Chapter Text
Reki never thought that a day would come when he and Langa are not together for lunch.
Not possible because the duo were inseparable.
Ever since the two met when Langa transferred from Canada, he and Reki had an instant connection, a bond formed that in Reki's view is something that is not easily broken.
And as the two continued their friendship fueled by their love for skateboarding, that bond grew even more and more from a singular string now into a web interconnected with their family and even friends from S.
And to Reki, this bond means everything to him. He simply can't imagine going on a day without Langa by his side anymore. Langa who is amazing at skateboarding, who's able to inhale ten cheeseburgers in one sitting and still asks for desserts after, who's not only popular at school but also at S, whose laughter and smile fills Reki's mind before he goes to sleep, whose usual stoic facade fades away the moment Reki speaks to him, and whose attention is and always will go to Reki when he meets him.
Not to mention, he is also very attractive with his powder blue hair and eyes and slender yet lean physique.
Yes, Langa, this unbelievably handsome, talented and downright almost perfect human, is the one that fills all the crevices of Reki's heart.
Reki knew he had a crush on him ever since the half-Canadian challenged Shadow on his behalf at S. And that he was a goner when he beat him with his feet duct-taped to his board and with almost zero skateboarding experience.
Langa was simply mesmerizing.
Reki did not only admire him for his looks and his sheer awesome-ness as a skater though. No, what really made his heart beat faster each time were the simple things Langa does for him every day they were together. The simple reminder for Reki to finish his meal (with the subtle not-really threats that he will eat it if Reki doesn't), the greetings as they start and end their days, his attention and responses to their conversations even though Reki knows he has a tendency to prattle on and on about nothing but still Langa listens, and how Langa is just there for Reki.
His bestfriend. Each day, each moment. Always present.
Today, however he is not.
He is with someone else. Someone who is not Reki.
They were sitting side by side together just near the fence at the rooftop, at the corner. THEIR corner.
He watched as his best friend laughed at something the other guy said. Something clenched in his heart. Something viscerally painful that it feels like he wants to gag or cry at the same time. But he doesn't know for sure what because the feeling is starting to make him feel breathless at this point.
It was to be expected though, like what was he thinking? He agreed to this. So, he has no right to complain.
Right?
"Hey Reki!"
He was running late because he failed to set his alarm last night. That was his fault because he binge watched too many skating videos again. As he looked back to who was calling him, he was kinda shocked to see the face of his former middle school classmate waving at him as he got off his car at the gate.
"Hey Yuuji." He replied back tucking his skateboard under his armpit.
Yuuji Ogasawara, the swim team captain, standing at almost six feet, whose dark hair was pushed back revealing his golden eyes that seemed to captivate any high school girl within a ten feet radius, was smiling at him. His backpack was casually slung over one shoulder, his poise simply radiating that air of confidence any popular boy would have.
"Hey sorry but can I talk to you later after class at the gym before our swim practice?" He has a deeper voice now compared to when they were in middle school.
Reki wondered what on earth could his business be with him. He was about to ask him why but as he heard the bell chime loudly ahead, he quickly replied back, "Ah. Okay. Sure I'll be there."
Yuuji smiled again, a smile so white and bright that Reki felt himself unconsciously smile back.
"Thanks man! Oh and just you okay?" He said pointing at him as he positioned himself to a run as the bell chimed again.
This left Reki a bit confused but nodded affirmatively either way.
After which, they both broke into a run going to their respective homerooms.
As Reki entered his classroom, catching his breath as he sat down in his chair, he briefly wondered what the hell was that all about. But before he could delve further in his thoughts, a gentle voice called beside him.
"Good morning Reki."
And Reki's favorite sight, the one person he was looking forward to seeing first this morning, was looking at him. Langa gave him a look that seemed like he was the most important person in the room right now even though their teacher was starting the class in front.
His heart beated faster as he smiled at his best friend.
"Hey Langa."
They did their dap, and he tried so hard to put all his attention to what their teacher was saying and not to the person seated beside him.
He succeeded for five minutes then gave up and instead kept subtly glancing at his friend's reflection on the window for the entirety of the class.
As he arrived at the gym which the swim team uses, he was thankful that Langa had an extra shift at Dope Sketch that afternoon so he doesn't need to make an excuse why he needs to go somewhere alone. As they reached the lockers after class, Reki told him he'll meet him afterwards in the skatepark.
