Work Text:
How do you confess to someone you like?
I've been friends with Reo since middle school. We basically do everything together yet I never told him how I truly feel. I have always looked at him in a different light than most of the students in Hakuho High School.
Watching him from afar.
Reo is quite amazing. He’s the embodiment of perfection. Smart, Talented, Hard Working, Wealthy, Friendly–He’s everything that any person could admire or be jealous of.
Something I will never be.
I have no chance to get close to him or anyone in this school. I will just live my life as a wallflower until I graduate and get a good job. I don’t want or need anything else after.
Not Until Reo saw me.
You’re amazing Seishirou Nagi. Want to be friends!
I was surprised that I piqued Reo’s interest.
It was because of that soccer club I went to. I was forced by my parents and teachers to take extracurricular activities. I would have chosen a less troublesome one but all clubs were full except the soccer club. It was the only one accepting new recruits.
I have no choice or else I’ll be bugged by adults for the rest of my high school life.
I was doing the bare minimum but everytime the ball touched my feet. I was scoring amazing goals from left to right that gave our school recognition. After reaching a certain feat I quit. I don’t want to get involved in more troublesome work because our team is aiming to compete in the nationals but because I brought honour to our school my parents and teachers stopped forcing me to play.
I didn’t expect Reo to be so interested in me after that. He even checked my class standing, background and annoy me everyday to play soccer with him. Which I obliged to after so many attempts.
We didn’t exactly join the soccer club and just played casually.
Time passed quickly.
I realised that the more I spent my time with Reo the more he became a bigger part of my life. Right there I knew that these blooming feelings I was experiencing was love. I’m not too naive nor oblivious of what feelings are but I ignore it most of the time. I don’t think emotions are relevant in my life but I couldn’t help it or stop what I’m feeling.
It was too hard to deflect it this time.
I let myself fall for Reo.
But I will never tell him.. maybe .
And now we’re going to college and will probably take a different path. There's this anxiousness riling up inside of me.
It’s kind of scary.
“Nagi. So, what do you plan to take in college?” Reo asked me while shifting from one brochure after another.
“I don’t know.” I replied nonchalantly.
Reo laughed at my answer. He probably thinks that is so Nagi.
“You should really think about your future Nagi.” Reo responded in a serious tone. He always does whenever it concerns my future.
What if I just want to be with you, Reo?
“Mhm.” I answered with the same tone.
“Nagi, really. Why do you act like that? Once we go to college everything will be different. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. We get to meet new people and learn new things!” Reo responded excitedly, flailing his hands.
It honestly doesn't excite me if anything college scares me, anything that means change scares me. If only time could just stop. I would have chosen to stay where I am, where we are.
Reo scooted over to me and grabbed my head, messing my hair.
“Earth to Nagi. Are you listening to me?”
“Yup.”
“So, what do you want to take in college?”
“Anything you would take, I guess?”
Reo frowned at my answer and pulled back. “Nagi, seriously? I’d be taking business administration. I don’t think you’ll like that very much. It’s boring and will not excite you there.”
“Then, why are you taking it?”
“Family business.” Reo smiled. “I need it to help my family. Hello, Mikage Heir here.”
“If I take it. I can stay with you.”
“That’s–” Reo paused for a bit. “Hmm, don’t you think you’re relying on me too much? Not that I don’t like it but I just want you to think of yourself more this time. I don’t think being clingy to me will create a better future for you.”
“....”
“Hey, don’t sulk. I can help. Let’s look for something that will pique your interest or what you’re good at. Who could help you better than me?” Reo scurried through the pile of papers in front of us.
“I want to stay with you, Reo.” I sound like I’m begging. It’s more comfortable when I have Reo by my side. I don’t want any other friends or whatsoever.
“I do too but we can’t take the same thing in college and once you graduate whatever course you take, you will do it for the rest of your life and I don’t want you to be bound to me because you choose the same thing as I do.”
“Okay.”
“Good boy.”
We spent the whole day looking for a course that will suit me. Honestly, every test that I took was perfect. There was nothing I couldn’t do.
Maybe confessing to Reo that I like him, that’s the only thing I couldn’t do and I don’t know why.
From the looks of it, Reo is having trouble looking for a perfect course for me. I felt bad. To lighten his load I pointed at the game development course. Reo looked at me in surprise probably because I was taking the initiative of choosing one for myself.
It’s not because I want it but because I don’t want Reo to suffer for my lack of interest.
