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The platinum's life was silent, lonely, and maybe a bit suffocating. Most of the time, he finds it difficult to keep going on.
Sometimes, he can't find a reason to. Yet, he's still here. Maybe it'll be such a hassle to go so soon. Though, he has no reason to believe it's a pain. No one would miss him either way.
Everyday, he walks down the halls with his phone in his hand and chooses to be ignorant of all the nasty whispers going around him. Well, most times they don't acknowledge him at all. Nagi has learnt to prefer that over the rumors.
In Nagi's eyes, everything was quiet, colourless and boring. Everything could be so easy for him. He could score so high during his examinations, perform so well during his physical education classes. Yet no one seemed to praise or compliment him.
Despite this, he continues to deny club after club who invites him.
Afterall, Nagi believes they don't really want him. He could see it in their eyes. They wouldn't appreciate someone who wouldn't bother working hard at all. It'll be a bother to hear them nag at him so Nagi would prefer to avoid that.
Talking to others was difficult since they would feel repulsed by his nonchalant and simple replies. He barely knew what to say anyway. It wasn't his fault, right?
Well, whatever. He doesn't need anyone, and no one needs him. It seems about fair.
He has Choki, he doesn't need anyone else.
Yet, some nights he finds himself talking to his cactus out loud. He questions if this life was really worth living. If games were enough to keep him motivated to keep going.
Crying was such a bother, his tears may be silent but his nose gets stuffy. It was such a pain to deal with that, so Nagi barely cries. But at times like these, he wishes he could.
If Choki were human, it would pray for Nagi's future because clearly the platinum had lost hope.
Perhaps it was Choki's wishing, or perhaps even Nagi's, but he met someone who changed his life completely.
It was a bit cliché, Nagi had seen it in anime all the time. But he didn't mind feeling like a protagonist for the first time in his life.
Their interaction was quick, and Nagi had to admit it was a bit unique.
The male, who had knocked into him at the staircase, sent his phone flying out of his hands.
A simple apology was uttered out but Nagi didn't face him, instead he jumped.
He couldn't risk losing all his progress, it was his life's work. The only thing he lived for. He wasn't going to restart it.
His movement was swift and instinctive, even Nagi didn't know what he had just done. But he stretched his leg out further and caught the object with his foot, gently propelling it up.
With ease, Nagi caught his phone and he lets out a gentle sigh.
"Aw.. I died.." Nagi found himself saying out loud as he taps the buttons on his phone.
"Hey, you!" A voice called out to him from behind and Nagi spun around to face him.
He watched the shorter male rush down the stairs, and Nagi felt immediately mesmerized by his amethyst eyes.
It shines so brightly under the sunlight, but all that excitement seems to be directed at.. him?
From the moment their eyes met, Nagi knew his world was a lot different from the lavender's.
He was.. Crap, he couldn't really remember his name. But he has heard of him time and time again.
"Oh, you're the rich guy right? Give me money." Nagi says, lifting his palm. He meant it was a casual joke, but at the same time not really.
"Oh?" Reo looks at him with genuine intrigue, his smile somehow getting wider.
Nagi tilts his head slightly at him. Reo must be quite popular, and he could honestly tell why.
His features were devilishly handsome, his beauty was something he might compare with a goddess.
He could compete with Aphrodite and Nagi would still look at him. His radiant aura was just so capitvating that Nagi couldn't look away.
"That was incredible! You're really amazing," The lavender grins brightly at him and all Nagi could focus on were those sparkling eyes.
Did he cause that look on his face?
Someone of great importance was staring at him like he was special-
No wait.
Someone was staring at him like he was special.
He.. has never in his life seen someone look at him like he was their entire world.
"Anyways, I'm Reo Mikage! And you are?" The heir introduced himself.
Nagi opened his mouth, but instinctively closed it again. What if this.. Reo gets bored of him when he realized that he wouldn't bother putting effort?
"Haha, not much of a talker I see?" Reo inquires, laughing lightly. "Well, that's okay! You don't need to talk when you're playing soccer!"
"Playing soccer..?" Nagi finds himself repeating the other male's words.
"Oh-! Right, sorry. I'm trying to make a soccer club and I want you to be in it!" Reo says with such determination that it almost moved Nagi.
Almost.
"Yeah, not interested." Nagi finds himself saying, and he wanted to curse at himself. His mind was conflicted, unsure whether if he should. After all, he knew the type of person he was.
This Reo seemed to be energetic and full of life, while he was the complete opposite. Surely their personalities weren't compatible at all.
Maybe this was Nagi making some excuse to push away all the good things in his life and he barely had any.
However, Reo seemed to be quite persistent.
"But with a talent like yours, you and I could be the best in the world! What do you say?" Reo suggests, nudging him a bit.
"Mm.." Nagi pretends to think. "I've never really played sports. I just want to chill and do nothing in my life. So I don't want to play soccer,"
He was honest at least. Now, Reo might leave him alone. Surely someone so hardworking felt disgusted by his ways of living.
"But if you play soccer with me, we could go pro together!" Reo insisted, trying to sell his idea out but Nagi wasn't having any of it.
