Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

5 years go by life a gust. Brief and so mindlessly.

Sunny, Aubrey, Kel, along with all other students at their age was only a year away from graduating. The town has undergone massive changes when they were busy burying their minds inside of the piles upon piles of homework and notebooks. But still, it wasn't something too obscure for Mari and Hero. Now that the hospital is even bigger, Mari was intrigued to finally get to be a nurse, more or less for the sole reason of how she could be Hero... for practically the whole day. If it goes to plan, of course.

Mari and Hero have allegedly become a couple, much to Mari's mom's concern. Even for how she's overall perfect for most of the standards, from looks to background and such, she's still somewhat overprotective of Mari. Of course, her daughter has matured enough to get to decide what's best for herself, just as much as she did back in the days. There was just... something wrong that Mari's mother couldn't make out, or even understand.

Back to the story, where Sunny and his long-time friends were close to being graduated. And what can anyone say, he looks good being a young adult, especially in the campus's uniform. Much to Sunny's annoyance, it seems like there was something... attractive about him. He doesn't even flirt or even care about finding a girlfriend. He already has one, and that ain't changing for anything, maybe ever. But still, that couldn't stop others from trying. Mari doesn't know what to feel about it, either impressed or surprised. Describing it as a description rather than an event makes it... a bit lackluster.

Sunny was stoic, one way or another, but to others' eyes, he looks cold. And the stereotypical kind of cold as well. You know, the passively drawing kind. It's not like Sunny even wanted to reject those that wanted to date him, it's just that he doesn't have much time to waste. One girlfriend is enough for... most of the people. He feels lucky being in that bunch. There's a long list of those that have been straight out denied, but again, it really doesn't matter to those that want to try for themselves.

There goes that. Mari gets to date Hero... a bit in captive, but still counts nonetheless. Sunny remains close to his long-time crush, and so is the other way around. Aubrey loved having a subtle, calm boyfriend, as much as anyone does. There was also another reason why she likes being around Sunny, a much more crude reason, relating to grades and other stressful things, but it would be best to not go into that territory.

It's sad how learning isn't free. This applies to all grades and schools, including Sunny's campus. It wasn't a mind-boggling price or something, but Sunny still has to be a part-time worker to get the tuition fee done. There are benefits to working, though, whether if it's full-time or part-time. Obviously... you get paid, and he's lucky for the tuition fee to not completely burn his salary. There are always some bucks left in his pockets after working, which can be spent on many different things other than just learning.

What kind of job, you may ask? It's just a classic, normal Gino's worker. Let it be a chef, a cashier, or anyone at all. Sunny applied for all of it. Yes, all of it. He got his salary significantly raised for it, but there comes the requirement of extreme multitasking. And the word extreme isn't just for emphasizing. Due to how the town was growing steadily, many newcomers moved in, and it just translates to more customers. And like... a shit ton of new customers.

And just as Sunny expected, he gets even more attraction being at work. Either from the other workers, mostly from the same campus as his, just in different classes, or customers with various kinds. It also includes guys, which made it even more awkward, let alone that being Sunny out of all that could have been. He sucks ass at dealing with that kind of stuff. Sunny can't blame being handsome though. Even Mari has to admit him looking slick with his usual appearance when at work, having the black hoodie tied around his waist along with the usual uniform cap.

Going back into the town itself for a second.

The transition made everyone tired, but also intrigued to see their hometown being renovated into a fledged-out, robust city, like all the others on the list. Hero and Mari rushed their training due to how there was a sharp increase in patients of various kinds, and so it means more manpower was needed. Sunny, along with all of his friends, was forced to compete with others on the campus, to how more and more talented students were moving in.

Aubrey couldn't take it sometimes and resort to becoming a Hooligan just to air out the tension. All of the members are just her friends, with the same reason, more or less. Sunny was opposed to that idea, and it ended many times with him getting a good hit, mostly to the back or head. But that didn't stop him from trying to calm down his endearing girlfriend, even with the fact that scars will be thrown into the mix if he takes that approach.

Rumors whispered about the fact of Aubrey becoming rebellious, which drew her close to being expired. Not for just once, unfortunately. Even though being a street gangster, she still has a moderately well grade, much to her friends' support, mostly from Sunny, which was only another reason for Aubrey to love him.

