Archive of Our Own ^beta

---

 The Makochi sun still shone brightly over the town Umemiya knew so well. Three years had passed since graduation, and while time seemed to have changed some things, others remained the same. His shop, a small corner of calm amidst the hustle and bustle, was filled with hanging plants, vibrantly colored flowers, and the soft scent of fresh earth. The old wooden walls radiated the tranquility he loved so much. His backyard, now converted into a full-fledged orchard, was overflowing with vegetables and fruits that he carefully tended. 

Despite the peace that surrounded his life, there was one small concern he carried with him every day, an absence he had not been able to fill in those three years: Tsubaki. 

He vividly remembered the day Tsubaki told him of his plans. His friend was excited, with that sparkle in his eyes that always shone when he talked about his dreams, especially one he had kept close to his heart: to create a place where he could express his passion for pole dancing, a discipline that had captivated Tsubaki since his teenage years.

Tsubaki told him that he would be leaving the city, and although Umemiya was sad, he couldn't deny the pride he felt for him. 

"It's the best thing for you," he had told him, with a trembling smile that hid the true sadness he felt.

Years passed, and despite his attempts, contact with Tsubaki faded. The messages became less frequent until, eventually, they ceased. Umemiya didn't know what had happened in those three years, but that distance had settled into his life like a constant void. 

A month ago, while he was watering his garden, he received the news. Tsubaki had returned to Makochi. He heard about it from Hiragi, who had heard rumors about a new establishment in town, a bar that planned to open in a few months, and that supposedly belonged to Tsubaki. The idea filled him with anxiety, and for days, he debated whether to go look for it or wait for Tsubaki to contact him. Why hadn't he said anything? Why had he returned without notifying them? 

Finally, his curiosity and nostalgia got the better of him. 

The place was still under construction, with scaffolding surrounding the building and the sound of hammers echoing in the street. It was a large space, larger than he had imagined, and although there were still details to be worked out, Tsubaki’s unique style could already be seen in every corner. The exterior of the bar was dark and elegant, with a bright sign that hadn’t been fully put up yet. Umemiya could only imagine how spectacular it would look when it was finished.

He walked around the place, his hands in his pockets, taking in every detail carefully. A few people were working inside, moving furniture and fixing the lights, but there was no sign of Tsubaki. He felt a strange knot in his stomach, a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He hadn't seen his friend in so long that the possibility of meeting him again suddenly left him on edge. 

"Ume?" 

The voice startled him. He turned around immediately, and there he was. Tsubaki. 

He looked different. His hair was longer, his posture more relaxed, but there was something in his eyes, a shadow of tiredness that he didn't remember seeing before. Despite everything, Tsubaki was still as striking as ever, his style impeccable, with a dark shirt that fell over his shoulders, highlighting the slimness of his figure. 

"Tsubaki…" Umemiya could barely say his name. He felt overwhelmed by the wave of memories and emotions that suddenly hit him. 

 Tsubaki smiled, but it was a restrained, almost wary smile. He walked toward him, his step sure and graceful, as if those three years hadn’t passed. But when he got close enough, the familiarity between them felt heavy, as if time had put up an invisible barrier. 

“You look… good,” Umemiya said finally, his voice wavering. 

“You too,” Tsubaki replied, his eyes scanning Umemiya’s face as if he were trying to read something in it. There was a pause, an awkward moment when neither knew what to say. The absence of words filled the air, heavy with unasked questions.

“I heard you’ve been busy,” Tsubaki continued, seeking to keep the conversation light. “Leading the younger ones, carrying on the tradition… it seems things haven’t changed much.” 

“Things never really change,” Umemiya murmured, his voice soft but firm. 

There was another pause, and then they both laughed nervously. It was an empty laugh, but at its base was an understanding, an attempt to connect again, despite the emotional distance that had built up. 

“Why didn’t you tell us you came back?” The question came out before Umemiya could stop himself. 

Tsubaki looked down, the sparkle in his eyes fading for a second. “I didn’t know how… there’s so much that’s happened. Three years is a long time.” 

“Three years…” Umemiya repeated in a whisper, as if saying it out loud made the time between them more real. 

They fell silent, both caught up in their thoughts. Umemiya wanted to know everything that had happened, what Tsubaki had done in those years. But there was also a part of him that was afraid to ask, as if the truth might be too much. He felt like there was something hidden, something Tsubaki wasn't ready to say. 

"This place, it's impressive," Umemiya commented, looking around. "It's everything you ever wanted, isn't it?" 

Tsubaki nodded slowly. "Yes… but there's still a lot left to do." 

"I'll help you with whatever you need." Umemiya said it without thinking, an automatic promise, because that was what he had always done for Tsubaki. 

And as those words slipped between them, they both knew there was so much more to say.

Umemiya's promise to help with the place resonated in the air, but it wasn't just the bar's construction that needed to be fixed. There were invisible cracks, open wounds that time hadn't quite healed. They both knew the real unfinished business was between them. Three years of silence had left a void filled with unanswered questions, and now they were face to face again, but words were still trapped, unspoken feelings weighing on them. 

