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Melt found himself in the situation of longing to talk to Aqua just once more, a feeling that always lingered on his mind ever since he’d met Aqua on the set for Sweet Today.
With each interaction the pair had, Melt’s longing to get closer to Aqua grew, but he never attempted to reach out to him outside of work.
This time would be different. This time, Melt would finally make the first move.
The opportunity to reach out to Aqua presented itself in the form of an early celebration for the cast of Tokyo Blade. Considering how unpredictable some of the actor’s schedules could be, it made sense to hold an early celebration.
Melt originally wasn’t going to attend, and although Kana was practically begging him to go with her, overhearing that Aqua would be attending with Akane cemented the idea of going in his head. As much as he enjoyed his time with Kana, ultimately the only thing Melt had on his mind was talking to Aqua again.
And so, Melt found himself roped into standing with Kana and Taiki while the pair idly chatted with each other, awkwardly holding onto a cup full of some kind of punch. His eyes scanned the room, and eventually landed on Aqua, who had been talking to Akane. Unsurprising, but Melt wasn’t about to waltz up to the two of them and declare how he’d been watching Aqua from afar, longing to talk to him. No, he would absolutely not be doing that.
Melt couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Aqua’s attire, he seemed to be dressed way too casually for a celebratory party, sporting a dark hoodie and jeans. If the pair were any closer, he’d definitely be pointing that fact out to Aqua.
Melt only attended the early celebration to have a chance at talking to Aqua again. He felt unable to focus on the conversation Kana and Taiki were having, nodding along with them in the hopes he wouldn’t be dragged into the conversation himself. While the pair chatted, Melt had been in a state of mental anguish while trying to figure out how he would go about approaching Aqua.
On that note, Melt glanced up, realizing that Aqua had snuck out while he was distracted by his own thoughts. He felt his stomach drop, did he lose his chance to talk to him?
Like hell he was going to let Aqua go that easily.
Melt's mind started racing with what-ifs and before he knew it, he was moving through the crowd after quickly giving a half-hearted apology to Kana and Taiki, assuming they’d get the hint on what was going on. He knew that they’d probably question him and even tease him once he returned, but he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered to him in that moment was Aqua, he knew if he didn’t go looking for him, he’d potentially lose his chance at having a relationship with him outside of what was the bare minimum for work.
The night's cool air hit Melt's face as he glanced around, looking for Aqua. He was about to give up until he saw a figure that was unmistakably him in the distance, clad in the same dark hoodie as before. Melt's quick to move, jogging up to the figure as he calls out to it, "Aqua! Hey, wait up!"
The figure paused for a moment, as if considering whether or not they wanted to listen, before turning around. Melt had been right, it was Aqua. He wore a neutral expression on his face, although Melt could’ve sworn he saw his eyes light up, even if just for a moment. There was silence between the two of them while Melt caught up to Aqua.
"Where are you going? You snuck out without saying goodbye to anyone." Melt raised an eyebrow as he spoke, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Melt wasn't sure of how he wanted to go about the conversation, but it was already too late to spend any more time trying to meddle over every possible way that Aqua could respond to his questioning. He just hoped Aqua would make the conversation easier on the both of them.
"I'm heading home." Aqua started, pursing his lips, as if he was considering just how much information he wanted to reveal in the conversation. He came to the conclusion that he had no time for idle chat, deciding to leave it at that. "Did you need something?"
Melt picked up on Aqua's distaste for the conversation and he scowled, that asshole, almost starting to say something along the lines of an attempt to assure Aqua he could open up about what he was dealing with, but he refrained, clamping his jaw shut.
After all, they’d only interacted a few times during Sweet Today’s filming and rehearsals for Tokyo Blade, and Melt realized it was too soon to be saying things like that, he didn’t even know how Aqua felt about him, or if he even considered Melt as a friend.
Questions that stuck like thorns in his side, poking and prodding where it hurt the most.