Sunny is different. He doesn't relieve physically, whichever way you are gonna take that quote in, he dreams. It's such a bizarre way to air out, but it works every time, to others' suspicion and astonishment. He seemed fine even with all the heavy work, even though it's not always that way. It's just that he has his own techniques. A rather idealistic one.

Keeping it simple, Sunny just makes up an alter-ego to talk to at times. He can't really decide where or when to dream, so it's more or less like rolling the dice. But since he's mostly always under stress, he dreams frequently about it, maybe even daily.

The alter-ego, now will be referred to as "him", was named Omori. Nothing remarkable, nothing special. Just someone that looks like him, but younger, in the middle of an endlessly white place. Aside from that, there isn't much to talk about. Omori would give off talks about random subjects and sometimes even reminding Sunny of many long-lasting memories, preventing them from fading away/ It's a simple, but effective, solution.

But it isn't always that way.

Sometimes, the real world is just too much for an imaginary person to handle.

It's complicated.

There is a lot more to it than just a summary, but it's also hard to capture it only in just one big image. It's mostly just random pieces of stories that have been patched together. A lot is going on in the Faraway Town/City, mostly romance, but sometimes it's more than just that.

It would be interesting to take a look.

Chapter Text

Let's home in on a random night, to see the details, shall we? Just a simple night in the campus's dorm, like all the others... or not so much.

Aubrey couldn't sleep. She suddenly felt uncomfortable in the dorm she was in. The one with all of those that she's too familiar with. Aubrey flipped from side to side, removing the blanket and getting it on once again, struggling to find a fitting position. The air suddenly felt all brisk and dry. It was logical, for how it was only a few days away from Sunny's birthday. 15th of July never is comfortable.

She got off the bunk bed, climbing down to the floor, trying not to make too many noises. It wasn't the first time she has been an insomniac, but it was the first time that she was with someone else. Kim, who was preferably in the same room as her's, only mumbled upon hearing the creaky sounds, barely even care for how late it was. Unlike the other campuses, there were no late-night supervisors or any specially assigned security guards. It was a nice time window for those who can't, or simply don't want to sleep, before the school grows too crowded to be unsupervised.

For one reason or another, Aubrey was able to sneak in her baseball bat, more or less for "self-defense". She doesn't like to bully others, but never will she be comfortable being harassed by other students. It's not being dramatic to say that she...

"...had enough of others making fun of me. It's very annoying, if not irritating."

Aside from intimidating others that think she's loose or teasing Sunny at times, there's not much to the bat itself. All of the bulky nails were deemed a bit too overkill and were removed, leaving behind holes that make it look like a beehive. This is where Sunny kicks in and brought a whole roll of duct tape, pretty much fixing the bat. Aubrey still uses it to this day for the same reasons stated above, or even plays normal baseball with it. But after Kel's insane pitch that almost snapped the handle, she never dares to play baseball again.

On the other end, Sunny also couldn't sleep, but he didn't even try to get himself comfortable. Sunny is too used to waking up at random times, usually late into the night. Puberty hit him like a truck, and now that he has grown to Mari's height, it's difficult to even lie straight. But again, the same could be told for Kel, who's right below his bed, with legs longer than a table. It's a nuisance not being able to sleep well, but both have been too fond of that feeling.

Sunny got down with difficulties, for how dark the dorm rooms were. He cannot turn on the lights, or someone might notice and report him to the principal. It's not like he's ever scared of any teacher for his near-perfect grades and submissive behaviors, but it would sure be a bummer to cut the streak for a simple mistake. Kel was a deep sleeper, as he didn't even take in the sounds when Sunny climbs down.

Right as Sunny's black socks touched the cold ceramic floors, the phone in his pockets rang, giving off a subtle light. It has been automatically set to Do Not Disturb mode for the night. But that was all for Sunny to remember how he got a phone... and to be feeling dumb about not using the flashlight to guide his way down.

It was a notification, a text from Aubrey. She was also having the same thought on the other end. He came into the texting app and started responding.

[BaseballG1rl] hey, sun

[SSuzuki] Hey, Aubrey. Still awake?  

[BaseballG1rl] yeah. don't know why but I can't sleep. not like it's my first time though. wbu?

[SSuzuki] Same, more or less. Is there anything wrong?

[BaseballG1rl]: nothing much. just askin'.

[SSuzuki] ...I gotta go to do something. Be right back.

