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It was lonely. Incredibly so.
The darkness reminded him of the lonesome world he used to live in before a certain purple beauty came into his life.
The silence wasn't so suffocating. Nagi was fine with it. The male always preferred uneventful dreams.
He wanders around the darkness, despite knowing what to expect.
Silence slowly filled with chatter as black fades into a dreadfully familiar scenery. Hallways and students surrounded him and what he hated most was that they were staring at him with such distain. Such hate and Nagi knew why.
"Isn't he the one always clinging to Mikage?"
"Yeah, the one who is using Mikage for his wealth."
"Him? Really? That slouched loser? He doesn't even deserve to breathe the same air as Mikage.."
"I don't understand why Mikage likes him so much. I don't see anything special about him."
Nagi tried to block off their voices and kept walking.
They didn't matter.
It didn't.
It shouldn't.
(Then why does it hurt?)
In a blink of an eye, the platinum found himself in his dining room, glancing around the room. It seemed the same as it was now, maybe a little more empty. However, the most crucial detail was the calendar on the kitchen counter. It was dated last year of May 6th.
Ah.
As if timed, the younger version of Nagi walked pass him. He noticed his darker eyebags, his messy and unkept bed hair and he knew what his younger self was thinking at the time.
It wasn't a big age-difference. Just one year. But he could tell the difference between him then and him now. The Nagi one year ago didn't have anyone and that mattered a lot.
The younger Nagi placed a small cake on the table, sent to him by his parents who were still overseas. The younger male didn't bother reading the card that came with the cake, simply lighting the candle to make a wish.
Don't worry.
Nagi wanted to say to himself but when he tried to speak, nothing could come out.
Someone will make your wish come true.
.
.
.
The platinum was greeted with the familiarities of his own apartment after waking from pitch black void.
Nagi was never one to think too much into relationships, considering he never thought he would form a proper bond with anyone. Yet, a lavender came strolling into his life and brought new meaning to words he thought was meaningless.
It's been a couple of months, nearly a year, since they've known each other. If Nagi had to be honest, his time with Reo was probably (no, definitely) the most lively and enjoyable time of his life.
Reo has brought him motivation and reason to keep going, to try new experiences, to put effort (not excessively, but still).
If his radiant presence hadn't invaded his dark, secluded world, Nagi was sure he would still be living the boring life he was fine with living.
The lavender has tainted so much of his mind and thoughts that Nagi wasn't sure if he wanted to live the rest of his life without his best friend. After all, he was the first one to accept him, to take interest in him, to care for him. Reo has become Nagi's everything and the cause of so much positive change.
However, recently Nagi has been having intrusive thoughts that have been a pain to be dealing with. He didn't wish to worry Reo with it, so he had kept silent about it for a while now. It wasn't that much of a big deal, but he was a little frustrated with himself.
Negative and demeaning comments from onlookers had never been something Nagi cared about. He has heard the rumors and distasteful remarks about his friendship with Reo, but he has never paid any mind to it. So why now?
Why does his heart ache when someone mentions his name with Reo's in an awful light? When they say they were too different or Reo was too good for him. Sometimes he couldn't help but agree that it's nothing but the truth too.
He doesn't doubt Reo at all, don't get him wrong. Perhaps he knew that Reo could never need him as badly as he needed him.
And that's okay, Nagi will be with Reo until he didn't need him anymore.
Nagi was sure that he never impacted his partner's life significantly.
Reo's life was fine before he had met Nagi. He could have chosen someone else as a soccer partner and things will still go smoothly for the heir.
Some darkness within Nagi wonders if Reo would get bored of him. Would he move on quickly if something were to happen to his ability to play on the field? Would he be discarded like a toy? Reo could play with other people. Those in the higher leagues are mostly motivated by money, right? Reo would have no problem buying another partner.
Maybe he wished he hadn't woken up. Then, he wouldn't have to think about these bothersome things...
A soft sigh left Nagi's lips as his thoughts got catastrophic, grumbling something under his breath.
He had just woken up and this was all he was thinking about? What a pain..