Well, Melt would at least get what he came for, he could work on prying through Aqua's walls another day. He was definitely going to be a piece of work, but Melt was up for the challenge. If he remained persistent, then surely..
"Well? You look like you have a lot on your mind." Aqua continued after noticing Melt dealing with his own internal turmoil, snapping him back to reality. Aqua never revealed how he was feeling through his actions, his tone of voice remaining neutral and stoic as always.
Melt glanced at Aqua, getting lost in his eyes. Stars danced around his pupil like a contained galaxy, or perhaps like a black hole, sucking him in with a pretty appearance until eventually imploding and destroying them both. How beautiful, yet ironic.
While beautiful, Aqua's eyes were tired, so tired, haunted by something Melt would never be given the pleasure of knowing. A part of him knew Aqua would never let him in like that, but he kept trying to get Aqua to open up regardless of that. Almost as if Melt was trying to prove himself wrong, trying to prove to himself that he could get someone like Aqua of all people to break down his barriers.
Melt sighed softly, he really had to get himself out of that habit.
"I wanted to get your contact info, like your number, or something.." He started, immediately picking up on Aqua’s attempt to refuse, but he raised his hand, silencing the other before he continued. "Before you try to cut me off, and I know that’s what you’re trying to do, I have things I want to talk with you about. That's fine, right?"
Well, Aqua couldn't exactly say no to that reasoning. Melt was being vague on purpose, but he wouldn't push the subject. He sighed, ultimately being defeated, pulling out his phone as a sign of agreement.
Melt's eyes lit up, and he beamed, his thoughts racing about all the things they'd discuss, or maybe even do as their relationship progressed. Well, he was definitely getting ahead of himself, but he was glad that Aqua agreed to stay in contact with him.
Once the pair exchanged contact information, Melt waved to Aqua as he turned to walk away. Taking in Aqua one last time, Melt saw Aqua's cheeks flushed a soft pink, most likely from the cold air, and he swore he saw Aqua's eyes light up, even if for just a moment. If there was any detail that stuck out to Melt the most about Aqua, it was his eyes, presenting themselves as captivating and inviting, drawing Melt into the point where he felt unable to look away.
Under the moonlight's essence, he looked ethereal to Melt.
———
Aqua’s interaction with Melt, while not the most outlandish thing possible, surprised him.
They’d only interacted a handful of times, even if some part of Aqua wanted to take interest in the other. Of course, he’d never let his own desires ever see the light of day, and so those thoughts were pushed down into the deepest parts of himself to be slowly drowned and forgotten about.
Well, Melt taking interest in furthering their relationship interfered with Aqua’s idea to forget about his own feelings, essentially throwing a wrench into his plans.
Among other things.
Aqua sighed as he left Taiki’s residence. His attempt at discussing the results the DNA testing provided went smoothly, up until Taiki dropped the bombshell sentence of “Your father is Uehara Seijuurou. I’m sorry, but he’s already dead.”
He’s no longer alive?
Aqua discovering that he and Taiki were half brothers came to him at no surprise. Honestly, he was expecting to find a few half siblings out in the wild as he tirelessly searched for his father. Taiki’s response to the information didn’t bother Aqua either, he was after information about his father, dropping the DNA results essentially cornered Taiki into spilling what he knew.
But what Aqua learned.. Well, he couldn’t have imagined that his father was already long dead.
The mere thought of Aqua having even a chance to escape all of the grief and suffering he’d endured ignited both a sense of unease and a sense of relief within him for the first time in years.
Relief.
Genuinely, Aqua felt like he could take a deep breath, like a huge weight had been lifted off of his chest. Which, really, it had been.
He didn’t have to search aimlessly for just the slightest hint of a clue.
He didn’t have to wear himself down through means of self-destruction.
He no longer had to avenge Hoshino Ai, his mother.
Left with the fallout of his actions, Aqua had to consider what path he wanted to take.