Sunny felt lightheaded. Narcolepsy hit like a truck all of a sudden. It felt a lot like someone tried to knock him out with a hard hit to the head. He's already too used to staying up late into the night, sometimes outright not sleeping, but it never has hit so hard. Sunny had his eyesight slightly blurred out, cold sweat just innately rolling down his hair. Something was wrong, one way or another.

He had an idea in mind, but it wasn't so much of a good one. He raised the phone to see a kitchen knife lying on a table. It belongs to him, more or less the same reason why Aubrey got the baseball bat inside. A knife is still a big deal, however, so he's only restricted to using it inside of the dorm, for whatever the hell reason he could think of. Sunny reached for it, barely able to hold onto the handle.

He dug into his mind, desperately finding an explanation for his sudden nausea. It wasn't food, he only eats what Hero has prepared for him instead of the usual ration handed by the school. It wasn't some kind of medicine effect, he didn't recall taking in any sleeping pills or anything like that, let alone it feeling like medical anesthetics. Sunny couldn't find a proper reason, but he could think of the only way he could stay awake.

Sunny put the blade against his thin arms and... got a straight cut on it. As quick as he slit himself, the hand that was holding the knife immediately let go of it and reflexively hugged his other, bleeding arm. It hasn't been his first time having to resort to some pain to stay awake, but it has never been that extreme. It wasn't a big cut but through the dark room, combined with his already crumbling consciousness, it was a deep one.

He tried not to shout out loud, as it would spell a good suspension if not even an expelling. People could easily mistake what has happened if they didn't know the reason behind it, and false assumptions are never good, in any context at all. Sunny clenched his teeth, holding it shut and preventing any loud noise from escaping his throat, slowly losing stance and slipping against the wall, down to the cold floors.

The wound had to be kept as obscured as possible, and out of all, no blood dripping on the floor. Blood isn't easy to clean, and letting go of the grip will only result in heavier bleeding. Aside from that, however, Sunny succeeded in using pain to overlap drowsiness. Once again, screaming under any capacity will get Sunny shredded to pieces, but oh boy was it an arduous task. It really, really burns, as much as getting a piece of red-hot charcoal being pressed against your arms.

He teared up, as much as he didn't want to, as much as he sweated coldly. If someone was there without knowing the context, it's not a far-fetched supposition that Sunny committed a felony. But again, it was too late for anyone to be hanging around, luckily. After a good five minutes or so, Sunny wiped his tears and sweat aside, before getting back up for the texting, just as Aubrey was going to log off seeing how Sunny was inactive.

Aubrey bickered a bit of how Sunny left all of a sudden, not out loud of course. It just came down to mere mumbles, with some mild swears before she decided to force herself back to sleep, even for how uncomfortable it is. Right as she drew the blanket closer, the phone rang and also gave off a soft light, notifying Sunny's return.

[SSuzuki] Hey, sorry Aub. You still there?

[BaseballG1rl] you dork. I thought you're asleep

[SSuzuki] Nah... Not when you haven't. I don't like hanging up on others.

...Do you mind doing me a favor?

[BaseballG1rl] yeah?

[SSuzuki] ...Could you get outside? I will be for tonight.

Meet me at the school gate if you can. Bring the baseball bat. I will explain.

[BaseballG1rl] alright... if you say so...

give me a minute or two. I will prepare myself.

[SSuzuki] Thanks, Aubrey.

[BaseballG1rl] no prob

That was the last of Sunny's strength. His stained fingers could barely feel the smooth texture of the smartphone's glass. The blood loss wasn't that serious, but it still made his fingers numb. He dropped his phone like a brick, shaking his hand vigorously in hope that it could come back to life. It did, briefly, before coming back to being numb all over again.

But it wasn't time for some random numbness. Sunny climbed down the bed once again with his paralyzing hand and got down swiftly, arm still bleeding from the deep cut. He fetched the black hoodie and slowly peeped through the small crevice on the door, for the last time and to be sure that there was no one around. Aside from that, he also swiftly fetched the knife for some... "further use".

Sunny slowly pushed the door open, hinges making light creaky sounds before it became wide open. Even the night sky was a hundred times brighter than his room. From the opposite end, there was another person that was doing the same. Even for how fuzzy the silhouette was, he could tell that it was Aubrey right off the bat, both literally and figuratively. Sunny waved with his vacant hand, to be responded with another. They both got down to the courtyard.