"Soccer sounds like a hassle." Nagi shrugs a bit, before paying attention to his game again, mindlessly tapping.
He doesn't get why Reo was so persistent with getting him to join when all he was being was nonchalant.
Besides, he doesn't know if he can stand the look in the other male's eyes if Reo was to ever feel like Nagi wasn't doing as well as he expected him to.
Nagi expected the conversation to end, and he would be left to his normal, mundane life. But he felt an arm warp around him and words he never thought he'd hear.
"I like you! Let's play soccer!" Reo announces loudly this time, like he hadn't been denied by Nagi about two times already.
The platinum was silent, gazing into those intense, passionate eyes and all he could do was sigh.
How could he reject this? Well, Reo seems like the type of person who would never give up, so denying him any further might be troublesome.
"Okay, but don't complain if I don't put in much effort." Nagi says and Reo must be full of surprises.
"That's okay! You're fine just the way you are. All you have to do is receive my pass and shoot it into the goal! Simple yeah?" Reo pats his back, and his features couldn't be any brighter as if his acceptance was the reason he was so joyful.
"Seems simple," Nagi resplies, feeling his face heat up to the first part of his sentence. He's fine the way he is huh?
That's..
Nagi couldn't describe the way Reo's words make him feel.
6 Months Later
His world was the opposite of quiet. It was busy, eventful and tiring. However despite this, it was dull and monotonous. The world of business was one filled with contracts and calculated lies.
Reo Mikage's life had always been easy. After all, he had everything anyone could ever want. From his high intellect, his enormous amount of wealth to his dashing good looks.
Reo Mikage had it all.
However, that's made everything just so bland and boring. He excelled in nearly everything he does and is clearly a role model for everyone to follow. He's adored and envied by many. But he couldn't care less about what others think of him.
Well, that's what he would like to tell himself. After all, bearing the last name 'Mikage' was a heavy burden and responsibility. High expectations he never wanted are placed on him, all eyes looking at him.
Some praying he'd fail and some wishing his success. The world is filled with no good scumbags who are out to get him.
Reo Mikage never wanted to be perfect, yet he has already made the perfect character with the perfect reputation. How could he ruin something he had worked so hard on?
His perfect image.
However, he could only feel emptiness despite this. Something missing. Perhaps that was boredom talking but he swore there was something he needed to find. Perhaps a challenge?
Something worthy for him.
Or perhaps something to call his own.
Yeah, that must be it! After all, his efforts have been reduced to nothing but 'because he's a Mikage'.
No, he needed recognition. He wanted something to be his and his alone. He wanted something that even the Mikage name can't take away from him.
He could be more than just a Mikage. But he knew no one would pay attention a nobody. Without his last name, he truly was nothing.
And Reo wanted that to change so desperately.
So the day he discovered his dream for the World Cup, was the first time on his life his parents ever denied him.
It may look like he was a child lashing out, but Reo never wanted anything so bad. Nothing these people had given him was something he wanted.
He might sound ungrateful, but damn it!
He's a Mikage. He'll get what he wants.
And then he found it.
The void in his chest he had been living with had finally been filled 6 months ago when he met his dearest treasure.
Their first encounter was anything but boring. Nagi was an interesting creature. So filled with talent yet so unbothered and disinterested with effort.
Some people were born just for greatness and Reo truly believed that Nagi was an angel meant to help him in his quest for the World Cup.
This unpolished jewel, he wanted him for himself. He wanted his pure talent, intrigued by his unique personality and passionately positive about the future they could create together.
The day they locked eyes was the day Reo had found what he had been looking for. His boredom has been lifted from that day, nothing had been so mundane with Nagi around in his life.
"Reo? You're spacing out, are you okay?" A voice snapped him back to reality and the lavender looks up to find Nagi walking towards him.
A silent chuckle left Reo's lips as he nods his head. He stares at the taller male and he could see how different he was from when they first met. Perhaps it was his eyes, Reo can't really pinpoint it.
"Yeah I'm okay," Reo says as Nagi sat beside him. They had just finished their training, now just relaxing a bit on the field before they had to head home.
Nagi looks at him expectantly and Reo sighs, knowing he couldn't hide anything from his treasure.
"It's my dad, he says that I'm making a dumb mistake with all this." Reo admits, groaning a bit as he leans his head to Nagi's shoulder, grumbling under his breath.
"We're doing well for ourselves!" Reo insisted and he felt Nagi's hand over his own.
"Yeah, you are." Nagi replies. The platinum knew times like this, Reo is desperate to find something to convince himself that this was all worth it.
It was be less of a hassle for Nagi's schedule if Reo quits but after their time spent together. He doesn't want that. They made a promise together that they'd win the world cup.
"Why can't he see?! We're winning match after match.. There's no way he can't acknowledge me.."
Nagi hums to his words. Reo talks a lot of his about his father but he could tell his acceptance meant a lot to his best friend. He gentlt starts to rub his thumb over his palm as if to reassure Reo.
"He'll see it when we win the World Cup," Nagi says and that seemed to relieve all tension from Reo's shoulders.