Could he repair what had already been broken? He knew he’d hurt both Akane and Kana through his actions, and he wasn’t even sure if they’d be willing to hear his apologies.
Could he start anew, forming new relationships with new people?
Did he even deserve to connect with new people, knowing that ultimately he could end up sabotaging the relationships and hurting his loved ones?
Would Aqua allow himself the pleasure of being happy?
Now that the revenge plan was over, could he genuinely put his time and effort into those around him, along with himself, without feeling guilt?
Aqua's phone vibrates as he walks home, forcing him out of his thoughts, something he was perhaps thankful for. He pulls it out and reads the sender, it's Melt. A message about meeting up later that week for lunch.
Perhaps starting anew wasn't out of the question.
Aqua smiles softly, a real smile. For once, he allows himself the privilege of connecting with another.
———
When Melt meets with Aqua later in the week, he immediately picks up on a difference in his behavior.
He felt warmer, and there was no other way to put it. The change tugs at his heartstrings, a welcome feeling.
Aqua's gaze seemed less tired too, as if he'd actually been getting some proper rest for once. Melt wouldn't mention it outright, but it was a detail he took note of, providing him with some sense of relief that maybe Aqua was starting to do better.
The pair sat in silence after ordering their food, until Melt finally decided to break the silence, speaking in a soft tone. “I wanted to invite you out here to thank you,” he started, biting his lip on impulse, awaiting for some kind of reaction from Aqua, if any.
Aqua’s usually stoic expression shifted into one of confusion for a brief moment, as if posing the question of 'what did I do to be thanked?’. He’s quick to return to his neutral expression, but Melt saw his confusion for just a split second, enough to see a spark of vulnerability under his tough exterior.
Melt wanted to keep pushing. To keep chipping away at the layers, until Aqua broke.
Aqua sighed, stirring his coffee idly as he rested his other hand under his chin, he remained silent, but his body language should’ve been enough to urge Melt to continue to speak, which it does.
“I wanted to thank you,” Melt started again, feeling unsure of how exactly he wanted to phrase what he was going to say, only hoping it would come out the way he intended, “You may not realize it, but you helped me improve my acting. You gave me something to strive for, after working alongside you on Sweet Today.”
Aqua took a moment to think, to process, before responding. It killed Melt on the inside, just a bit, because he couldn't figure out what exactly was going through Aqua's mind at that moment.
"I was just doing what anyone would in that situation. Your acting was subpar in Sweet Today, but you managed to turn out a half decent performance in the final episode." Aqua spoke as he continued to stir his coffee, his response coming off like it was automated, like he'd figured Melt was bound to bring up the aforementioned fiasco at some point.
Tch. Hitting Melt where it hurts.. He knew his performance in Sweet Today was nothing short of shitty, and he absolutely didn't need to be reminded of that by Aqua of all people.
"Your performance in Tokyo Blade, though.. Well, I'm glad you took my advice to heart." Aqua set aside the spoon from his coffee and moved his hands to rest under his chin.
Of course I did, Melt thought.
"You've turned into an actor who has potential." Aqua nodded his head in what was meant to be an encouraging way. "I'll be looking forward to your future endeavors."
"It's all thanks to you." Melt spoke without thinking, without even realizing what he was saying. But, it was true to how he felt. "Really, I can't express my gratitude towards you enough. You helped me discover my love for acting."
Aqua looks like he wanted to retaliate in response, but he opted to stay silent, only flashing Melt a subtle smile. Just like on Tokyo Blade's opening night.
Melt finds his heartbeat quickening.
Their food arrived, and Melt was quickly snapped out of his thoughts. His attention shifted towards making small talk about the food, which Aqua begrudgingly went along with.
The pair interacted in a friendly way until they both were done eating. Once the time felt right, they got up, preparing to leave. Melt was going to pay for their lunch, since it was the least he could do to thank Aqua. He’d have to think of other ways later.