A minute has passed. They both have gotten down to the yard. Even for how it was summer, the air was undeniably refreshing of how there was practically no one around, and of course, no sunlight to make the atmosphere brisk. There was only some light gust blowing through the yard. A subtle element, but pleasing nonetheless. He's been too used to the late-night sceneries, but it felt strangely even better with someone else around. More preferably, someone that he's familiar with.

Aubrey was on the other end, looking straight at him, hair waving in the air. She looked great, to say the least, being in the inducing scenery. Sunny was, like usual, tying the hoodie around his waist, being lit up by the poor moonlight that acted as the only source of light.

No one said anything, but both of their hearts were throbbing, for whatever reasons there are, mostly to how the other looked so... entrancing. Of course, they didn't talk about it later on, but it wasn't necessary at all. Sunny is too good at reading expressions from one's face, but he's also too predictable for Aubrey to see through.

...God... She looks too good to be true...

...Man, Sunny looks so... charming these hours.

Enough internal monologues, let's get back to the real deal. The two drew nearer, still keeping their faces steady, trying to keep their hearts from jumping out of their chest. With slow, but steady steps, they finally got right in front of each other. Even though it hurts more, Sunny has to stick the wound close to his T-Shirt, or things will get messy. Of course, it also means that the shirt will be stained with blood the next day, but he chooses not to think about it.

Aubrey gave a warm smile to her boyfriend, along with a simple "Hey." It's a bit sad how Sunny barely ever smiles, and neither did he when Aubrey said hello. He just nodded and pointed his finger towards the metal gate. She slightly retracted the smile and nodded in agreement, still gleaming with joy to get Sunny involved.

The gate was locked, obviously, but it didn't take them long to get out through the top. As a Hooligan, Aubrey is a bit familiar with trespassing and all of that bizarre stuff for the matter, while Sunny is just too familiar with how to get in and out. It wasn't his first night outside, for the matter.

Aside from the weird request of Sunny to bring the baseball bat with her, there wasn't much to not be comfortable about. She's aware of how he has gotten out of the campus many times before, but never really cared to report Sunny or doing anything significantly threatening. It's not like she couldn't, but again... why? When compared, which both are very startled with, SUnny has a significantly higher average score and overall better behavior. But most importantly, Sunny is also Aubrey's boyfriend. Looking from all the different perspectives, there are not many reasons to do such an excessive act.

They went on the clear, empty road for a while. The town, slash city, looks even greater when it's midnight. Not just the atmosphere, but generally everything looks better being washed over by moonlight. It took them a moment to be reminded of each other after they have been so immersive of the night sky. It wouldn't be long until the city outshines the stars with its glaring lights and vibrant neon signs.

Aubrey got the lead and started to wrap her mind around Sunny's strange proposals.

"...Hey, Sunny... I got the baseball bat now, but what for really? I still don't understand what you're trying to do here..."

"You will see soon when we get to where I want to be. Just... don't be bothered too much by it. Enjoy the scenery, we won't be getting much of it... sooner or later."

Sunny tried to divert the flow of the conversation, but it would soon lead to another question.

"...What's with the... knife? Are you gonna kill someone tonight...?" Aubrey paid attention to the peeping handle from Sunny's right pocket.

"...More or less the same reason why I told you to bring the bat."

"Are you... asking for a fight?" Aubrey gets more and more confused the further she goes into the conversation. Sunny's word gives off more questions than answering.

"What? No no no no! Don't get it wrong... Just... don't ask more. It's hard to explain. But don't worry, it's nothing to do with combat or anything nasty. Trust me." He was saying the truth... Not all of it, though.

Aubrey wanted to continue asking, for a completely different reason, however, solely for the reason how Sunny looks so adorable trying to cover up something. He sucks at lying, which at this point, whether if it's a pro or a con, is still debatable. It's not like it really matters either way, though. Sunny will remain truthful for the rest of his life. He hates, and once again, sucks at lying.

Back to the couple. Aubrey was just following Sunny, not like she planned out any proper destination. All she wanted is to spend a night with her boyfriend... the non-dirty way, of course. Other than that, there wasn't much going on in her mind. Aubrey tried to hold hands, more or less for how chilly it was being so late into the night, and it would have been certainly pleasing to be holding hands. There wasn't anyone judging anyway.