A gentle laugh erupted from Reo's lips and Nagi could feel his chest swell up again. He preferred Reo like this. He couldn't understand how someone so perfect could doubt himself so easily.
"Thanks, Nagi. Yeah, we'll definitely win this." Reo gave him his famous grins before getting up from the bench. "Alright, let's get going, my treasure! It's going to get dark.. What about I crash at your place for the night?"
Nagi just gave him a small nod. He'd like that very much. He loves any time spent with Reo.
"Hey Nagi?" Reo says as he biked in the direction of the platinum's apartment.
A silent hum came from Nagi, squeezing his arms around Reo a bit to tell him he was awake.
"Thank you, my treasure." He said out of the blue and that made Nagi lift his head to look at him.
And oh how his heart clenched in his chest once more. The orange light from the setting sun hitting Reo's features. It really brought out how radiant Reo's beauty really was.
"Eh? What are you thinking me for, Reo?" Nagi finds himself questioning.
"Everything." The lavender replies and Nagi thinks his Reo must be feeling sentimental so suddenly. Nagi felt himself squeeze Reo in his arms a little tighter. Oh how he adored him..
Though, Nagi wishes he could say the same so easily. He stays silent though, leaving Reo to wonder how he reacted. But seeing the smile on the other's face makes it seem like it's okay that he didn't reply.
It was like a routine for them at this point. Sometimes Reo would crash at Nagi's house after training instead of heading home.
Mindlessly, Nagi slips off his shoes and Reo placed them on the shoerack for the platinum. While the platinum makes a beeline for the bed, Reo heads for the kitchen to prepare them some food.
At first, Nagi assumed that having Reo around would make his life more troublesome, instead Reo had proved to be making his life easier just as he promised.
The company wasn't overwhelming nor was it bothering him. They did their own things when they reached the apartment and once Reo was all done, he'd call for Nagi to the table for dinner.
Reo really was an angel sent from the heavens. If Nagi were to go back in time and tell his past self that a purple-haired beauty would save him from a dull world, his younger self would think he's being ridiculous.
He could hear the stove as he lays motionless on the mattress, relaxing his muscles after another tiring training session.
Nagi wondered what he did in his past life to ever deserve this. Being pampered by the most caring and gorgeous man to ever exist. It's like he was living life in a manga..
Before long, Nagi had drifted off to sleep, a certain lavender occupying his dreams and thoughts.
In the kitchen, Reo was preparing a nutritious yet simple dinner for the both of them.
He hadn't always been a decent chef. When he was first cooking for Nagi during their first month of knowing each other. He burnt their fried chicken because he didn't know that the heat was just too much.
And to his absolute horror, Nagi ate it like nothing.
He remembered how he felt both appalled and touched that Nagi would eat anything he makes. He was determined from that day on, trying his best to make dishes fit for his treasure's taste.
It paid off eventually. He noticed how Nagi's reactions towards his cooking slowly changed. The forced thumbs up Nagi used to give him evolved into genuine ones where his eyes lit up and his plate comes back empty.
Placing his hands on his hips when he was finally finished with their meal, he proudly heads over to Nagi's bedroom.
He was sure his treasure had either dozed off or is tapping away at his phone. But according to how silent it was, Reo was sure Nagi had fallen asleep.
Quietly, he pushed open the door to peer in, finding the lazy genius laying on the bed with his chest rising and falling at an even pace.
A small, fond smile formed on Reo's lips as he slowly walks over to Nagi, taking his seat at the edge of the bed. Though, he tried his best to be very catious since he didn't want to wake his treasure.
As if his fingers moved on their own, they thread through his platinum locks. Reo had taken upon himself to care for Nagi's hygiene and well-being. He had also made sure Nagi's hair stays fluffy and silky much like his own so his fingers wouldn't have a hard time running through them.
He didn't know what he did to deserve to have Nagi in his life. He felt so lucky to be able to meet him.
People don't tend to understand what Reo gains from their relationship, but Reo gains so much. More than anyone could understand.
He has a partner who believes in him. Nagi believes in Reo. Not Mikage.
The platinum truly acknowledges him unlike others. Sometimes Reo found himself to be childish for latching onto a nearly impossible dream. But with Nagi, it felt possible, like the chance of it happening was much higher.
He could see a future with the platinum, a future which holds no boredom, no restraints.. Just them against the world.
With Nagi, he felt so free.
But a lingering thought squeezed in his hopeful ones.. did he deserve it? Was he worthy enough for it? Was he good enough?
"Reo.." The voice snaps him back.
Nagi has been really helpful like that.. Bringing him back to their reality that they share together. Just them. They didn't have to worry about the world when they were together after all.
"Did I wake you, my treasure?" Reo asks softly and he was about to pull his hand away when Nagi gently took his wrist and led his palm to his cheek.
"Nagi..?" Reo's voice falters for a moment, always weak for the man below him. He watched as Nagi leans to his palm, gazing up at him with such fondness.
"We'll win it, Reo.." Nagi whispers softly and Reo could feel himself get reassured so easily.