His eyes roamed around the gym till they landed on Yuuji who was standing near the pool's edge talking to a teammate. He seemed to notice Reki's presence and waved at him. He then started to make his way towards him.
Reki decided to meet him halfway. They sat on the bleachers situated a distance away from the other occupants of the gym.
"So, what did you call me here for?" He asked the dark haired captain who appeared a little nervous and slightly fidgeting. This was odd. The Yuuji he knew never got nervous even during swimming meets. He was simply confident at his abilities and it showed in his personality. But the guy sitting near him right now did not give off that vibe.
"Uhm. I actually don't know how to start this since it's been a while since we talked." Yuuji said as he rubbed his hand at the back of his neck.
Reki held himself back from scoffing. The last time they talked was indeed "a while". They did not talk that much, no. But Yuuji was the class president for the entire duration of their middle school so he was expected to talk with Reki every once in a while. But after that, when they entered the same high school, no, absolutely no talking happened.
It wasn't that Reki didn't want to be friends with him. He was actually very friendly to Yuuji during the times they talked, hoping that maybe he can become his friend too. But for some reason, Yuuji just can't get along with him.
It may be because of that one time Reki started a conversation about skateboarding with their classmates, Yuuji shut him down by saying it was a dangerous sport. And the others agreed with him leaving Reki to be silent for the rest of the talk.
There were many times but Reki knew there was one time that stood out the most.
There was this one boy in his class. He was also into skateboarding like Reki. They hung out most of the time and practiced doing tricks on their boards after school. But just a month, after they started to hang out, the other boy started to drift away from him. This puzzled him at first. But then one afternoon, he saw him climbing out Yuuji's car at their school's front gate. He decided to confront him asking him why he is not hanging out with him anymore. He was silent at first but then he told Reki, "Ah, sorry Reki, but I think hanging out with Yuuji's much cooler. Like do you know he has a pool in his backyard?"
Reki stopped that train of thought before it expanded. Saying he was hurt as he listened to that conversation the first time was an understatement. Sadness and pain overtaking all rational thought, he concluded then that maybe he was not good enough to be someone's friend.
After that incident he just withdrew from trying to make friends. But instead just go with the flow and not make an effort to connect to someone again.
However, that all changed with Langa.
But enough reminiscing. He gathered his attention back to the boy beside him who squared his shoulders and faced him, eyes all serious and his hands gripping the edge of his shirt.
"Is- Is Langa going out with anyone?" The swim captain stuttered. His mind thought of many different scenarios on how their talk would go. But so far this direction was something he did not want it to go to.
Langa? Going out with someone? His best friend is currently not seeing any one. He was very much single as to Reki's knowledge which did not help the legion of daily admirers he got every day to go down.
In his dreams, he dreamt of being that person for Langa. Doing things for him like taking care of him, giving him food to eat at lunch, caring for him when he got wounded while he attempts to perform almost impossible tricks in his board, being the first person he greets in the morning and the last to bid goodnight. Although these were all things they were already doing every day, there was no tag to what they are. Except that they were best friends.
And Reki should be satisfied with that right? He was lucky to be with Langa and do all these things with him. He should not ask for more, for too much. He was satisfied with what they were at the moment.
But when Yuuji asked that question, why did he then feel so guarded all of a sudden?
Deep down in his heart, he may already know the answer.
"L-langa? W-why do you ask?"
It was a feeble attempt to prolong the agony but Reki hoped he was wrong.
Yuuji turned slightly away from him, his cheeks sporting a pink tinge.
"I would like to ask him out. That is if he isn't seeing anyone. And since you're his best friend, I thought I should ask you first."
Reki felt his stomach dip as he processed the words. Should he tell him? If he admits that Langa is single, then he might go for Langa. And he'd probably stand no chance against Yuuji's charms. The boy was practically oozing charisma from his pores. All the students (and teachers as well) at their school practically worship the swimming prodigy. He is so popular that every meet of the swim team has a full house jam packed with Yuuji's fans and well wishers.
And topping all those reasons is the fact that Langa already has Reki. They have each other. Yuuji will just mess with what they got going already.
But is that fair? To Langa? Reki decides for his own interests while concealing and lying to someone who Langa could also potentially like so that he would steer clear of him?
He knew it was wrong. It was wrong to decide for Langa even if he is his best friend. He had no right to do that.