But still, it all comes back to the deep cut that Sunny has to try so hard to not just snap and scream. He has to basically glue the slit part of his arm into the T-Shirt, and to make it more natural, both of his hands in the pockets. Sunny could tell why Aubrey kept reaching out with her hands, and he wouldn't have hesitated if it wasn't for how he was literally red-handed. It's lucky how Aubrey hasn't noticed... yet. He didn't want to look cold, but neither does he want to look dumb in front of Aubrey. It's annoying to trip on your own feet just by talking, for him at least.

It was the park where the two were heading... More like Sunny's idea to go there and having an accompany.

Adapting to continuous growth, nothing could stop the progression of the town. The park, more or less a playground, along with most of the familiar hangout spots inside of it has been expanded to hold more people. The lake was also dug out deeper and wider to fit the expansion. It is a bit of a pain having to see the familiar things go, but there wasn't much aside from that. It's always nice to see new changes.

Aubrey only cleared her mind out when the usual metal gate shows up, sooner or later will be replaced by a bigger, new one. Even she didn't expect Sunny to be so sentimental. It still doesn't explain the baseball bat and the knife, though, but it's one less worry that Sunny didn't try to stalk on anyone's home. It hits home hard to hear the leaves rustling in the wind when they came to the park.

"...Ah... So this is where you were referring to... Taking a stroll down the memory lane, eh?"

"...More or less, yeah... Just... climb inside. I will... explain to you when we're inside." Sunny stammered for a bit trying to talk while wearing his hoodie. It was starting to get cold.

"How about you go first? It's your idea after all."

"Uhh... Sure, I guess...?"

Sunny had to remove both hands from his pockets to climb inside. The two, and maybe for anyone that wants to get in at that time, were lucky for how the top of the iron bars aren't some kind of spikes or any trespassers-proof precautions. It could end two ways, one being rather bloody, and one very embarrassing. He took in deep breaths, before grabbing the horizontal bars and start to make his way up. Sunny was a bit hindered by his wounded arm but soon made his way in without any significant struggle.

Aubrey followed right behind, with completely no difficulties whatsoever. It's probably too obvious how she made it in so easily, but let's not go too far into that subject. Luckily, Aubrey was wearing jeans and not her usual skirt, or else Sunny would have banged his head against the trees for seeing something that shouldn't be seen.

"...Alright... *huff* Here we are... Now what?"

"Follow me." Sunny waved his hand in a hook pattern of some sort. The night makes the trees look scarier, but also more thrilling, than usual. Sunny got out his smartphone and uses its flashlight to move in further. It was the lake where he was heading towards. Looking from Aubrey's perspective, Sunny, who's in his hoodie, looks a lot like those stereotypical wanderers in a music video, or even a movie.

Sunny, once again, had his hands deep in the pockets, this time it's the hoodie's pockets. He just headed straight for the lake, not slowing down for any reason. There's one behind why he was so insisted to go to the lake and not anywhere else. Aside from the fact that it makes for a perfect hangout spot, that is. Especially for a couple.

Venturing through the thick, dark foliage, following a dim trail with absolutely no natural lighting whatsoever, the two could finally see a glint of light at the end of the road. As the two got closer, the light also gone brighter. Took a minute or two to navigate through the thick bushes, but Sunny finally got to where he wanted to be. An open, large lake that he's too fond of. It hits hard after not coming back to the park for so long, more or less to the intense amount of work he's assigned at school.

The air was strangely all dry around the lake. The wind blows harder around the edge of the lake, further signifying the rustling of the leaves. It was a great place to be at all times, but it's best to be there when it's late into the night, either by sneaking in or being allowed or when it's the start, about the same as the end of the day, spoke from Sunny's personal experience. A scenic walk around the park after he has finished his shift is enough to ease all of the stress, or so it does for most of the time.

Aubrey remembered going there many times before when she was much younger, but she never recalled the lake being so big. It's actually not so much of a significant change to the lake, it's just that time has washed away most of her memories linked to it. Aside from the gradual expansion, there were also a few wooden benches here and there. Aubrey got towards one and sat down in comfort. The wooden texture is somehow even more pleasing than the soft mattress of the dorm's bed.

Sunny didn't sit down on the same bench, he preferred standing. The hoodie was only there to prevent his skin from being further scratched, especially at the place where he was cut earlier. Of course, he still had to pull up the sleeve slightly to prevent it from being tainted by blood. It's not like he feared anyone would check the inside of a hoodie, but he doesn't want to ruin it. It's his birthday gift, after all.

He removed the hoodie and once again, tied it to his waist. Sunny then reached for his pockets, before being distracted by Aubrey's exclaim. Her voice sounded so soft all of a sudden.