“Look at the bright side, Nagi. we’re in the same Uni. We can still see each other, just different buildings, ya know.”
“If we pass.”
“I believe we would, besides were the monster duo, remember? We're always ahead of our class! There’s nothing you and I both couldn’t do.”
Exam Day.
Knowing Reo and I, this exam is a piece of cake. We’ll be able to pass this with flying colours.
The results will take about a month or so.
During those days, we were preparing for graduation and spending time together as usual. Sometimes Reo would ask me to go with him to his friend’s party. He won't take No for an answer anyway so I would be forced to go with him.
Results of our Exam came.
Our parents were proud as usual. There was really nothing we couldn’t do. It is to be expected we’ll pass.
First Day of College.
First time in our lives that we will part ways. Reo was located at Building A for Business Administration course while mine is at Building G. We’re so far apart, It's a hassle to meet back and forth.
Both of us decided to schedule our meetings. Which one of us will visit during break time.
Our arrangement had been like that for months, not until Reo had become busier that we couldn’t spend time anymore. He always apologises and promises to make it up to me.
.
.
.
I waited for him.
.
.
.
He never came.
.
.
.
Building G - AI Designing - Room G-IV
Tap. Tap. Tap.
“That’s a nice design Nagi.”
“It’s nothing.”
Yo Hiori, one of my classmates and my partner in our 3D Model project. He loves to play games and is less annoying than the others since he’s an introvert like me so I can communicate well with him.
“Add more shade and lessen the shadow.” Hiori instructed.
I nodded at his instructions. Although, I can see Hiori eyeing me curiously back and forth but I ignored it. I don’t know why he’s doing it anyway.
“I don’t want to pry but I’m curious. You have been spending more time here than going out with that friend of yours in the business ad department.”
It is true that I am since Reo is very busy nowadays. I couldn’t just force him to hang out with me everytime I’m free and he’s not. Hiori knows that I’m always with Reo since he has been seeing us together a couple of times.
“You don’t have to answer if you’re uncomfortable.”
“No it’s not.” I stopped typing and leaned back on my chair. “He’s just busy…”
“You seemed upset.”
“I am?”
“Mhm. If you are, just tell him?”
Hiori just assumed anything then again maybe he got a point. I may be upset but what can I do? It’s a natural response when your best friend declines all your invitations.
“I don’t want to bother him. He did say I was clingy so I’m trying to lessen that, at least?”
“It’s still better if you two will talk it out. It’s not good to harbour negative feelings for your friend that long.”
I hang my head and stare at the screen. This is so tiring.
“Do you happen to like your friend, Nagi?”
I was surprised and turned to Hiori. That question was out of the blue. This guy just loves to say whatever is on his mind without a brake.
“Why did you ask?”
“Just a hunch. So do you?”
I didn’t expect Hiori to be that sharp. If I can’t hide it from him then there’s no use excusing myself for this. I nodded in response.
“Ah, now that’s complicated. You did tell me that you two are childhood friends.” Hiori tapped his chin to think. “Have you confessed? Or does Reo have any clue that you like him?”
“Not really? I don’t think It’s necessary.”
“So, it’s okay for you if someday he will get a lover?”
I crunched my brow at that comment. I felt my heart get squeezed in my chest thinking about it.
“Guess not.” Hiori blinked at me then continued. “I think it will upset or hurt you more if he does. Your friendship may crumble after that.”
“He had one or two back in middle and high school. I don’t really bother with it.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
Hiori nodded but he didn't look convinced.“Then, is it alright to tell you that I saw him with someone this morning?”
“Huh?”
“Not sure who he is but they look good together.”
“Are you teasing me? Or–”
“It’s true. Want to check them out later?”
“Why are you doing this?”
“I’m bored.”
“Right..?”
My curiosity got the better of me so we decided to spy on Reo and Hiori was right. Reo is with someone that I don’t know.
A tall guy with sharp looking turquoise eyes, long under lashes and green hair.
“Rin Itoshi.” Hiori spoke. “That’s his name.”
“I thought you didn't know?”
“I just know now.” Hiori showed his phone. A group of people were in the photo including Reo and that Rin guy. “Your friend is here, at this party.”
“How did you get this picture?”
“From a friend of mine in the business ad.” Hiori pulled back his phone and put it away. “I saw your friend Reo in plenty of pictures with that guy.”I didn’t know any of that. Reo barely tells me anything anymore. Our private messages consist of good morning and good nights recently. Nothing more.