Melt went to pull out his wallet, but Aqua swiftly stepped in, paying for their meal before Melt even had the chance to interject.
..Have you always been so kind? Melt thought to himself, surprised by Aqua’s sudden action.
Melt shook his head internally at his thoughts. He had no reason to believe Aqua wasn’t a kind person, but the behavior seemed out of pocket. While dealing with his own internal turmoil, Aqua was already walking away, and Melt snapped out of it just in time to see Aqua holding the door open for him, staring at him in such a way that could only be described as ‘what are you waiting for?’.
Melt sighed as he exited through the door, Aqua following after. A part of Melt felt frustrated in a way, he wanted to pay Aqua back somehow for everything they’d done, the absolute least he could’ve done would be to pay for his lunch. “What was that about? You didn’t need to do that.”
“You were taking too long. I didn’t want to keep the server waiting.” Aqua replied flatly, driving Melt crazy. If anything, his response felt more like an excuse for his actual motive, but Melt certainly wasn’t going to push it too much.
Melt would definitely be trying to get the real reason out of Aqua later. For now, he just enjoyed the other’s presence, walking aside him with a content sigh. Aqua found himself almost wanting to raise an eyebrow at Melt’s reaction, his curiosity getting the best of him. “Someone seems relaxed.”
The comment briefly catches Melt off guard. He fumbles to come up with a response, feeling his cheeks starting to burn oh so slightly.
“I do feel relaxed,” Melt retaliated, moving his arms behind his back as he walked. “We should do this again, hanging out I mean.” He subconsciously bit his lower lip, a nervous tick he knew he needed to get rid of, but couldn’t help it.
Melt wasn’t sure how Aqua would react to being asked to hang out again, what if the mere idea of spending more time in his presence bothered him? It wouldn’t surprise Melt, he could barely stand himself most days.
Aqua hummed, as if he was seriously considering the offer, as if maybe a part of him wanted to hang out together again. There’s no way, right? No way Aqua would willingly agree to something so-
“I’d like that.”
Oh.
“Really? You’re not bullshitting me right now?” Melt’s eyes widened as he looked at Aqua, gawking at him. “If you are, I seriously might have to punch you again like I did during Sweet Today.”
Of course he wouldn’t actually follow through with that empty threat. He’d never wanted to hurt Aqua like that again.
“I’m not bullshitting you.” Aqua responds, seemingly amused by Melt’s empty threat by the hint of a smile just barely present on his lips.
Melt feels his cheeks begin to burn even more, now getting to the point where it definitely was noticeable. He simply huffs and speeds up his pace, moving in front of Aqua, forcing him to stop in his tracks. “You’ll be hearing from me then. Don’t think you can get rid of me so easily!”
Aqua couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, he was genuinely enjoying Melt’s presence. “I won’t.”
If only it would last.
———
Aqua’s behaviour stuck out as strange to Melt.
He’d only known Aqua as the stoic, quiet actor on the occasions they interacted. Seeing his personality change, no, actually, seeing his real personality show itself confused Melt and contributed to his ever growing list of complicated feelings he felt towards Hoshino Aqua.
Melt felt confident in his ability to call Aqua his friend. At least that was one thing crossed off of a list that felt both never ending and continuously growing.
But what about the burning feeling Melt had begun to develop in his chest when in the presence of Aqua? What about the way he felt himself stammer over his words at times, as he found himself lost in Aqua's eyes?
What if Melt found himself wanting something more?
Something more than friends could ever be.
No. Absolutely not, there was no way Melt was developing those kinds of feelings towards Aqua.
Not in a million years.
Despite the conflicting feelings tormenting his inner monologue, Melt found himself faced with the fact that he wanted to be around Aqua's presence more and more. Especially since he'd begun to radiate warmth, at least in Melt's eyes.
The fact that Aqua smiled in front of him, the fact that Melt made Aqua laugh? He wanted to know so badly what changed within Aqua.