"When are you planning to open?" Umemiya asked, changing the subject, trying to ease the awkwardness that was beginning to grow between them. 

Tsubaki sighed, her eyes wandering around the place. "In a few months, I hope. There are a lot of details I still need to work out. It's not easy, but I like the challenge." 

The way he said it, the lightness in his tone, hid something deeper. Umemiya knew him well enough to know that Tsubaki wasn't being entirely honest. There was a shadow in his gaze, a burden he wasn't willing to share. But Umemiya didn't want to push him, not yet. They had plenty of time to catch up… or at least, he hoped so. 

"And what about you?" Tsubaki asked suddenly, as if he also wanted to avoid delving into what he was feeling. "I've heard you have a quiet life now, with the flower shop and all. That sounds pretty much like you." 

Umemiya laughed softly. "I guess I've settled down a bit. There aren't as many fights to lead anymore, and the younger ones are doing well. Sakura is a good leader. And truth be told, I like this life. The physical work, the plants… it calms me down." 

"It calms you down?" Tsubaki sighed wistfully. 

"Yes," Umemiya replied, smiling. "It's something that's always been with me." 

They both laughed, but again, silence enveloped them. It was a nervous laugh, but not unpleasant. They knew they were testing the waters, trying to rediscover what they had once shared. Umemiya noticed that Tsubaki was thinner, his cheekbones more prominent, his body more streamlined, but there was also a fragility to him that he didn’t remember. It wasn’t just the physical change, it was like the air around him was heavier, like something invisible was pushing down. 

“We should go out with the others,” Umemiya said finally, trying to inject some normality into the conversation. “Everyone is eager to see you. Sakura, Hiragi, Mizuki… they’ve all been asking about you.”

Tsubaki smiled, but that shadow in his eyes returned. "I know. And I want to see them… I'm just… not ready yet." 

"You're not ready?" Umemiya looked at him with a mix of confusion and concern. "Ready for what?" 

Tsubaki looked away, avoiding his eyes. "It's just… there are things I haven't told you. Things I'd… rather keep quiet for now." 

Umemiya frowned. He knew something wasn't right, but he didn't want to push it either. "Tsubaki, whatever happened, we're here for you. We always have been. You don't have to face it alone." 

Tsubaki gave him a sad smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "I know. And I appreciate that, Ume. But some things… some things are easier to handle alone." 

Umemiya didn't say anything for a moment. It was clear that Tsubaki wasn't ready to open up, and while that frustrated him, he understood that he had to give him space. However, the worry didn't go away. What had happened in those three years? What was he keeping secret? 

--- 

Over the next few weeks, Umemiya began visiting the bar regularly, helping with small details, like choosing the poster design or suggesting some changes to the stage layout. Although his conversations with Tsubaki remained cordial, they couldn't help the emotional distance that lingered between them. However, Umemiya's company seemed to lighten the load on Tsubaki's shoulders a little. Sometimes, as they worked in silence, Tsubaki would catch him watching him, as if he was searching for something, a sign of what was really going on with him. 

One afternoon, as they adjusted the lights on the stage, Umemiya decided to broach the subject he'd been avoiding. "Tsubaki, I haven't meant to pressure you, but I feel like something isn't right." His words came out slowly, carefully. “If there’s something you want to tell me, anything, you can do it. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

Tsubaki stopped short, his hands shaking slightly as she adjusted one of the lamps. She didn’t meet his eyes, but her voice, though soft, revealed an inner struggle. “You know, sometimes I wish I could go back… to how things were before. Everything was simpler. You, me, Bofurin, Makochi… But the dreams we pursue, the decisions we make, they change things. And sometimes, the consequences are bigger than we imagine.”

Umemiya stepped closer, his hand lightly squeezing Tsubaki’s shoulder in a gesture of support. “No matter what it is, we’ll get through it together. We’ve always been together, even when we’re not talking. That doesn’t change.”

Tsubaki gulped, pulling away slightly, still not looking at him. “Ume, there are things that… you can’t fix.” His voice cracked for a second, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed. 

The silence that followed was heavy, laden with emotions neither of them knew how to express. Umemiya wanted to hug him, to tell him everything would be okay, but something told him it wasn't time yet. There was so much more beneath the surface, something they weren't ready to face yet.

That night, Umemiya couldn’t sleep. Tsubaki’s words kept repeating in his mind, and the worry he had felt from the beginning had now intensified. He knew there was something else, something Tsubaki was jealously guarding. He decided he couldn’t just leave things like that. The next day, he would go find the others. He would talk to Hiragi, to Mizuki, to Sakura… perhaps they had noticed something too. They couldn’t keep pretending that everything was okay when it clearly wasn’t. 

What Umemiya didn’t know was that, in his small apartment above the bar, Tsubaki sat alone, staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. His hand rested on his abdomen, where he felt a slight twinge, a constant reminder of his reality. The truth he had hidden from everyone.

----

The change in Tsubaki was almost immediate. It seemed that with each passing day, he regained a little more of that spark that had always defined him. Umemiya noticed how the tiredness he had previously seen in his eyes began to fade, replaced by something he hadn't seen in a long time: energy, that vitality that Tsubaki had always had, that strength that had driven him since adolescence. 