“They don’t seem friendly with each other, if anything flirty.”
“What’s your point?”
“I wonder if you’re still thinking that it’s okay?”
“Yeah. Reo can do or date whoever he wants…”
Hiori patted my shoulder and shook me lightly. “You don’t want that. It’s so obvious. Go on and confess Nagi. If he shares the same feeling then it won’t be one sided anymore and if he doesn’t then at least you won’t have this what if’s in your head.”
“I just–”
“Just think about it. I don’t like seeing you sober. Doesn’t suit you.”
“I am always sober.”
“For other things but never for Reo. So try okay?”
After my last conversation with Hiori. I contemplated so hard, thinking of what I should do and if I really should do it. It’s so complicated that I’m planning to give up half-way but whenever I see Reo with that guy, Rin Itoshi.
Hiori’s warning was reminding me over and over again that I could be jealous, threatened or scared that Rin might steal Reo from me.
As time went on, Reo spent less and less time with me and hung out with that guy Rin more often than not and it left a hole in my heart but I can’t bring it up to him.
I’m such a coward.
❀•°❀°•❀
College Party.
Every freshman we’re invited to join the party. I don't have any clothes to wear except the ones that Reo bought me. I guess that will work. I wonder if Reo and I can go there together. It's been a while since we hung out but what if he's busy again. He’ll definitely deflect my invitation again.
But if I don’t do something then we might really fall apart, so far that we’ll no longer be friends anymore and that’s the worst that could happen. So, I decided to surprise him. Maybe that'll work and Reo won't have any other choice but to go out with me.
I hope I don’t seem too selfish or rude to do this.
I took my bike and paddle all the way to his place. It's not that far from mine. I know I look kind of stupid. A guy riding a bike in a tuxedo but what can I do? I don’t have a nice car or a motor to flaunt. Just this old bicycle that my parents bought me and It's the only way I can be with Reo again.
When I reached his place.
That guy Rin Itoshi was there before me.
His car was parked outside Reo’s place. What a nice car, definitely rich like Reo even his attire screams money yet that was none of my concern but why is he here, is he asking Reo out? I was about to head there but when Reo came out and noticed Rin, they talked, he laughed and Rin accompanied Reo to his car.
There's no way I can compete with that.
I watched as the two drove off.
Definitely, No use of chasing them. This is one of the clear indications that I'm nowhere near Reo's type. He’s getting further away from me. I let out a breath and headed back to where I came from.
I shouldn't attend this party at all.
As I decided to paddle back. I received a message.
> Yo Hiori
Where are you, Nagi?
12:01 PM
> Seishirou Nagi
At Reo's place.
12:01 PM
>Yo Hiori
Oh, wow. Are you going to pick him up?
12:02 PM
> Seishirou Nagi
Was supposed to. The Rin guy shows up and picks Reo up with his fancy car so I decided not to attend anymore.
12:02 PM
> Yo Hiori
Yikes. You should still try to attend. Want me to pick you up?
12:02 PM
> Seishirou Nagi
No need.
12:03 PM
> Yo Hiori
Come on. I have a car. Don't sulk alone ok? Give me your loc.
12:03 PM
I sighed. This guy is so persistent and I immediately gave up. I went home and parked my bike then gave Hiori where I'm staying. Near the bus stop.
After a few minutes. A car parked in front of me and the windows rolled down. There Hiori was by the passenger seat.
"Hop in." Hiori smiled.
I nodded and entered the car. I was surprised Hiori isn't the one driving instead a guy with white hair and green highlights is.
"Hello. Pardon my intrusion." I bowed politely.
"Oh, this is Otoya Eita by the way. He's my friend from Business Ad and this is the guy...” Hiori turned to the driver. “I was talking about Eita."
"No shit. Why'd I have to pick you guys up instead of chicks. Anyways nice to meet you dude. So, you're the guy Hiori and Reo were talking about? Hmm. Seemed like a boring guy to me."
"Eita." Hiori growled at Otoya.
Otoya laughed awkwardly and shrugged."Sorry, just saying whatever's on my mind. Anyways, buckle up everyone."
"Where's your bike, Nagi?" Hiori poked his head at the back to check up on me.
"I dropped it at home before I got here."
"Okay."
❀•°❀°•❀
During the party.
