kidding me right now! Yuuichirou raged.

“Time's up, bitches!” She screeched. “Better luck next time. Hope you had fun macking!”

“Jesus, Shinoa!” Mikaela giggled, covering his mouth as he scooted away from Yuuichirou. “Oh my.”

“Fucking hell.” Yuuichirou seethed vexatiously. “Are you serious?! Scaring the shit out of us instead of knocking?”

He wasn't even the most angry about that. The fact that Shinoa just barged in.

Just when they were about to-

“Too bad. Everyone is waiting on you.” Shinoa blew a raspberry. “Sorry to break the sappy moment. I smell a whole lot of fucking tension here and it's way too much for me. It's gotta go.”

“It's okay.” Mikaela assured, calming Yuuichirou down. “You're right. We are so drunk. What are we doing?”

“I've no fucking idea.” Yuuichirou expels. Reluctantly he stands up with Mikaela to be ushered out of the bedroom.

So close.

The rest of the party had gone by smoothly.

And that was saying something.

Shinoa had ended her wild event with aligning her mattress at the top of her giant staircase – only to climb on top of it with Akane, Kimizuki, and Narumi begins her before surfing down it.

Yuuichirou, who was standing at the bottom of his staircase, could only watch with a low jaw. He was completely shocked and taken back. Yuuichirou didn’t think Shinoa was that stupid after all.

At least, Yuuichirou was able to keep his composition throughout his friend’s unbelievable antics. Mikaela, on the other hand, had completely lost his shit. The blond immediately began to panic like a worried mother as he demanded Shinoa and the others to get off and put the mattress back.

Mikaela’s cries were ignored as the four daring friends took off flying down the stairs.

Though much to Yuuichirou’s surprise, and Mikaela’s relief, the four of his companions had safely made it down to the bottom of the stairs. Completely uninjured.

Mikaela miraculously recovered from his small heart attack.

And after their little mattress joyride down the staircase, Shinoa had announced that everyone had to “get the fuck out in twenty minutes” because she was “drunk as hell and tired.”

That must have a been a coding for Mahiru is gonna whoop my ass if she sees this mess.

Neither Yuuichirou or Mikaela were surprised with her words. It was just so like her. Shinoa was known to be quite loud, boisterous, and sassy. Her announcement got across though, and after a few minutes everyone began to clear out of her house. Of course, there were a few drunk people passed out around the house, but that wasn’t surprising.

After all, not partying hard at one of Shinoa’s events wasn’t an option.

Soon, Shinoa’s house was beginning to grow barren. Akane and Yoichi had left together in the same ride, and Narumi has left in his car along with the mass sea of people. So, with Kimizuki and Mitsuba packing up their stuff as well, Yuuichirou and Mikaela exchanged glances – the two of them knowing that it was time to go.

After Mikaela kissed Shinoa on the cheek and Yuuichirou pinched her arm, the two were on their way back home.

The sound of crunching leaves beneath Mikaela’s feet proved to once again be a comforting sound to Yuuichirou as the two of them walked down the sidewalk. With the moon hanging above their heads and the star twinkling in joy, Yuuichirou let his eyelids fall. He was exhausted, he really was, and Yuuichirou was beginning to grow desperate for sleep.

Or just for his bed, at least.

Yuuichirou knew that his hangover was going to be killer in the morning… but he knew it would be worth it. After all, he got to spend his night with Mikaela.

Mikaela.

There was something… awkward that hung in the air. Yuuichirou could sense it as the two of them walked hand in hand – in the direction of both of their homes. At the end of the street they were on, there was an intersection, and Yuuichirou knew that was where they’d have to split. For while Yuuichirou had to take a left to walk back to his house, Mikaela had to walk right.

It was just his luck. His poor luck.

Yuuichirou cleared his throat, the air around them dry as the two of them walked in silence. There wasn’t necessarily a bad feeling – no, of course not. Nothing was ever bad for Yuuichirou when he was Mikaela. If anything, the usual lighthearted and warm feeling was still there. It trailed behind Mikaela like a cape and wrapped around Yuuichirou’s soul.

But, Yuuichirou just needed to hear Mikaela talk.