Melt wanted to know what other things Aqua would do. How he would act, or what things he’d say. He wanted to get to know Aqua better, for who he really was. It felt like the perfect opportunity to do so.
Despite the short time the pair had spent together, Melt felt some kind of spark between them.
Well, since Melt had Aqua's number, surely he could be the one to reach out again to plan something. It’s not like it would be weird of him to do, he’d specifically mentioned they’d be in contact again after they last spoke.
After all, they were friends.
Melt pulled out his phone to text Aqua, planning on asking if he’d like to meet up again soon.
Although Melt didn’t want to admit it, his heart fluttered when Aqua agreed.
———
Melt entered the cafe and immediately noticed Aqua sitting there peacefully. Of course he’d be the one to get there first. Melt sighed and approached Aqua, he was tired from having to wake up so early, and Aqua was definitely going to be hearing about it. “Why’d you have to drag me out of bed so early?”
“This isn’t even that early. Here, I got you a coffee, it should help you wake up.” Aqua outstretched his hand, offering the to-go cup to Melt.
Melt felt the heat rise to his cheeks as he accepted the coffee, but he seemed equally confused. “Why did you pay for it..? I mean, I’m the one who invited you out. Don’t you think I should be the one paying?”
Let me do something nice for you, Melt wanted to say, let me repay you for everything you’ve done for me.
The corners of Aqua’s mouth curled upwards ever so slightly in a small smile. “Who knows?”
That cheeky asshole. Melt would find a way to get back at him, surely, no matter how much it took.
Melt moved to sit across from Aqua, and found himself distracted by his appearance more so than usual. He picked up on how his hair looked like it'd been styled intentionally, yet still messy, which suited Aqua quite well.
He noticed how soft Aqua's lips looked when they parted.
Wait, what?
Melt mentally shook his head, trying to get himself out of the clouds. If he kept it up, surely Aqua would pick up on his staring and probably think of him as weird. Assuming he hadn't already picked up on the staring, that is.
“Just because I suggested we meet up at a cafe does not mean we need to do it first thing in the morning,” Melt sighed as he softly rubbed his temple, still making some attempt at trying to wake himself up.
Aqua stared at Melt in a way that almost felt like he was urging Melt to continue, just slightly raising his eyebrow as a hint of interest gleamed in his gaze, just for a moment. “What did you have in mind then?”
“Okay, well, humor me for a moment, will you?” Melt spoke. “I.. I have some errands I need to run, so I thought it would be fun to do them together?” Melt sounded like he was questioning his own motivations. He mentally cursed himself for sounding so awkward, something that Aqua had definitely picked up on.
Melt's offer, or suggestion, piqued Aqua's interest, just a bit. "You couldn't think of anything else for us to do aside from running your errands?"
"H-hey!" Melt stammered out, the embarrassment from his suggestion was just now starting to set in. “It’s just because I’m already here, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone.”
“Sure, sure, keep telling yourself that.” Aqua waved his hand in a half joking way, a small smirk showing on his face, amused by Melt’s suggestion and his reaction. “I don’t mind tagging along. Not like I have much of a choice anyway, right?”
Melt’s eyes widened, he wasn’t expecting Aqua to agree so easily, considering their day wasn’t exactly the most planned out. “Right..”
The pair found themselves window shopping through the busy streets of downtown Tokyo. Truth be told, the only ‘errand’ that Melt needed to run was purchasing new clothes, something that he definitely could’ve done on his own. Aqua didn’t seem to mind being dragged from store to store, watching Melt try on silly outfits and asking for his opinion.
They walked side by side as the sun was setting in the distance. Melt felt bad for keeping Aqua out for so long, but the pair lost track of time, so maybe it wasn’t all that bad, and maybe Melt didn’t need to shoulder the guilt by himself. He just hoped that if Aqua wasn’t enjoying himself he’d speak up.