He shifts onto his side, reaching out for his phone that was right by his head. He must have fallen asleep playing his gacha game.
He glanced up at his battery, his brows furrowing ever so slightly.
Damn it.. 23%?
He'll charge it later. He didn't feel like getting up.
Instead, he checked for the time. It was Saturday.. He wouldn't get to see Reo for another 2 more days?
Reo didn't attend class for the week since he said he had 'official business' where he had to go overseas. If he wasn't wrong, Reo would have been home last night though.
This entire week, he hadn't seen Reo in person once. So, he was hoping to see him soon.. He wouldn't admit it, but maybe that's why the negative comments have been getting to him lately. Without Reo's bright smile, he couldn't believe they were actually friends.
(A deeper part of Nagi is reminded of how he couldn't go back to loneliness but he will keep lying to himself. If Reo were ever to get bored of him, he'll be okay)
Before tapping on his game, his eyes lit up as he noticed a popup notification from the said lavender.
Yesterday, 23:53
You: (An image was attached, a meme of a silly kitty)
You: u
Today, 06:00
Reo 💜 : Omg the cat is so cute
Reo 💜 : Anyways, good morning Nagi!
Reo 💜 : Sorry I couldn't text you last night. My phone died during the flight and I fell asleep as soon as I reached home.
Reo 💜 : So like, see you later?? I'll just deal with something reaaaaally quick
A small smile tugged on the platinum's lips, now he recalled why he was up so late. (Other than grinding for relics and artifacts of course.)
He had been waiting for Reo's reply to his meme. A totally sensible reason to be staying up past 3 in the morning.
Nagi had realized he hasn't replied to Reo yet and he remembers having a talk with the lavender about how Reo gets anxious if Nagi left him on seen.
Nagi didn't want to leave Reo on read.
Today, 10:07
You: slr just woke up
You: when u coming? :x
Reo's reply seemed almost instantaneous and that was what he was more used to.
Reo 💜 : I thought so, sleepy head. Made you breakfast, will bring it to u now!!
You: ok, waiting ✌️
His restless energy from earlier seemed to be replaced with something else as he pushed himself up from his messy mattress. Before he knew it, he was doing daily activities that he had forgotten to do yesterday. Like shower. (He isn't stinky, he just delayed it by one day.)
He heard the doorbell as soon he stepped out from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his neck. Was Reo here already? That was faster than he thought...
Making his way to the front door, he hears a faint knock. "Coming." Nagi calls out as he swung it open for the expecting lavender.
The platinum was greeted with sparkling purple eyes and a flashing grin, completely unaware of the huge box Reo had in his hands until he welcomed his friend inside. It took a moment for the taller male to realize that it was bought from one of the best bakeries in their area.
What's the occasion today?
"A cake?" Nagi assumes as he follows Reo to the kitchen where the shorter male carefully placed down the box.
"Yup! Happy birthday, my treasure!!" Reo grins as he pulled on the ribbon and gracefully the cardboard fell apart to show the three-layered, beautifully decorated cake.
Nagi was still for a moment, maybe a little dumbfounded that he had forgotten his own date of birth. Perhaps Nagi was in awe that he was this important to someone he cared deeply about. He's extremely grateful that Reo didn't settle on sending a text and some money, then call it a day.
Reo was actually here. In the flesh, greeting him like his birth mattered.
"Eh.. Nagi your hair is still wet! Here, let me dry it before we cut the cake," Reo offers, taking a step closer to hold onto the towel that was still wrapped around Nagi's neck. He ruffles and dries his treasure's hair, taking his own sweet time to since they weren't in a rush at all. And Nagi didn't mind.
It was nice to have an important someone come over to celebrate something that was meant to feel special.
Reo and Nagi didn't have the chance to celebrate last year since they met a little after May 6th.
Though, he remembered mindlessly wishing on that day. The silent male doesn't recall why he exactly had made a wish but he was truly glad it came true.
Poor Nagi didn't even get to reply when Reo starts rambling. Again, Nagi didn't mind at all. He was glad he didn't have to make pointless chatter when Reo knew what he would say anyway.