They had almost kissed… Yuuichirou was so close to feeling Mikaela’s luscious lips against his own. And Goddamn, he still wanted it more than ever. Yuuichirou wasn’t blackout drunk, he knew exactly what he was doing,

Yuuichirou knew just how much he wanted Mikaela.

Though ever since they almost kissed, they had barely talked… Yuuichirou didn’t know if he had done something wrong. Maybe he had messed up… Could Mikaela be mad at him?

Yuuichirou dropped his head and pulled his bottom lip back as he thought.

The silence was as sharp as a knife, though the blade seemed to become dull when there was a sudden voice.

“If you think too hard, you’re gonna hurt yourself,” Mikaela mumbled, glancing down at Yuuichirou.

Yuuichirou’s eyes flicked up – emerald locking with sapphire.

Yuuichirou couldn’t tell if Mikaela was blushing or if the cold air was nipping at his cheeks, but either way… he looked stunning. He never wanted to look away, and Yuuichirou didn’t notice when a small smile crept onto his face.

“Oh, yeah?” Yuuichirou murmured, lips flicking up as he laughed lightly.

“Yeah…” Mikaela affirmed in a whisper, kicking his leg at some of the leaves. “You dumb jock.”

Yuuichirou could only let out a booming laugh as he threw his head backwards, his emerald eyes shimmering with pure joy as he continued to walk forward. Mikaela even let out a giggle as well, and it was music to Yuuichirou’s ears as he stuffed his hands into his costume’s pockets.

“You got me there…” Yuuichirou expelled, licking his lips. “But, man, am I exhausted.”

“Oh, God. Me too,” Mikaela whined lightly.

The two of them were growing closer to their separation point. Yuuichirou dreaded it more than ever.

Mikaela continued, “I’m not too drunk, actually. I’m just tired.”

“I miss my bed,” Yuuichirou jested, wearing a playful, lopsided smile.

“I’m ready to go into fucking hibernation,” Mikaela exclaimed, spreading his arms to the side as he walked forward.

“I second that,” Yuuichirou chimed in. “But I dunno how much sleep I’m gonna be able to get.”

Mikaela raised an eyebrow and looked at Yuuichirou. “Huh? Why do you say that?”

“‘Cause I’m past my curfew,” Yuuichirou explained sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guren’s gonna have my ass. He’ll probably keep me up through my hangover as punishment.”

“Oh, damn,” Mikaela breathed out in a sigh, reaching over to place a hand on Yuuichirou’s arm. “You can always flee to my house. The door’s always open.”

“I might just have to take up that offer.”

“Or you can sneak through my window. That is, if you wanna be sneaky.”

“You want me to go all Romeo on you?” Yuuichirou queried with a snicker. “With a painful hangover, too?”

“Hm… you’re right…” Mikaela trailed off and snorted. “Maybe not my best plan.”

“Maybe not,” Yuuichirou said as he bobbed his head. “Especially if i’m all groggy. I’d probably bang my big head or break something if I tried to go in through your damn window.”

“It’s on the first story–“

“You know how clumsy I get, Mika.”

“True, I do know,” Mikaela commented, his cheeks puffing up as he let out a light laugh.

Yuuichirou eyed him carefully, his gaze never leaving Mikaela as the two of them suddenly came to a stop – reaching the end of the street. Their breaths were heavy in the air, fogging the sky as the exhaled deeply… inching close to each other.

Like the same magnet from the dance floor, Yuuichirou found himself being pulled closer to Mikaela. He wouldn’t have had it any other way… Mikaela was just so incredible.

The blond turned to face him, and Yuuichirou’s breath hitched. Mikaela’s face was illuminated by the moon’s gentle nice – it’s gentle rays swirling within Mikaela’s sapphire orbs. Yuuichirou took note of how angelic he look… how Mikaela’s plump, rosy lips curved up into a small smile as he stared up at Yuuichirou.

The smile was enough for Yuuichirou’s heart stop.

“But seriously…” Mikaela spoke up again, but in a whisper. “You know I’m always here for you, Yuu-chan.”