“Thanks,” Melt started, breaking the silence between the two of them, feeling heat rising to his cheeks, “for coming along with me today. You didn’t have to humor me like that, but you did, and honestly.. It means a lot to me.”
Melt mentally kicked himself for sounding so awkward when he spoke. He sounded like someone who was definitely pining for the other, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, because it was.
“It was fun,” Aqua smiled at Melt in a way that was reminiscent of their time during Tokyo Blade, “I had fun. We should do this again.”
There he goes again, playing with my heart.. Melt thought to himself as he felt his heartbeat quickening. He nodded his head in response to Aqua’s agreement.
Of course Melt wanted to do it again with Aqua. If given the chance, he’d want them to spend all of their free time together, enjoying casual moments just like these.
Melt worried about how long it would last, but he pushed those thoughts aside, opting to bask in the sun’s rays as he walked alongside Aqua.
———
Aqua found himself almost annoyed with the fact that he couldn’t get Melt out of his head.
Not that he’d ever admit that to anyone.
Melt kept questioning Aqua on why he was doing so much for the other, and in those moments Aqua found himself dancing around the question, offering some half-assed excuse of ‘who knows?’ despite the fact that he didn’t even know himself.
Maybe the reason Aqua was doing so much for Melt was because he enjoyed the company he provided.
Surely that had to be the answer he oh so desperately sought out, to explain the feelings Aqua started developing for Melt. Aqua didn't even fully understand them himself.
After all, Aqua still had the revenge plan to carry out, so he shouldn’t be allowing himself the privilege of developing those kinds of feelings—
No.
Aqua was finally freed from that obligation.
Would it be so wrong to pursue a relationship with someone he had interest in?
He didn’t know. Then again, there were a lot of things Aqua didn’t know.
———
Melt knew he was in trouble when his thoughts became even more occupied with ocean blue.
He’d found himself wanting to be in Aqua’s presence more and more as they continued to interact with each other, as their dynamic developed.
Melt found himself wanting to cling onto Aqua and never let him go.
After all.. he had no idea how long all of this would last.
Aqua’s warmth showing itself more and more was something Melt loved, but he worried it wouldn’t last. He was trying to mentally prepare himself for the worst, if it ever came to that.
Melt felt frustrated, both with himself and with Aqua, he could never tell what Aqua was thinking about. He wanted to know what Aqua thought of him, but like the coward he was, he would never actually pose that question, a part of him afraid of the answer Aqua would give him.
Melt hated feeling so negative. So, he tried to convince himself that everything would be fine, that his feelings for Aqua could be managed and would not interfere with their friendship.
At least they were friends. That itself was better than being acquaintances, or work partners.
Melt sighed as he pulled out his phone to text Aqua, a habit that he didn’t seem to mind all that much. He sent him a quick text asking when he’d like to hang out next and left it at that, figuring Aqua would respond in the morning.
———
A response never came.
Silence followed. Nothing to be heard from Aqua's end of things.
Melt worries he's done something wrong.
Of course he’d worry. He always fucked up every relationship he formed, why would this be any different?
His worries are never put to ease until he receives a text message from Aqua days later stating he needed time away from people.
Melt doesn't buy it. It doesn't satisfy his curiosity or put his worries to ease at all. Without thinking, he's quick to type out a reply, something along the lines of wanting to be someone Aqua could lean on in tough times.
He wanted it to be enough to break through Aqua's walls. To finally get him to open up.
Would it be enough?
All he receives in response is a dry 'thanks'. Melt can't help but laugh, a stray tear finding its way down his face.
No, of course not.
It was never enough.
He knew that, but he couldn't help continuing to try, regardless of how much it broke him.
Melt tosses his phone aside in an attempt to dissociate himself from the situation. He wanted to continue to console Aqua, to show he was serious about being a person who the other could lean on in tough times, but Melt refrained.
After all, he didn’t know the extent of what Aqua was going through.