The platinum also decided he still enjoys hearing the other's voice. How his lips turned upwards to form a sincere, bright smile while he spoke.
"Yeah so, I ended up buying a cake because I didn't think the one I made was good enough for my treasure. So here I am!" Reo seemed to have concluded his story and Nagi had listened during the right time.
(Though, he did hear some parts of Reo's previous sentences. Mostly about his week trip and his desire to come back home to play soccer with him.)
"Thank you, Reo." Nagi finally says, feeling his lips curl upwards because how could he not return that nearly-blinding smile?
Reo stares at him for a moment, but just for a moment so Nagi didn't question it. He watched as Reo quickly sets aside the wet towel before paying his attention back to him.
"Haha, no problem, my treasure!" Reo grins widely as he threw an arm over Nagi's shoulder, nudging him lightly. "As a treat, we won't have any practice this weekend. How's that??"
Nagi lets out a soft chuckle, looking at Reo fondly. That meant less physical labor this weekend. "Best present ever," Nagi found himself replying.
1...
2...
3...
Why isn't Reo replying? Nagi found himself frowning now, tilting his head to look at Reo curiously.
His eyes widened when he found Reo's eyes tearing up, immediately cupping his face as if it was instinct. "Reo.. Did I say something wrong?" Nagi asked quietly.
He wished he knew what to say..
"What-? No no no! No, my treasure. You didn't. It's just.. uhm well." Reo's cheeks flushes heavily again, smiling sheepishly at the platinum.
"That wasn't your gift yet, Nagi. How could you be so happy with something so small?" Reo laughs lightly, patting his friend's back.
He wished to always have his reassurance.
"But I know how much the World Cup means to Reo." Nagi adds. To think Reo would call off training for two days just for his birthday? To Nagi, it felt like he was more important than the sport Reo loves so much.
Deep down, he felt delusional for thinking that.
He wished he was going to be important to Reo forever.
"And my treasure's happiness comes first!" The lavender says almost too easily and those words pulled on Nagi's heartstrings.
"I care about Reo's happiness too," Nagi found himself pouting as he watched his friend walk over to the cake and started placing down the candles and lighting them up. Even though Reo's back was faced towards him, he could still see the hint of red on the tip of the lavender's ears.
He wished to see his expression right now.
"This is your day, Nagi. Don't make it about me. Besides, if you're happy, I am too." Reo smiles sweetly at Nagi and he was sure that smile was sweeter than any cake.
He wished that Reo could keep grinning like that just for him.
"Should I sing you a Happy Birthday?" Reo chuckled jokingly, placing his hand on his hip.
"Yes, you should." Nagi immediately replies.
What? Don't judge him.
Nagi enjoys Reo's voice. He wished the lavender sang more.
"Eh?!" Reo's eyes widened to Nagi's response. "Ahaha! I would have thought you'd immediately want the cake.. alright then," Reo grins, clearing his throat as he picked up a fork nearby and wrapped his arm around Nagi.
He was about to start his song, when he stopped to remember something. "Oh wait-! Choki should sing you one too!" He chuckled as he rushed to pick up the cactus that was sitting on the edge of the window from Nagi's room.
Now they could start!
With Choki now on the dining table, Reo starts to sing the tune of Happy Birthday for his treasure while using the utensil he was still holding as a mic. Usually Nagi would think this song was a pain when he was younger since he considered it unnecessary. However, now Nagi thinks he would like this every year.
To hear Reo's voice singing just for him, looking at him with such importance. (And to have their plant-son with them on this occasion too.. it felt.. Nagi couldn't put it into words but his chest felt warm.)
It was a short song, but it felt and sounded great.
"Happy birthday!" Reo cheers after the song, shoving Nagi closer to the cake eagerly.
"Reo should sing more," Nagi comments, gazing down at the candles before him.
"Ah??" Reo could only make a sound, and in the corner of Nagi's eye, he could see that the other's face was flushed again.
Red was a pretty color on Reo. Actually, Reo would look great in any color.