Post Blue Lock
Their bond was bent, not broken.
At least that's what Nagi tells himself.
Reo's guard heightened around Nagi and the platinum couldn't find a way to get closer to him again without the lavender pushing him away.
The second selection really placed a wall between them. Despite it being one year since Blue Lock.
However, the male continued to treat him with compassion yet Nagi can't help but dread the smile he was giving him. It was the smile Reo gave everyone, not one of those special and reserved ones just for him.
He wanted Reo to look at him like he was everything again but he just doesn't feel like he deserved it at all.
Reo doesn't deserve someone he had to put up a higher guard around. He deserved better.
"The way you look at Reo is absolutely sickening," A voice says from beside him.
Ah right. They were all having some sort of celebration after winning their match against Spain. The last 11 of Blue Lock formed the Japanese league for the next World Cup and they're steadily rising their victory.
"Mm." Nagi barely gives Chigiri any recognition, only taking a sip from his mug.
"Hey! I'm talking to you, yknow." Chigiri sighs as he leans back against his seat.
"Then stop," Nagi replies dryly. Though he didn't mean to come across as too rude. "Move your head, I'm trying to look at Reo."
Because Chigiri was petty, he slides to the left where he blocks even more of Nagi's view of Reo, huffing a bit.
"If you like staring at him so much, why don't you talk to him? Aren't you two on... Better terms now?" Chigiri asks curiously.
"Reo's busy.." Nagi mumbles, sulking into his seat a bit.
"Seriously, what's with you two? It's like watching a drama in real life." Chigiri groans, slapping a palm onto his own forehead.
"What do you mean?" Nagi narrows his eyes a bit towards Chigiri.
"We're not 17 anymore, Nagi. Don't tell me you're still dense." The red-haired speedster pouts as he downs his champagne in a single gulp.
"Take it easy on the alcohol, Hyoma." Kunigami grumbles from a nearby table and all Chigiri could do was giggle.
"My cynic hero is so overprotective. It's adorable don't you think," Chigiri grins widely as he waves over at the orange-haired man whose ears were red at its tip.
"Uh huh." Nagi nods his head absentmindedly, tilting his neck to stare at Reo who was still drinking his ass off with Yukimiya and Isagi.
"Nagichii~!" A new voice erupted from behind him, arms that weren't Reo's wrapped around his neck.
"Let go, Bachira. Isagi's over there." Nagi sighs as he points in raven's direction.
"Is Nagi feeling the j-word~?" Bachira's teasing smile widens before looking over at Chigiri who was still sitting right next to the platinum.
"Oh hey, Chigi~! Wanna go on a drinking showdown?!" Bachira's eyes swirled with mischief but the red-head huffed and immediately declines his offer.
"I'm good, thanks. What about Nagi? I heard from Reo that he's a bit of a heavy drinker," Chigiri nudged the platinum's shoulder.
"Reo talked about me?" Nagi's eyes shone with interest and Chigiri could only roll his eyes, resting his cheek on his palm.
"When does he not.." He grumbles out loud.
"Oh oh??? Is that true, Nagichi?? Let's have a showdown right now! I'm sure it'll impress Reooo~!" Bachira slides in beside Nagi and Bachira, raising his hand for the waiter to offer them a few glasses of shot glasses.
"Impress Reo..?" Nagi was a weak man whenever it came to his lavender. He loses all reason when it comes to him. Plus, he was just a little tipsy so all rational thoughts didn't enter his mind at all.
"Alright, if it can impress Reo, I'll do it." Nagi nods his head firmly, picking up a glass and he watched as Bachira did the same.
"May the best striker win~!" He giggles gleefully, downing his first glass immediately after that.
Nagi's eyes seemed to darken to those words. His promise with Reo flashing in his head. Without a moment's hesitation, Nagi silently challenges Bachira in his head.
The next few moments went by in a blurr and suddenly Bachira's slouched against the table, trying to fight the urge to vomit.
"..." Nagi looks down at him, his head spinning as he took the last shot, wiping his lips. "May the best striker win." He says, his voice raspy and deep.
"Y-you're.. hic.. you're pretty.. hardcore, Nagichiii...~" Bachira giggles before inevitably throwing up onto the ground and all Nagi could do was feel proud of himself.
"B-Bachira!" A worried voice called out for the shorter, drunk male. "Hey.. take it easy, Meg.." Isagi whispers as he rushed to his side, rubbing circles onto the male's back with his thumb.
"What.. happened here?" A familiar voice says as he walks up to the group and Nagi's eyes shone nearly immediately.
"Reo.." Nagi speaks up, getting up as he rushed over to the lavender almost immediately, though he nearly tripped from how much his head was killing him.
"Are you- How much did you drink, silly Nagi?" Reo sighs as he caught Nagi in his arms before directing a look at Chigiri who was watching like it was his entertainment.
"Too much," Chigiri speaks up, nearly chuckling. "Nagi is so competitive, who would have thought."
"Reooo.. carry me, it's been forever since you did.." Nagi frowns, pushing his face into Reo's neck, inhaling his faded pomegranate scent. He missed him so much...