Perhaps Yuuji will just be another blip on the radar like the other girls and occasionally some guys that tried to bare their feelings to his friend who inevitably turned them all down out of lack of interest in anything romantic. Knowing Langa, he'd just be staring at him with his blank face as Yuuji confesses. So really, Reki had nothing to worry about at all. But still, his overthinking mind keeps repeating "what if" especially when the person who will try to conquer Langa's heart this time was able to win successive gold medals for their school. He decided to swallow it all down and focused on replying coherently for the time being.
"Ah, I- I don't think- He isn't." He stammered.
His anxiety was making him nauseous all of a sudden. All he wants now is to leave and get out of this situation. He needs to reorganize his thoughts and feelings, all of which practically turned into knots in his stomach which he should untangle if he tries to handle whatever this is.
Yuuji, on the other hand, beamed at him and was looking the very opposite of what Reki was feeling right now. Determined and hopeful.
"Really? Oh that's good to know! So uhm do you think you can introduce us?"
No.
He doesn't want to.
"Uhm okay sure. I can do that." Reki replied. His inner people pleaser and just-say-yes-be-done-with-it attitude came to the forefront when he least needed it.
"Great! Thanks a lot Reki. I owe you big time." Yuuji said grinning as he lightly punched his shoulder.
Reki was barely listening to him now. He doesn't care that the swim god of their school owes him a debt. It doesn't mean anything to him. But maybe this is a good thing, him doing Yuuji a favor. After five or so years of being acquainted with each other, perhaps he and the other boy can actually get along albeit the reason for it is their common interest in the object of his affection. Whatever. It's not gonna last long since Langa will probably turn him down faster than he can eat that quarter-pound cheeseburger from A&W.
With that thought in mind, Reki left the gym that afternoon hoping to find Langa and skate away from his and Yuuji's conversation and focus instead on the blue haired boy that currently occupies his mind every day and night.
It had been two weeks since he introduced Yuuji to Langa.
It went surprisingly well considering Langa was not the most gifted when it comes to social skills. It was probably due to Yuuji's outgoing personality though that enabled their meeting to go well. Reki remembered how Langa's then stoic face shifted to an almost intrigued one as he regarded the person he introduced him to as his former classmate. Reki took credit for detecting the minute changes of his expression from their almost day to day interactions. However, this observation was something that did not settle well in his gut.
Langa did not usually regard other people especially if it is someone he just met. No slash that. He had zero interest in anything that isn't food, skating, S, his mom, their friends and Reki himself. Which is why he was surprised when Langa accepted the swim captain's invitation to hang out after class after they just met.
Langa agreed on the condition that Reki comes with them, of course. To his disappointment, however, he had to decline as he was the class monitor that day and had to oversee his classmates' cleaning duties. His heart was already heavy when he said that he can't go. But along with that sadness came a bitter feeling in his chest when he heard Yuuji, after expressing regret with his decision, said that he can join them next time, although that second part was said in a not-so enthusiastic tone that Reki doubted the possibility of a next time.
And now two weeks later, he came face to face with a scene that really made his insides tumble like he drank expired milk or something.
They were laughing. Their shoulders touched as Yuuji stared at Langa, a look that Reki was very familiar with. Because he looks at him the same way.
And Langa, his eyes were glistening with tears at the edges, probably laughing too hard at something the dark haired boy said as his mouth was still poised in a smile, and his shoulders hunched as he was trying to compose himself.
This Langa- this one beside Yuuji right now, only showed this side to Reki. This carefree Langa was someone who was buried deep after his father's passing. The only time he resurfaced was when he and Reki made up after that dreadful fight because of ADAM when they promised infinity to their skating days. But then, why? Why is this Langa here right now? Not with Reki. But with Yuuji.
"Reki!"
He snapped out of his thoughts as his best friend scooted away from Yuuji and was now coming towards him, all smiles, unaware of the internal conflict plaguing Reki's mind.
He schooled his expression back to his usual jovial one as he greeted his friend.
"Hey, I was waiting for you. Here, I got you a sandwich and strawberry milk." Langa was smiling at him, the same smile he gave him when he first taught him how to ollie, like he was glad Reki showed up for their usual lunch date.
'But is he really? He was laughing with another boy and was enjoying himself till you showed up and disturbed them.' That voice inside his head started getting louder after he met with Yuuji the first time.
Before his thoughts led him down to a darker path, he shifted his attention to the food being offered to him. His best friend was really thoughtful to him. He casually mentioned that his mom would be gone for a few days to accompany his grandmother out of town. He was in charge of taking care of most household duties for the time being. He told Langa this a couple of days ago as they were walking back home after hanging out at the skatepark.