"You should compliment Choki's singing too, Nagi! He's going to think you have favorites." Reo joked with his treasure, ruffling his hair.
(To be honest, Nagi was sure Choki would understand...)
"Anyways, enough about me and Choki, Nagi. What will you wish for?" Reo ends up saying, grinning at the platinum. Nagi didn't know if he was imagining it but Reo's smile seemed brighter.
He wished to always make Reo smile like this.
"Ah.. wishing is a pain though," Nagi grumbles, his obsidian orbs staring intently at the burning flame. Well, he found thinking about 'what to wish for' a hassle.
"Come on Nagi! There has to be something you want, yeah? Maybe a new game or another cactus?" Reo suggested, but he wasn't overwhelming or forceful about it. Nagi knew Reo wouldn't force him to do anything at all.
Well, is there anything he wanted?
Nagi liked to think had all that he wanted already. Maybe not to the extent Reo got what he wanted. But Nagi thought he was pretty content with how things are at the moment. He wasn't broke, he was a natural at most things he does, he wasn't lonely anymore..
He just wished-
Oh.
Got it.
Without a second to spare, he made his silent wish, blowing out the candles quickly. An applause erupted from behind him, and he spun around to find his Reo smiling at him like always.
"Let's dig in! I got you your favorite flavor, Nagi!" Reo says as he came forward to start slicing his treasure's cake. Nagi wanted to thank his friend, but Reo already shoved a plate into his hands which made the male pout a bit.
"You're not feeding me, Reo?" Nagi looks at Reo expectantly as he took his seat.
The lavender snorts in response, though Nagi wondered if what he said was really that funny.
"You're so spoilt, Nagi! But of course I will. Come on now. Open wide, my treasure!~" Reo picked up the fork, pressing it against Nagi's lips as he starts to gently feed him.
Reo is the perfect wife.
"Wh-?! More cake? Nagi! That's too much for you!" Reo says after the 5th slice of cake, placing the cutlery down.
"It's my birthday, I get to eat as much cake as I want." Nagi pouts, folding his arms when Reo stopped feeding him.
"Then feed yourself," Reo huffs in response, turning away to take a bite of the cake.
"Are you bored of feeding me Reo?" Nagi blurts out without thinking.
Why did he say that?
The sounds of Reo choking on his cake followed and immediately Nagi reacted by patting on his back until the other stopped coughing. "Reo, are you-"
He was cut off by the lavender's beautiful face leaning closer to his own.
"Reo..?" Nagi found himself asking as he felt hands on his cheeks.
Reo's touch felt nice..
He wished he could feel it all the time. Did he say that before..? Maybe he has.
"Don't say things like that! I could never get bored of you, my treasure. We're going to win the World Cup together! It's a promise!"
Nagi wasn't thinking, he wasn't sick nor was he drunk. But words left his mouth before they could form in his mind.
"Will you still.. like me if I wasn't good at soccer, Reo?"
That question puzzled Reo even further, patting Nagi's head, cheek, neck.. back, sides.. Simply anywhere Reo could touch, Nagi lets him.
"Are you my Nagi? Why are you thinking about these things?" Reo asked curiously, his tone and violet eyes filled with concern.
"It's nothing, Reo. This is such a hassle.." Nagi mumbles dully, wanting to move on from the subject. Reo tried his best to make his birthday a joyous one.. yet Nagi found a way to pull down the mood.
What if he dragged Reo down one day?
"This isn't a hassle, Nagi." Reo whispers against the other's lips. "I want to know where these thoughts are coming from. Do you really think I'd leave you?" Reo frowns to the thought.
The platinum sighed quietly, gazing back at Reo with intense eyes. If Reo wasn't going to drop it, then it'll be a pain to defy him. His lavender always gets what he wants and he'll be willing to make sure of it.
"No, but if I weren't any good, Reo would probably not need me." Nagi replies simply, just spitting out his truth.
"Who said that?! Of course I'll need you. You're Nagi Seishiro! My treasure, my partner!"
"Everyone else thinks you're too good for me, and I agree." Nagi gently pulls away from Reo's palms without thinking and he regrets it. His warmth lingers on his skin and Nagi craves it back.