"...Woah... This place looks so... new... How did I not think of this lake before...? It feels familiar, but I can't recall it ever looking this scenic..." Aubrey was awed looking around and trying to take in everything the lake had to offer.

"...It seems like you have forgotten, sadly... This place is already too fond for me. Maybe you should value your memories more... You've been here before years ago, remember...?"

"Aside from recalling when I came to the park to meet up with the other... hooligans... I really don't remember coming here ever before... Sorry, Sunny. My mind gets flooded sometimes."

"...It's OK. Sometimes, it's better to experience something once again and feeling like it's all-new. That sensation doesn't come too often, so there's not much for you to be sad about.

Memories get dusty at times. Especially at these times, where we're just too busy to hold on to our old days. It's alright, Aubrey." Sunny said in a low-placed, melancholic voice. Images of the lake, of what it was when he came, flashed like a short movie, right before his very own eyes.

"Jesus, you don't have to teach me literature, Sun-bun. I know." Aubrey teased her boyfriend with a light chuckle. He shrugged in response, then head on to look straight at the water. It looked clear and rather calm, reflecting most of the moonlight on the surface.

Sunny recalled something. He recalled the day that was years ago. When he had his first visit to the park, along with Aubrey. She looked a lot cuter back then, hair not dyed yet, and still had the classic pink bowtie. Back then, love was still a very vivid concept to him and Aubrey, but there was still something tingling between the two of them back then. Only when the two have grown up, they know that it was love, in the most primitive and simple form.

It was simple. Very simple. The two liked each other, though it's a bit tipped to Sunny's side. Even then, Sunny never really thought of confronting it to anyone, not even Mari, partly due to his apprehensive nature. Other than that, however, they remained unchanged, though kept obscure. It isn't so necessary though, as the two can see clearer through each other's thoughts the more they mature. It's just the nature of love, of how we adapt to match someone.

Sunny wanted to put an end to him being always so resentful and timid. He's tired of never being able to talk about what he thinks. Sunny is just too stale of having to leave others waiting for an answer. And there's no better place to start than on his very own girlfriend. A long-time relationship that could really have used something to spice up.

Sunny decided that it was time for him to take the initiative. He was done being carried by others.

Aubrey's soft calls dragged him back to the present time. Where it was midnight, and Aubrey was still waiting for her questions to be answered.

"So... What now...?"

"...I want to tell you something..."

"Yeah?"

"...Come here, please," Sunny called, still haven't turned back, hand hugging the other wounded arm. He was preparing for the reveal, and thinking of responses that wouldn't make Aubrey misunderstand the slit for anything fishy. He was still anxious about making a move, but he couldn't wait.

Aubrey was slightly scared of Sunny suddenly changing his tone to a serious, more decisive one. She got up from the bench and drew nearer where he was standing, in wait. Sunny looked... troubled? Maybe, or something close to it, but there was definitely something going on, Aubrey could barely tell from the dim moonlight.

"*sigh*...Before you say anything... Please, don't freak out over this, OK?"

It somewhat backfired. Aubrey only gets even more startled upon hearing Sunny's words.

"Stop playing with my patience! What is it, you dork?" Aubrey tried to lessen the tension in the air with her usual talking style, but it didn't help much.

Sunny took in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and removed his hand. From where his hand lifted, there was a gaping cut, still bleeding slowly, one drop at a time, and seemed to be spread around the wound's edge like jam. The other hand was also dyed red from all the blood it had to keep in, but seeing the wound alone is already enough to raise a red alert for Aubrey.

"W-Wha... What!? Sunny! What happened!?" Aubrey didn't bother asking who did it. No one would have the balls to mess with someone that has martial art, let alone doing so with a knife.

She was responded with another sigh. The stoic boy reached down to his pocket and pulled out the knife. The blade was soon revealed to be drenched in blood, the stain slightly swiped aside of how it has been rubbing against Sunny's pocket. That was enough to explain everything. Sunny wounded himself. There was no one, only him.

"...You... cut yourself...? Seriously...?

...W-Why...? Just... why!?" Aubrey stammered, her voice raised after every word. The louder she is, the more painful it is for Sunny to maintain composure.

"...Let me explain. Just... calm down-"

"Calm down!? Are you stupid? How long did you keep it like this!?"