Otoya bid us farewell when he saw his friends, leaving me with Hiori. We walked around before heading to the buffet area. There’s a lot of people and booming music from the speaker, stage performances as well.
“I wonder where’s Reo?” Hiori asked taking a glass of drink
“Probably with Rin.” I replied sarcastically.
“You really sound upset.”
“Who wouldn’t be… I’m trying my best here, Hiori. It’s hard.”
“Who said it would be easy just keep trying Nagi. As long as your friend Reo isn’t taken you have a chance.”
I took a glass of drink, eyeing the crowd, it’s too loud and it’s giving me a headache. I honestly want to leave. If Reo isn’t with me in places like this it immediately tires me out.
I excused myself from Hiori but this guy just wanted to tail me around so I had no choice but to bring him with me.
When we reached the centre we spotted Reo with Rin. I frowned deeply, Hiori was nudging me to move but I felt like I would choke if I stayed any longer but as I was just about to leave Rin held Reo’s face.
I knew something in me snapped.
My body moved on its accord, pushing the two off of each other and gripped Rin’s wrist tightly.
“What?” Rin was taken aback.
“NAGI?” Reo exclaimed and grabbed me by the arm. “What are you doing?”
We caught the attention of the crowd near us. They began whispering and watching the drama unfold between us three. Hiori didn’t hold me back but just observed.
There’s pent up anger building up inside me. I can’t hold back my emotions.
“Nagi, Nagi, hey, hey. Stop that. What are you doing?” Reo shake me harder.
“Don’t touch Reo.” I warned Rin in a low voice.
“What?” Rin repeated his question.
“Reo is..” I bit my lower lip hard. I couldn’t contain my feelings anymore. “Reo is mine. He’s my boyfriend, so stay away from him.”
I let Rin go and turn to Reo. His surprised expression is making me regret what I said but how else could I let this guy back off If I didn’t do that. I know it was selfish that I didn’t confess and asked how Reo felt but I hated it. I hated that I’m in love but I couldn’t even say it for years. I hated when someone looked at Reo lovingly and expressed it affectionately when I couldn’t. I hated that I couldn’t be with Reo but this guy could.
I hang my head low in shame. Reo would probably hate me now.
“Please excuse me..” I need some air.
GRAB.
“I’m so sorry Itoshi for my boyfriend’s action.” Reo bowed apologetically. “I’ll make it up to you but I need to talk to my boyfriend first, Okay?”
“Sure, Mikage.” Rin nodded and crossed his arms.
The crowd began whispering louder. Reo is popular after all. This news will be the main spotlight after the party for sure but wait, am I hearing that right…
Did Reo call me his boyfriend twice?
“Nagi, Let’s go. We need to talk.” Reo grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the crowd.
I was looking elsewhere except Reo then spotted Hiori, he’s also surprised as everyone else is. I made a huge scandal, didn't I.
❀•°❀°•❀
Garden.
Reo let me go and looked at me with his hand on his hips. I’m preparing myself for a long sermon. I rubbed my right arm. I want to apologise but I don’t know where to start or how to tell him how I feel. I was threatened that Rin would take him away. That's why I said all of that. My mind went blank and I was blinded by jealousy.
Reo sighed. “Nagi. Anything you want to say? Why’d you do that? It’s not like you, The Nagi I know that is. Please explain–”
“I like you Reo.”
“Huh?”
“I like you. I love you. I want you. I need you.”
“Nagi what are you saying?”
“I’m telling you how I feel.” I took a glance at Reo then peel my eyes away. This is too nerve-wracking. I know confessing can make or break our friendship.
I’m overthinking.
“Nagi, wait, wait, what?” Reo walked towards me and patted my cheek. “So, what you said back there about being boyfriends isn’t a joke?”
I frowned. “Do you think I will joke about something like that?”
“No, No. It’s just that I didn’t know you felt that way about me?”
“Of course I do. You’re just too dense to even notice that I’ve been feeling like that for years now. It’s annoying that I couldn’t get rid of it.”
“Hey, that’s mean.” Reo pouted and rolled his eyes at me.
“It’s true because you’re the only one who could make me feel the jitters and butterflies in my stomach. Whenever I’m with you. I feel happy, safe and cared for. How could it not be annoying? It’s agonising for me when we're apart. I don’t know what I will do. If I live one second not hearing your voice or seeing you. I think I’ll go insane.”
Reo’s mouth went agape. Shit! I said too much.
“Sorry. Forget it.”