But he couldn't. He doesn't deserve it. He hasn't been playing enough soccer with Reo this week to prove his worth to him.
"That's not true. Why are you listening to them, Nagi?"
"Reo. You're amazing."
"That-! That doesn't explain anything, Nagi!"
"It does. You're amazing and I'm not."
"But you're a natural genius! You're great without even trying! People just needs to see you to understand!"
"Only you have ever thought that, Reo."
"Because I've seen what you can do, Nagi.. And you do great things. Where is all this heading? What are you implying? That you don't think you're great..?"
"No, I know. But I don't think it's enough to be with you,"
"Are you.. done with us, Nagi?"
"No. No that's not.." Nagi sighs heavily again, unsure with how to explain his point.
"You're.. perfect, Reo. You don't need me. You could have had anyone else-" The platinum tries to continue.
"And I choose you, Nagi. I always will, my treasure." Reo says without hesitation, cutting Nagi short again.
"You don't get it, Reo. I'm a nobody and you're so much more."
"You're my equal, Nagi. My partner. That's what our promise is all about right?"
Nagi was silent, confused with his feelings now as Reo kept refuting him.
Had he been overthinking? That was such an uncharacteristic thing for him to do..
Reo's next words cleared all doubts from his mind, like his lavender read his mind. Reo just seemed to know what to say and Nagi couldn't help but fall even deeper.
"If I hadn't bumped into you, I think.. my life would still be boring." Reo laughs a bit, sliding closer by Nagi's side and gave him a light bump with his shoulder.
"The past year with you has been extremely fun, Nagi. And I don't think you'd ever bore me." Reo smiles sweetly to him and there was a slight pause. Perhaps something Reo wanted to add but he decided against it.
"Reo's not a bore either," Nagi adds, another smile curling on his lips for the third time that day.
"Hey- What did I say about this being about you?" Reo huffs a bit, folding his arms.
"Ahem.. to add on, I don't think you're nobody. You're my treasure. Nagi, the lazy genius." Reo proclaims proudly.
"And.. well, my best friend." The lavender mutters out sheepishly, as if it took too much courage for him to say those words out loud.
"Best friend? That's all?" Nagi found himself saying and he earned a gentle whack on the back of his head from the other male.
"W-what?! Fine then! My business partner!"
"That's even worse, Reo!" Nagi whines loudly, draping his weight onto Reo's back who just simply refused to look back at him.
"Then what do you want to be called?!"
"Seishiro. Call me Seishiro." Nagi adds casually and so out of the blue.
As if that did the trick, Reo immediately spun around and stared at Nagi with wide eyes.
"What? I call you Reo, it's only fair." The taller male found himself pouting.
Reo couldn't argue against that and settled on nodding his head with a silent sigh.
"Come on, say it. Say my name, Reo." Nagi urges, wrapping his arms around Reo's neck and rested his cheek onto his shoulder.
Reo reacted differently than usual, refusing to acknowledge his presence. He thought he had to whine Reo's name again until he heard the other's meek voice.
"Happy birthday, Seishiro."
He wished Reo will call him that from now on.
The platinum-haired male smiled softly once more, closing his eyes as he squeezed Reo into a slight hug.
"Carry me, let's go take a nap, my Reo."
"You..! Fine." Reo quickly folds to Nagi's words, his face getting impossibly hot as he gently lifts Nagi off the chair.
"So, what did you wish for anyway, Nagi?" Reo asked curiously while they made their way to Nagi's bedroom.
"Secret~" Nagi hums in the lavender's ear, looking at his own treasure fondly. In response, Reo made a light-hearted scoff and tossed Nagi onto the mattress before leaping to join him.
The two shared laughs before it slowly died down to comfortable silence. The two friends holding each other and simply enjoying the company of their most important someone.
This year and ones to come, he wishes to be with Reo forever. To be with him even after the World Cup.
'Thank you for giving me a reason to keep going, Reo.'
That was the best birthday present anyone could ever receive. Love, a reason, and happy memories.