"Aubrey... Please, just-"

"No! This is... just not OK. I can't just leave it like that-" Aubrey was getting the hang of the conversation before Sunny pulled out a "stop" gesture with his hand.

"Aubrey. Let me explain. I know what I do and what I say.

Just... trust me, alright...? It's not what you think it is."

Aubrey slowly backed off, trying to be calm, but it's a bit too hard for a temperamental person like her. But still, being mad doesn't really resolve anything. She kept it slow and took in deep breaths, just like how Sunny did just earlier.

"...You better give me a good excuse to that cut, you moron. Stop making me being so worried about you."

It was hard for Sunny to look straight at Aubrey's misty eyes. It's not that he ever enjoyed taking things to the extremes, but there wasn't much of a choice anyway.

"...I'm sorry... It's just that I had no choice.

It all comes back to before we have decided to go out here, you see..."

With a heavy heart, and feeling somewhat stupid, Sunny slowly explained where the cut came from, and for what reason does he have to take it so seriously. Aubrey was mad at first, but it soon boiled down to just general melancholy having to see Sunny being wounded.

"...oh, you dumbass... You could have just... hang out with me later... right? Did it really have to be that extreme...?"

"I am getting to the end of my patience these days, Aubrey. Once again, I hate hanging up on others or having to leave anyone waiting in general. I'm... sorry, but it's just not my way. I'm tired of being a coward."

"Man, you could have just- Wait... Coward...?"

"*sigh*...Let's get ourselves a seat, shall we?"

Sunny was a bit impatient. He took Aubrey by the hand and got her towards the previous bench. She slightly blushed of the sudden act, but not Sunny, sadly. He's a bit busy thinking of himself to realize that he was doing an affectionate act. Not entirely on purpose, however. Only after the two has positioned themselves on the couch would Sunny resume talking

"...Alright... Let's get this done once and for all..."

(From this part, there will only be dialogues.)

"...You knew how long I have been having a crush on you, right...?"

"You really have to bring it back, didn't ya."

"...No, like I'm being real... It's just... *sigh* too obvious by this point.

What I'm saying here is... I never actually feel like I'm dating. Being passive sucks, and it's even more so when you can't choose, you know?"

"Oh... Well, I'm fine with it, though. I like seeing you being nervous, no offense. *chuckles*" Aubrey teased with her usual style. It usually would make Sunny even more embarrassed but it wasn't the same this time around.

"...I ain't liking it... maybe not anymore. It feels... odd not being able to talk properly to the only person that you like. Being a bit more open really doesn't hurt anyone, but it's a bit far at this point."

"Aw... Don't feel bad about it!"

"It's not just feeling bad. It just sucks, for me at least. I know the knife was so excessive, but I didn't have many choices. It felt like I was going to pass out.

I'd rather be risky than passing out another chance to hang out with you. I know it sounds kinky... but just take the previous years into consideration."

"Jeez, calm down! What about me!? I'm just a normal girl, like all the others that tried dating you at school. What's so... special about it?"

Sunny slightly blushed, but there was barely any light to show. Aubrey could tell from when he was just wringing and messing around with his fingers. The deep breath that took place right after was enough to clear things out enough for Aubrey to tell.

"It just feels... bland. Like, I don't do anything, at all. It's... strange being in a relationship and also being... passive. I'd figure out that I should just spice it up a bit, for better or for worse.

Now, I know that I might look attractive, not bragging or anything, you know me too well. But then, I feel like it doesn't... really mean anything when you can't even do the simplest of things. Being stoic might look nice, but it doesn't feel nice."

"Oh, well... Uhm... Then I also have things to say...

God, this is hard... Why am I so anxious all of a sudden..."

"Well... you get what I feel like... probably for most of the time. It sucks to be nervous, isn't it?" Sunny could read through the girl's face. Said so, but he didn't really see much. The way Aubrey talked felt familiar, maybe even too much for his own good.

"...You're fine the way you are, Sunny. It's OK to be timid at times. You can't defy who you are... Well, that's one of the sole reasons why I ever decided to like you. I'd prefer someone as gentle, yet passionate as you. Maybe I could have said it sooner... but eh, I have my own reasons to not. I thought you already knew for the better."

"I'd change... For and maybe only for you. I want to so badly for such a long time now. It's time for me to break out of my comfort zone. Who knows how far can I go with that sentence, but at least I don't have to shudder every time I catch you looking my way..."

"Wait... You knew?"

"Uhh... Yes...?"