That morning, he was so busy taking care of his other sisters that he forgot to pack his own bento today. And Langa, for all intents and purposes, was not someone known for his memory especially with small details that are spoken in passing. But to Reki's surprise, he remembered.
With a heart filled with gratitude enough to dispel the earlier dark clouds in his mind, he looked at his friend hoping his eyes could carry over his emotions to him.
"Thank you, Langa. You didn't have to." His voice was a bit quieter than his usual but he knew his friend knew him well enough that he did so when he was overwhelmed with emotion. He took the offered food and drink from him and as their fingers brushed, he tried to force a blush down from his cheeks.
"I don't mind. I'm sorry it's not a bento. I try but I might burn the apartment down." Langa looked down, his eyes drooping, his mouth turning into a slight pout which Reki found endearing.
"Your mom probably won't appreciate that, man."
"Probably not." He snickered.
"Your omelets are fine though. You can cook a quarter of the bento so that's fine." Reki replied.
Langa's face brightened up even more. "Really? I mean that won't make you sick? A bento filled with omelets? You can hardly finish your mom's bento."
He recalled the many times he gave his lunch box over to Langa as his appetite was not as top tier as his friend's. His mom also tended to pack too much for him saying he was a growing boy and that he needed to eat more. So it was not entirely his fault he couldn't finish it all. He doesn't feel guilty at all since this benefitted his best friend as well.
"I can live with that. And besides, you'll be there to finish it."
Langa nodded affirmatively and his smile was still intact. Reki's heart fluttered at how such a small act can make his friend smile like that.
"Hey there Reki!"
He almost forgot about Yuuji and his and Langa's little moment before the latter noticed him. He tried to make a welcoming face but Reki was only human so he knows some disappointment must have shown in his face as he greeted him back.
Yuuji stood by Langa's side as he came forward. He wasn't wearing his uniform's jacket, only his shirt which looked like it was perfectly tailored to him as it emphasized the strong lean muscles of his chest and back. Reki looked at them both, side by side and that voice inside his mind spoke again.
They both look good together. Unlike you.
"I bumped into Langa while going up to the roof. It's a pretty cool space, perfect for chilling out." Yuuji gestured to their spot.
Yeah, it was perfect before you came along. Reki thought, but instead he said, "Ah, yeah, it's pretty cool."
"Langa and I were just finishing lunch. You should eat yours before the bell rings." He casually put his arm on Langa's shoulder as he said this. His voice carried a tone of concern. Not only was he already handsome and talented but a gentleman too. But Reki could not focus on that right now. His eyes zoomed in at their point of contact. And how Langa was actually okay with it.
Speaking of whom, he was looking at him with eyes filled with remorse and he was about to say something but Reki beat him to it.
"It's okay, man. I know you were already hungry. No worries. I'll just eat this in the classroom then."
He started going for the entryway ignoring the pain in his chest and trying his best to hide his disappointment. But as he turned his back, to his surprise, Langa called to him and was at his side.
"I'll come with you. I'm done with lunch anyway."
"But what about-" Reki did not finish the statement as Langa was already steering him towards the staircase. His comforting touch temporarily alleviated his concerns.
"I'll see you then Langa!" Yuuji called out behind them.
He wondered what that meant. But right now, he would like to fill his stomach with something other than nerves.
He'd ask Langa later.
They were at the skatepark that afternoon.
Langa was practicing a casper slide, a move Miya told him about during one of their get-togethers in Joe's restaurant after S. Reki was seated under the tree behind the rail surrounding the park. As he looked at Langa, he encouraged him every time he failed to land the trick. The taller getting up faster each time he heard Reki’s voice.
He simply can't deny how amazing his best friend was. Langa, who was in his element every time he was on a skateboard, made his heart flutter unable to keep it steady each time his friend was suspended in the air or tried to defy gravity, the wind blowing through his powder blue hair. He was like an unstoppable force each time he got on a board and his eyes shone each time he did. And Reki can't stop the feeling in his chest growing fonder each time he sees his best friend enjoying what he also loves the most.
And he is lucky. So lucky that he is the one this amazing person calls his best friend. That he is the one that can see Langa in all his glory and even during his downs. That Langa even gives him the time of day even though he is not comparable to him, not at all comparable to him.