Despite how much time they’d spent together, Melt still knew nothing about Aqua.
Actually, that was a lie.
Melt knew what lay underneath Aqua’s exterior, how gentle he truly was, how much Aqua cared for those around him, showing his care through smaller actions rather than words, easy to miss unless someone knew what to look for. The way his gaze would shift ever so lightly, the corners of his lips turning upright for just a split second. Melt noticed all of the small details no one else would ever pick up on.
He’d thought there was a spark between the two of them, a part of him hoping that Aqua’s softer side would stick around forever.
He thought wrong.
———
Aqua rubbed his temple as he set aside his phone, frustrated both with himself, and Melt’s utter stupidity to insist on comforting him. Didn’t he understand Aqua was a walking bomb, just waiting to self-destruct? There was no point in wasting energy on a person like him.
He had no energy or desire to argue with Melt over it, rather deciding to end the conversation on a dry note. A part of him wanted to desperately reach out to the one who was calling for him, to the one who wanted to save him, but he knew that was just a selfish desire of his, things were better like this after all.
Even if it hurt both of them in the long run.
Aqua’s relationship with Melt was only something that could provide him with temporary happiness. Finding out that his father was still alive, finding out that things weren’t really over for him in terms of his revenge plan, broke him.
To think, he’d actually found his happiness.
How naive.
Aqua would never admit to being hurt, burying that feeling so deep in his body to the point where only his subconscious was aware of it. He’d never admit to finding himself looking at Melt more often than he should, often meeting each other’s gaze in shared mutual feelings that neither of them wanted to admit to. He’d never admit to the feelings of discomfort and regret bubbling within him when he realized that the only viable option was to cut off Melt, for his own well being, despite how much he wanted to stay by his side, as selfish of a request it was.
Feelings that threatened to spill out at any given moment, despite Aqua’s stoic exterior, a storm was brewing on the inside.
All he had to do was give Melt the word, and he’d drop everything to be by Aqua’s side in his time of need.
Aqua knew that, but he also knew he didn’t deserve the privilege of knowing Melt’s sweet gaze, he didn’t deserve his loving eyes to fall onto him of all people.
He knew he had no right in taking advantage of something that, in his eyes, could never be his.
Aqua knew damn well he had no right to be developing the feelings he harbored towards Melt. No, Melt deserved someone less broken, less unpredictable, someone who wouldn't change at the drop of a hat.
Someone who could give him everything he'd ever wanted and more, everything he deserved.
Maybe in some other universe, it was meant to be, where Aqua would be the one gazing lovingly at Melt, caressing his fragile body gently in all the ways he deserved.
As it stood in this universe, that could never happen. Aqua knew that.
Narushima Melt deserved someone who wasn't Hoshino Aqua.
Aqua knew damn well he had no right to lead Melt with him on his journey to Hell, he had no right to destroy another along with his own internal demise, something that should remain to be his struggle, never allowing another to accompany him through it, or God forbid, help him through it. So he cut Melt off, ending things before it could get to that point, putting up more and more walls so that no one would ever be able to break through ever again and see Aqua for who he really was.
Allowing Melt to see even just a fracture of his true self was a slip up, a miscalculated decision, something that should’ve never happened.
With Melt out of the picture, Aqua planned to throw himself fully into his revenge plan, intending to do whatever necessary to get his revenge, no matter how much it destroyed him.
He planned on making himself unreachable. After all, he was a star.
Melt would long to reach for Aqua, but he’d never be able to.
At least by cutting Melt off, Aqua protected him from having to witness his own self-destruction.
Yet, a part of Aqua, no, the most broken part of Aqua was glad that someone had been able to see who he genuinely was, to see past all of his broken parts and still accept him despite it all.
He was grateful that it had been Melt, of all people, to see that side of him.
Aqua wished to be better for Melt, but this was the best he could do.
Melt wished to protect Aqua, but he was unreachable.