"..." There was no reply, only hesitance in Reo's movement and Nagi's lips curved further downwards as he recalls their situation.
"Nevermind.." Nagi mumbled, trying to pull away from Reo.
What was Nagi thinking? He didn't deserve Reo.
The platinum had been too deep in his thoughts to realize he was being dragged out of the bar. Slowly, the retched smell of alcohol turned into the fresh, nightly breeze.
"You're going to kill your liver from how much you just drank! Nagi, 12 shot glasses! What were you thinking?!" Reo reprimanded after they stepped out of the bar, now it was just them.
Reo started rambling on about the consequences of drinking too much but Nagi couldn't care less, his eyes on Reo's lips.
How much badly he wanted to smash his own against his soft, pretty pink ones.
A lump formed on his throat the more he realized that he could never have the chance to do that. Maybe once he did, but he completely lost his opportunity to.
Nagi knew they weren't strangers, they could talk to each other like normal like they are now. But that's not what Nagi wants. He had never wanted anything so badly but to be Reo's special treasure again.
To be spoilt and lavished? He couldn't care less. But he wants to be looked at with the same affection Reo used to hold for him.
He was so selfish but Nagi didn't care.
He had always been selfish. Maybe that's why Reo doesn't deserve someone like him. Yukimiya would be a better option. Heck anyone else but him would be a better option.
He'd lose Reo, but as long as Reo is happy right? Maybe he'd be invited to Reo's future wedding, watching him be
wed to the woman or man of his dreams. Reo mentioned his type being older women right? He had no chance.
But Reo was absolutely everything to him. He saved him from a colourless life. He gave him a reason to live, to fight on.
Without realizing it, tears rolled down the platinum's cheeks and that's when Reo's rambling came to a halt.
"My treasure.. ? Hey, Nagi what's wrong?" Reo says almost immediately, hands cupping Nagi's cheeks tenderly, rubbing off the tears forming at his eyes.
"It's been a while since you called me that." Nagi mumbled through his tears. Ah.. what a damn hassle..
"That's- that's not important." Reo sighs as he held Nagi close to his chest.
"It is." Nagi replies instantly, he blames the alcohol for anything he says. He wasn't thinking straight at all.
Reo stays silent and Nagi knows he was hesitating. Why was he hesitating so much around him now? He doesn't get it.
He really was such a hassle, especially to Reo.
"Forget it," Nagi finds himself muttering, hate spiralling in his mind as he starts trudging away with his back faced Reo. There was a growing ache in his chest. There was so much he wanted to say but he knew he couldn't form a sentence.
"What a hassle.." Nagi finds himself muttering under his breath and much to his dismay, Reo caught that.
But that wasn't directed towards Reo.
Though, he was oblivious about the damage of his words.
If he was better with his words, maybe he could talk with Reo properly. If he could read Reo's mind, maybe he would know what to say. For now, he needed time to think. He couldn't be near Reo right now. Not when he didn't deserve to. All he was doing was bothering him. All he was doing was hurting him.
"I.." Reo tries to formulate a sentence but the scene before him was all too familiar. For a second he was taken back to the second selection. They were teenagers then. They were fools.
He stares at Nagi's back and his throat dries up. There has to be something he could do, there has to be something.
Absolutely anything.
He was Reo Mikage. He could get whatever he wanted right..? He could do anything..
Then why..?
Why can't he do anything right now when it matters most?
Nagi was out of his sight not too long after and Reo fell onto his knees. A familiar dread kicking into his system.
If he were stronger, if he were better, if he were more skillful.. Would he feel deserving to be by Nagi's side like before? What was it he was lacking? Why is Nagi's back always turned to him?
If Reo stopped hesitating, how can he be sure that Nagi wouldn't leave him again? He can't give his heart away so easily to Nagi again. It'll hurt more when he leaves him..
Then seeing Nagi leave him now.. Why does it still hurt just as badly as back then..?
Love is so blind.
Affection and adoration.
It's hard to see it when you can barely find any confidence in yourself. When you get hurt, you trap yourself in a cage to protect yourself from harm. You shield yourself from those who actually sees your worth. We accept what we deserve, we push away what we don't.
They could be your missing piece, the person that fills the void in your empty, boring life. They could be the person you laugh along with, the person you cry to. The person who accepts you for the way you are.
They could be your soulmate but the human heart will always find a reason to doubt. Fear is stronger than love. It is up to them to overcome that insecurity. But not many are strong enough to do so.
There are many who fall victim to this way of thinking.
Nagi Seishiro and Mikage Reo are no different.
One who feels undeserving of the love of the sun, while the other feels undeserving of being around their precious treasure.
Both blame themselves for their ruined friendship. Yet, during trainings and gatherings, they act like nothing happened between them.
Both yearn for something more, for their past closeness but neither can step out of the shadows of their insecurities.
The World Cup was drawing near, but it doesn't feel like their combined dream. It doesn't feel like the moment they wished for so badly. They were so close to their lifelong dream, yet neither felt the excitement.
Was the World Cup really the void in Reo Mikage's heart?
What was Nagi's reason of playing soccer in the first place?