Langa was perfect. A prince, as his classmates dubbed him while he, on the other hand, was just average in skateboarding, in grades and in looks. He always had insecurities about their friendship but Langa extinguished them after they made up post-ADAM's tournament.
But now as he contemplated wanting a possible relationship with Langa, a relationship that was more than friends, those flames of insecurities fanned out because of a swim team captain's same desire towards Langa as well.
How can he measure up to Yuuji? Like he wasn't that stupid. He knows if compared to food, Yuuji was like the highest grade steak in a five star restaurant while he was like the fries in a fast food chain, too salty, no nutritional value, tons like him to go around, generic, just something you eat on the side and never the main course.
It was a no brainer. Everyone chooses the steak. Langa probably would too. And he would just be kept to the side. His best friend. Always available. But disposable in the end.
But even with these self-deprecating thoughts, Reki vowed that he would be the 'best' best friend for Langa. He would be the best side dish of them all. Because he knows he is lucky just to be by his side and see his smile. And he wanted most of all just to spend time with Langa.
So whatever he is feeling right now, he resolved to keep buried. To stop whatever feelings he has and not destroy this friendship with Langa with something like a confession. Because he knows that these feelings can change them, their dynamics towards each other. And he can't risk that.
Langa approached him seemingly done for the day with practicing the casper. He slid next to Reki on the soft grass, long legs in front of him, arms extended at his back. He was panting a bit, sweat misting his pale face and slender neck which Reki absolutely tried his best to avoid looking at. He was still thinking about what Yuuji said to him earlier before they left the rooftop but, afraid of being too nosy, he decided not to.
Langa, however, did not hesitate to share it with him.
"Yuuji asked me to go with him to a waterpark this weekend." Langa was not looking at him but at the horizon where the sun was setting. Which was good because he was trying his best to keep a composed face with this revelation.
He was able to reply with an "Oh." after a few seconds eternally grateful for his nerves kept at bay.
"Yeah, I told him I didn't know how to swim because I never had the chance to since we lived near the mountains in Canada." He continued.
He already told him about Canada.
Langa's gaze shifted to Reki, his head bent down as his bangs covered most of his eyes. "But I told him I'd go if you go with me. I- I don't want to try new things without my best friend."
There it is. Best friend. The two words he is gradually starting to hate.
"That is, only if you want to, Reki."
He was always considerate of him, trying to make sure he doesn't feel left out even during their gatherings at S. His attempts were even more pronounced when Reki told him about his insecurities that led to their fight before.
Reki appreciated Langa going out of his way for him. Langa was nice to him, so nice. So the right thing to do now was to accept the invitation right? Taking a deep breath to try to keep the tone of his voice indifferent, he hoped Langa did not notice his unease as he made his choice.
"Dude, of course I'll go with you. I just can't promise to swim that well like Yuuji though." Reki knew his smile did not reach high enough but he tried his best to show Langa that he was fine with this.
Langa lifted his head and with an expression that brightened his face, turned his body to face Reki's, both palms on the ground in front of him, his excitement made palpable with his stance.
"Thank you Reki!" He smiled and Reki's stomach filled with butterflies at the sight. "And I'm sure you'll be fine. You're perfect for swimming since you're from Okinawa, you told me before right?"
Langa remembered that conversation they had in the island of Miyakojima before when he joked about being able to swim the waves without the innertube that Langa brought with him on their trip with the others. Amidst the inner turmoil he is currently feeling, he grew fond of the memory.
"I'm just saying, since he's the swim team captain and practically a swimming god, he'd be better at swimming than me." Reki countered, unable to stop putting himself down.
"I still think you're better than him." Langa replied seriously.
And these words. If not falling off his skateboard from a height, then this will surely end Reki's life. How can he stop these feelings if Langa keeps saying such things to him?
"I mean, you did save me from getting too much sunburn that time."
Reki started with a grin then became a full blown laugh after a few seconds as he recalled Langa's almost-pityful brush with too much UV exposure that time which gave them all a good-humored laugh since it was usually only kids that forget excessive sun time. Only Langa can go from serious to downright hilarious in such a short period of time.
Langa joined him as well, their laughter, carefree and unbidden, echoing throughout the skatepark.
And Reki will remember this moment, laughing with his best friend on the grass after they skated with the backdrop of the orange glow of the sunset on the horizon.
Because he had a feeling that as he made that choice to go with Langa to the waterpark this weekend, everything about them will inevitably change.