“H-h-how can I? You just confessed and it’s the first time you talked so much. Were you holding your feelings back for years? Feelings for me?”
“Duh.”
Reo laughed. Oh god, I’ve missed that. I smiled subtly.
“You smiled.” Reo grinned at me.
My ears went red with that compliment. My heart was drumming in an insane beat in my chest. Can these feelings shut up for once. It’s a dead give away.
“It’s adorable Nagi. It really is.” Reo smooth his hand over my shoulders, fixed my collar and tie. “You’re still a mess. You couldn’t even do this properly. What are you, a child?”
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’ll fix it for you from now on.” Reo patted my chest after. “I’m sorry I was busy recently and Rin’s the one helping with a lot of things that’s why we were hanging out a lot. He invites me to some parties with his friends a lot too. I agree cause It’s a study session too, you know.”
“Oh.”
“For the record, Nagi Seishirou. There is NOTHING going on between us.” Reo poked my nose. “You’re obviously jealous of something that doesn’t exist.”
“I am.” I admitted
“Wow. How honest.” Reo chuckled. “He’s just a friend. So, you better apologise to MY friend, okay?”
“Don’t wanna.”
“NAGI.”
“Fine. Fine. Urgh. It’s his fault for touching what’s mine.”
Reo raised a brow at me. “Wow. Yours? I haven’t returned your feelings yet.”
“So, are you going to dump me?”
“Hmmm, maybe?”
I pouted.
“I’m just kidding. I like you too, Nagi. So, please please please control your jealousy okay? I don’t want your fist flying to anyone who talks or touches me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Trust me, Nagi. Okay? I’ll trust you in return. I’ll reassure you, you’re the only one for me.”
“I promise to do the same. Thank you for loving me back.” I leaned forward and stared at Reo’s purple eyes. “Is it alright to kiss you now?”
“Kiss–” Reo's face beamed in crimson as he nodded. “You move so fast. It feels like I’m seeing a different side of you.”
“You’ll see more of me.”
“Oh…” Reo averted his gaze. He’s too shy to even look at me now.
How cute.
I cupped Reo’s face with one hand and the other hand holding his waist, pulling our body closer. I watched as Reo shut his eyes, gripping my suit nervously. I closed the gap between us, teasing him a bit by rubbing my thumb on his bottom lip before planting my lips onto his, giving him a sweet chaste kiss.
I know Reo kissed a lot of lovers in his younger days but why is he getting nervous kissing me. It’s adorable. Reo’s kisses were messy and hungry. I returned the same intensity as him, being intoxicated to taste each other's lips. It lasted until both of us were running out of breath, one last exchange then we pulled away from each other, face heated up, eyes filled with desire.
How I waited for this special moment. I never knew loving and to be loved back could feel this magical.
We smiled at each other and I enveloped him into my arms. We didn’t say anything after, just enjoyed each other’s warm embrace.
I should definitely thank Hiori for this and of course, Apologise to Rin but for now I’ll enjoy this beautiful night with my Reo.
❀•°❀°•❀
Epilogue
Building G - AI Designing - Room G-IV
Nagi and Hiori Conversation.
“Hiori. Were you teasing me when you told me Reo and Rin are a thing?”
“Maybe.”
“Why?”
“It’s because my friend Otoya told me Reo likes you.”
“Wait, what?”
“Keep this between us.” Hiori smiled. “Reo wanted to confess to you too but unfortunately every time he tries you give him signals that you’re not interested but as he was gathering courage to confess. Uni eats him up so Otoya and I helped?”
“Why didn’t you just tell me all of that than go through this wreckage.”
“Is it a wreckage? It’s more like mission success.”
“Well, it could have been easier not embarrassing.”
“Never expect you two will announce you’re officially a couple.”
“I didn’t expect too? I thought our relationship would be private. Even Reo introduced me to his parents as his boyfriend and of course it wasn’t pleasant but Reo made a deal with them for us…”
“Wow. Reo really does love you. See? It works out well. So, it’s not half bad.”
“Thanks Hiori.”
“What for?”
“For helping me, helping us. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“Don’t mention it. We’re friends after all. So, when’s the wedding?”
“Ha!?”
“Just kidding but better invite Me, Otoya and my boyfriend.”
“Wait boyfriend?”
“So, invite us.”
Hiori didn’t answer that question, maybe his boyfriend and him are a private thing. I won’t pry much so I nodded.
“Okay? Thank you again.”