Post World Cup
They had won, and it was a joyous occasion. They celebrated and cheered but it was nothing like Reo imagined the day to go.
It's been a month since the victory of Japan. And Reo should have cared more but he didn't.
Don't get him wrong, it truly was such an impressive feat and even his parents acknowledged his success.
However, the emptiness in his heart just didn't mend. Even if everyone allowed him to keep the piece of metal, the trophy meant nothing to him even if it was placed on his office desk.
Reo had retired from soccer, but he hasn't made a public announcement about it yet. He hadn't even told his friends.
A sigh left his lips as he gazed down from his windows the view of the city was always quite nice. The night sky twinkles with stars, and the buildings down below was still filled with so much life. Even at night the city hasn't died, life goes on even in the darkness.
That can apply to him too right? Life still goes on even after the World Cup. Perhaps he should just follow the life that was paved before him. That's for the best right? Besides.. He was not going to survive in the soccer industry with players like Barou and Isagi around. Heck, even Nagi is being scouted by a well-resprcted league overseas.
He buried his face in his hands, cursing under his breath. Had the past few years of his life been a waste?
He should be grateful, not many could chase their dreams and succeed.
His eyes landed on a photograph frame, a soft frown forming on his lips. A picture he had left here when he was younger if he remembered correctly.
It was a frame with both Nagi and Reo with the lavender smiling brightly while the genius stares at the camera with a slight sparkle in his eyes.
He remembered that day. Their first victory. It takes him back...
He couldn't believe he dragged Nagi into his dream like this.. He truly was a selfish teenager.
Should he invite him to dinner to apologize?
The thought made him chuckle. They barely interacted since the World Cup. They merely shared a glance when they won.
Reo wanted so badly to jump on Nagi that day, to tell him he was so proud but he hesitated. He always did now. Where was the confident Reo from years back? Where has he gone..?
It was a silent, lonely world in the business industry. Reo felt bored once more, the past month had been dull and colorless.
But that's the way it should be anyway.
23:17
Chigiri 👑: Reo, where are you?
You: Coming where?
Chigiri 👑: Ow.. I can't believe you forgot
Chigiri 👑: We're having a movie night right now!!
Chigiri 👑: A certain someone can't shut up about you, come here now please
You: Sorry, can't come right now. I have documents to skim through. Tell Nagi I said hi though
Chigiri 👑: What?! You're not coming?? You so owe me an explanation. And I won't accept 'i forgot'.
"Sorry Nagi, seems like Reo's not coming again." Chigiri looks at the platinum sympathetically.
"What the fuck happened this time?" Barou grumbles, his eyes still directed on the screen.
"Nagicchi and Reocchi are playing an awful long game of hide and seek," Bachira stuck his tongue out.
"I really don't understand the issue.. You both clearly want to talk to each other," Isagi comments, leaning back against the couch.
Nagi stays silent, looking off.
Reo hasn't been coming to any of the hangouts the past month. Has he been that busy?
Or did he just not want to see his face?
"Come on, Nagi. Give us a little hint about what's going on, would you?" Chigiri sighs out. "Maybe we could help you out or something." The red-haired suggested.
"Call me crazy but if it'll stop this weird ass tension between you two, I'm in. I'm sick and tired seeing the same bullshit over and over again." Barou adds to the conversation.
"Who would have thought you'd like to play Cupid, Barouu~!" Bachira laughs in a teasing manner.
"Shut up the fuck up! This is to benefit us all anyway,"
"I don't know what to tell you," Nagi speaks up, shaking his head.
"Maybe start with what's keeping you from talking to Reo," Isagi suggested and Nagi had to ponder for a bit.
"Reo's amazing." Nagi ended up saying.
"That-! That didn't explain shit!" Barou groans and Isagi only chuckled awkwardly.
"Okay we get it, simp. Elaborate." Chigiri rolls his eyes as if he heard that phrase over and over again from Nagi.
I don't feel worthy talking to him. I feel like I discomfort him, that I'm not worth his time. I'm not longer the treasure he used to be so proud of. Even when I played my best during the World Cup, he didn't run to me like he used to. I don't know what to do. He's everything great and I'm just nothing.
"I think Reo lost interest in me," Nagi concludes from his thoughts.
"You. Got to be fucking with me.." Barou whispers under his breath while everyone else in the room exchanged glances.
"What made your dumb ass think that?" Barou raises a brow, and he seemed intrigued for some reason.
"He never calls me his treasure anymore," Nagi pouts, sulking into the couch.
"Honestly, Nagi-" Chigiri gets cut off by Barou. "I think you and that rich bastard should have an honest conversation."
"Hmph. I was going to say that." The red-haired huffed in annoyance.
"But he won't be honest with me, Reo's.. difficult sometimes." Nagi mutters out, his phrasing coulf use a bit more work.
"And that's going to stop you, Nagicchi? I thought you were cooler than that!" Bachira grins widely, nudging Nagi's shoulder.
"Isn't Reo into really romantic skits?" Isagi adds.
"How'd you know that?" Nagi narrows his eyes at the raven.