Yuuichirou nodded eagerly, without missing a beat. His mouth went dry but he forced himself to speak. “Yeah, yeah… I know,” Yuuichirou said in the same volume, his tone sincere. “And it’s the same for you. You know I got your back through thick and thin.”

Yuuichirou watched as Mikaela dipped his head down, raising both of his hands to cover his face. “Thank you, Yuu-chan…” Mikaela breathed out – not in a sad tone, but instead one that was happy and relieved.

“Of course…” Yuuichirou managed to get out, his heart warm in his chest. “You know I always got you… And, Mika…”

Mikaela raised his head a little bit, peaking up at Yuuichirou with curiosity.

“I had a really good time with you tonight,” Yuuichirou admitted, reaching out to place his hand on Mikaela’s shoulder. He took a step closer to the blond and nodded. “Thank you, Mika…”

“It’s really no problem, Yuu…” Mikaela said slowly, sniffling his red nose. “It’s your birthday after all.”

“Yeah but… you don’t have to be nice to me…” Yuuichirou raised his chin as he choked up a little. “You don’t have to be this kind to me.”

“But I’m your–“

“You are my best friend,” Yuuichirou said, completing Mikaela’s sentence. “But you’re so much more. You’re… You’re so lovable and kind… so strong and sweet. You’re so smart and fired. Mika, you’re talented and funny and amazing in every single way. You make my days so much better no matter what.

You make me laugh when no one else does. You bring a smile to my face with just a simple ‘hello.’ So yeah, you are my best friend. And no matter what you say, I know I don’t deserve you because you do so fuckin’ much for me. But Mika, I really do love you so, so much. You’ve made this day unforgettable for me.”

Yuuichirou could only watch Mikaela with awe as the blond looked up at him with wide eyes – tears beginning to pool in them. Mikaela’s cheeks flushed darkly, and Yuuichirou noticed that Mikaela fidgeted in place.

No words left Mikaela’s mouth – the blond’s mouth only quivering as a small smile broke out onto his face. Yuuichirou could tell that Mikaela was surprised. Hell, his long rant even surprised him too.

But he knew it had to be said.

Yuuichirou didn’t know how much longer he could have kept it in. He just wanted Mikaela to know how much he meant to him.

How much he loved him.

Though after a while, when Mikaela was still silent, Yuuichirou cleared his throat and forced himself to speak.

“But yeah,” He wheezed out, smacking his lips. “Uh, I hope you get home safely. You can call me if you-“

Before Yuuichirou could comprehend what was happening, Mikaela was reaching up and grabbing onto his costume’s collar – onto to pull Yuuichirou down into a soft, smearing kiss.

Yuuichirou’s eyes widened and he hummed into the sudden contact, but easily melted into the kiss and he moved closer to Mikaela. The blond’s lips melted against his own and were as sweet as honey, and Yuuichirou couldn’t stop himself from moving in for more.

He kept it sweet and innocent though, only further melding their lips together and tilting Mikaela’s head back as Yuuichirou subtly placed his hands on Mikaela’s hips. The blond made a noise of surprise due to Yuuichirou’s soft touch, but didn’t pulled away. If anything, it just made Mikaela move closer.

It was all like a dream to Yuuichirou. He could hear fireworks going off in the back of his mind – and endless celebration to his success. He never wanted it to end.

However much to Yuuichirou’s despair, the two of them parted when they soon became desperate for air. Their lips pulled away from each other with a gentle pop, and Mikaela and Yuuichirou breathed heavily as they regained their composure.

They didn’t move away from each other. No, Yuuichirou stayed close to Mikaela – the tips of their noses brushing up against each other as they stared into each other’s eyes.

Yuuichirou noticed Mikaela’s lips purse and flick up into a smile, and he once again wanted to taste them. He knew he was addicted from then on, but he couldn’t help himself.

Mikaela’s breath was gentle against his skin, and Yuuichirou felt Mikaela lean in closer. Yuuichirou anticipated another kiss, his eyelid falling, but he listen to Mikaela as he spoke.

“I love you too, birthday boy.”

Yuuichirou was once again rewarded with Mikaela’s gentle lips against his own. Arms sliding around Yuuichirou’s neck.

Yuuichirou smiled against Mikaela's lips under the starry night skies.

Victory is sweet.