"It's pretty obvious!"
"Maybe you could invite him for dinner and talk about your relationship!" Bachira suggested but Nagi shakes his head.
"I might mess up again and Reo will really leave me."
"What about.. sing him a song instead of saying it?" Isagi suggests and Chigiri nods his head eagerly.
"That'll be quite the date, but I'm not sure if Nagi is up for it." The redhaired looks over at the platinum's direction.
"If it's for Reo, I'm up for anything." Nagi nods his head firmly.
"Screw movie night then~! Let's get ready for Nagicchi's date!!" Bachira bounced up.
"But.. how are we going to convince Reo to come?" Isagi adds, asking the real questions.
"He'll come." Nagi says as he pulls up his phone, tapping on the number he barely interacted with the past year.
Their last conversation was whether or not Nagi was going to attend training...
Well here goes nothing.
01:04
You: reo, would u like 2 go out 4 dinner? :x✌️
Nagi saw some typing and he couldn't help but wear a small smile. Was this how hope felt like?
On the other hand, Reo's heart was thumping thunderously against his chest. It was just a text from the person he desperately wanted to see!
He may or may not have been scrolling through their last conversations and his gallery to find all pictures of them...
He nearly texted Nagi back almost instantly, stopping himself from trying to look desperate.
He can't be this easy.. Nagi just texted him, that was it.
He didn't have to freak out about it. He was still really unsure of his feelings...
01:11
You: Sure, when?
My treasure 🤍: anytime u r free, tmr night would b cool tho
You: I'll make time for you then 💜
"He sent a heart! That's a good sign, right guys??" Bachira sings happily, clapping his hands for Nagi.
Nagi drowned the voices of his excited friends' chatter, staring at the heart Reo had sent. Was that on accident? Or was that really meant for him?
"What's the plan, Nagi?" Isagi looks at the male expectantly, snapping his fingers in front of his face.
"I dunno, talk to him?" Nagi yawns softly, glancing at the time, tapping his fingers to text Reo back.
01.12
You: ok, c u.
You: will text u the place tmr ✌️
Reo 💜: Alright, will wait for that. Go to sleep, Nagi. It's late. Goodnight
You: u 2, nite ✌️
"Do you want our help or not?" Barou sighs as he took the phone away from Nagi.
"I'm starting to have second thoughts," Nagi says as he looks at his friends.
"Oh! Nagi, there you are!" Reo smiles at the platinum, waving at him as he shoved his phone into his pocket.
"Mm, sorry am late." Nagi mumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"That's okay. Why are you wearing something so formal though? Aren't we just going to a café?" Reo tilts his head at the suit Nagi was wearing.
Nagi mentally cursed at Chigiri and Bachira in his head. They were the ones who insisted him to wear this stuffy suit.
"Wanted to look good," Nagi lies smoothly and Reo seemed to believe him.
"You always look good," Reo says as he pats his shoulder.
"Anyways, I got us a table, come on in." Reo smiles and Nagi could only be mesmerized by him.
"Nagi... We need to talk." Reo whispers when they got into the café. It was pretty vacant. Other than them, the only other people here were the staff.
Not to mention the staff seemed a bit suspicious. Especially the raven with the obviously fake moustache.
The taller male was about to reply but Nagi looks behind Reo and he finds the suspicious staff member holding a speaker and the platinum could only inwardly sigh.
Suddenly, the quiet area was filled with music and Nagi used his spoon to be his imaginary mic.
Out of the blue, Nagi starts singing a musical number and Reo could only stare in both interest and confusion. Though, the reaction wasn't so bad since Reo clapped right after Nagi's.. interesting take on a love song.
"Uh.. anyway Nagi-" Reo tries to speak but their orders were suddenly placed on the table. The waiter had long red hair and.. a totally not fake black moustache under his nose.
"Oh-! Thank you," Reo says politely, and Nagi started phase two of the romantic plan. He took out his poem from under the table and started to discreetly read it out loud.
"Reo, your eyes are like lavenders
And I'm nothing but a commoner"
Nagi hears the sound of someone's palm slapping their forehead.
"If I had to be honest,
You are the hottest." Nagi concluded his poem.
"...what?" Reo could only stare at Nagi in disbelief, his eyes widened and his face flushed from either shame or something else.
Though, the platinum took this as a good sign.
A light laugh erupts from Reo's lips and Nagi definitely took that as a good sign.
"Pfft.. what's all this for Nagi?"
"For you," Nagi could only reply so simply.
"You are- absolutely terrible at poems, Nagi," Reo found himself laughing again, clutching onto his stomach.
"I tried," Nagi pouts a bit.
"I know, and that makes me happy." Reo smiles before his expression turned serious.
"I need to tell you something," The lavender took a breath.
"Me too," Nagi nods his head, gently squeezing his lap with his hand.
"On three?"
"On three."
"1"
"2"
"3"
"I'm quitting soccer."/"I miss you."
"W-wait what?!" Reo spat out in confusion, his face a dark crimson shade as he stares at the platinum, who was also gazing back at him with the same shock.
"Say that again, Reo?" Nagi says, staring intently at the Mikage heir.
"I just.. it felt wrong," Reo mumbled softly.
"What about our promise, Reo..?" His voice nearly cracked but he didn't care. Was Reo really leaving him for good?
"What promise, Nagi? We already got the World Cup." Reo tilts his head.
"No, we promised to be with each other till the end." Nagi insisted, nearly uncharacteristically desperate.
"Till the end of our soccer careers..?"
"Till the end of our lives." Nagi corrected Reo, who could only react using a string of flustered noises.
"But.. but I'm not good enough for soccer, Nagi! I'm not strong enough to be playing by you, so what's the point!" Reo spats out.
"That's not true, Reo is amazing!" Nagi's brows furrow. Where are these thoughts coming from? What nonsense. Reo? Not being good enough?
"But.. Isagi.. I.. I'm never going to be-"
A silent cough in the background.
"What about Isagi? Why are you still stuck on that? I don't want Isagi, Reo. I want you." Nagi stood up and walked towards Reo, taking his hand and squeezing it tight.
"I could never have eyes for anyone else."
"How can I be sure that you would leave me again, Nagi..?" Reo whispers softly.
"I know I don't deserve you Reo if I keep making you doubt like that. But look me in the eyes. Do you really think I'd lie to you?"
Reo gazed up to do just that, staring intently into his treasure's eyes and he can't find a sense of deceit from him.
"You don't.. deserve me?" Reo repeats the words from Nagi's mouth. "Who told you that?"
"Me," Nagi shrugs, not thinking that it was a big deal. But he earned a slap on his shoulder, followed by a tight hug.
"You.. you're so.." Reo sighs heavily, trying to process what was going on. "Stupid.. All this time I assumed you think I'm not good enough to play by your side.. that's why you left me.."
"I thought Reo didn't want to talk to me because you got bored.."
"I would never! You're the best thing that ever entered my life! I'm never letting you go again, my treasure. Fuck you for not talking to me sooner."
"Reo never talked to me earlier either.." Nagi pouts as he pushed himself onto Reo more. He missed his warmth.
A dry chuckle from Reo, followed by a shrug. "We're both to blame.." The lavender whispers.
"Mm, who cares. Reo is with me now right?" Nagi asked quietly and the lavender nods his head.
"Yeah of course, my treasure.." Reo nuzzles his cheek against the taller male's and Nagi graciously accepts the gesture.
"Come Reo, let's play soccer." Nagi whispers as they locked eyes. His deep obsidian eyes burning into Reo's amethyst ones with intense passion.
Reo swore he fell even harder.
"Wow. You nearly scared me with that," Chigiri speaks up, peeling off the fake moustache from his face before walking over to the two with a grin. "Glad to see you two finally made up! We were all getting sick of it."
"That poem was the most stupid piece of literature ever." Barou grumbles a bit as he comes out of the kitchen, wearing a maid dress that's clearly not custom made for him.
"Awww! I thought it was pretty cute! Perfectly summarised Nagicchi's self-doubt and his love for Reo!" Bachira laughs, popping his head out from the counter with a wide grin.
"I'm glad it worked, though I think the musical number could have had a little more practice.." Isagi adds.
No one asked for any of your opinions.
But Nagi didn't say that out loud, at least not in front of Reo.
Epilogue
"Sei! It's your turn to do the dishes," Reo placed his hands on his hips, glaring at the man on the couch.
"Mm.. 5 more minutes, my legs hurt." Seishiro whines but the shorter male stood before him threateningly.
"No kisses." Reo huffs, turning around to head back to the kitchen so he could do the dishes himself.
"Reoo..~" Seishiro whimpers as he wrapped his arms around his lavender's waist and pulled him close.
"Let go, I'm going to do the dishes." Reo grumbles, clearly annoyed at Seishiro.
The platinum gently takes Reo's hand, lifting it to his lips where their matching gold ring is placed.
"I love you, dear.. I'll do the dishes," Seishiro whispers into the lavender's ear and immediately Reo melts into his arms like putty.
"I love you too, Sei" Reo sighs in defeat, leaning up to press a soft kiss on his lips. "Don't forget the laundry," He adds and Seishiro only groans.
"Give kisses first, I need motivation," Seishiro pouts as he starts smothering Reo with pecks all over his face.
"H-hey! I know you're doing this to distract me." Reo gently shoves Seishiro away.
"Please Reo..?~" Seishiro gently bit the tip of Reo's ear, causing the shorter male's face to flush heavily.
"You know I'm weak when you say my name like that.." Reo whines softly as he shoves himself back against Seishiro's chest.
"I know," Seishiro stuck his tongue out playfully and licks his husband's cheek to tease him.
"Ew," Reo laughs jokingly as he kisses his beloved's lips passionately as 'payback'.
"The dishes can wait, let's go play~" Seishiro smirks smugly as he scooped the shorter male into his arms with ease.
"W-wh-? We just did that yesterday! You're going to tire me out.."
It wasn't an easy road for the both of them. A conversation can't fix years worth of silence and insecurities but they worked together. Love is a two way street after all.