One afternoon, Tsubaki appeared at Umemiya's shop without warning, looking more lively than usual. 

"Let's go see Sakura!" Tsubaki said with a smile that seemed to light up the room. "It's time we stopped hiding and went out like before." 

Umemiya, surprised but relieved, stopped what he was doing. He had been worried about Tsubaki for days, about those little gestures that hinted that there was still something wrong. But seeing him now, with so much energy, wanting to reconnect with his friends, filled him with renewed hope. 

 "Are you sure?" Umemiya asked with a smirk. "Lest you get tired and blame me later." 

Tsubaki laughed, a warm and familiar sound that filled Umemiya with nostalgia. "You'd be surprised how much energy I have left. I'm ready to see the others. Come on, Ume!"

The sun was beginning to set as the two of them walked through the streets of Makochi. The air was filled with that warm feeling of late summer, and everything seemed to be in its place. They passed several places that brought back memories of their youth. The old ramen shop where they used to go after fights; the park where they would meet up with Hiragi, Mizuki, Momose, and little Sakura with their group, to plan strategies; the streets where they had so often run together. 

"It's strange, isn't it?" Tsubaki said, looking around nostalgically. "Three years have passed, but everything is still the same. It's like time has stopped here." 

Umemiya nodded, hands in his pockets. "Yes, but it's changed too. Sakura has done a great job keeping things in order. And now that you're back, everything seems more... complete." 

Tsubaki glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, and although she didn't say anything, a soft smile formed on her lips. There was something in Umemiya's words that resonated with him, something that made him feel that despite everything he had been through, he still had a place here.

Arriving at Furin, the old school looked much the same, but there was something about the atmosphere that was different. The next generation of students had taken over under Sakura's leadership, and while the place was still strong and respected, the influence of a new era was noticeable. 

Sakura greeted them with a small smile at the entrance. "Tsubaki! Umemiya! It's good to see you!" His energy was the same, slightly surly but also gentle and welcoming, and within minutes, the three of them were walking through the halls like old times. 

Hiragi and Mizuki were quick to join in, and before long, everyone was laughing and reminiscing about the past, talking about fights they'd won, pranks they'd gotten into, and tough times they'd gotten through together. 

"It's like we haven't changed at all," Hiragi said, looking around with a smile. "But at the same time, we've changed so much." 

 Tsubaki nodded, feeling that strange mix of familiarity and novelty. "Yeah, but it's good to be back. I missed this, all of you."

---

After a while, they decided to move on to Furin's gymnasium, a place full of memories. Sakura had made sure to keep it in perfect condition, and the younger ones trained there under her tutelage. The boys passing by looked at them with admiration, knowing they were in the presence of the school's legends. 

"This place will always be special," Mizuki commented, watching as the younger ones trained with dedication. "We trained here." 

"And now they're doing the same," Sakura added proudly. "They're following in the same footsteps as you, but also forging their own path like us." 

The conversation flowed naturally, and for the first time in a long time, Tsubaki truly felt at home. The energy he had regained filled him with an enthusiasm he hadn't felt in years. He allowed himself to enjoy the moment, laughing and joking with his friends like old times. 

--- 

Later, they settled into the small garden Sakura had tended behind the gymnasium. The cool night air was beginning to settle as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. 

“It’s good to have you back, Tsubaki,” Sakura said sincerely. “We missed you more than you know.” 

Tsubaki looked up at the sky for a moment before answering. “I missed you too. I guess I needed to be away to realize how much you all mean to me.” 

Umemiya, sitting next to him, watched out of the corner of his eye as Tsubaki spoke with such sincerity. For years, he had felt like something was missing, an absence he couldn’t fill, and now, with Tsubaki back, that emptiness was beginning to disappear. 

The night continued, and between laughter and memories, everything seemed perfect. Umemiya felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Seeing Tsubaki so lively, surrounded by his friends, filled him with relief. For a moment, he allowed that worry that had followed him since Tsubaki’s return to fade away. 

 “You know what the best thing about all this is?” Umemiya said, turning to Tsubaki as the others talked in the background. 

“What?” Tsubaki asked, looking at him curiously. 

“That after everything that’s happened, we’re still us. Three years may seem like a long time, but some things don’t change. This connection… will always be here.” 

Tsubaki smiled, a genuine smile, full of gratitude. “You’re right, Ume. Some things never change.” 

And in that moment, under the stars of Makochi, surrounded by their friends and the memories of a life they had left behind but that had never left them, Tsubaki and Umemiya allowed themselves to believe that, for a moment, everything was okay.

----

Days passed, and little by little life in Makochi began to resemble what it was before, albeit with a new maturity in the air. Tsubaki, with his renewed energy, integrated himself more into the gatherings with his friends, allowing himself to enjoy simple, everyday moments, as if he wanted to make up for lost years. The connection between him and Umemiya, although full of comfortable silences and furtive glances, seemed to blossom again. However, there was something in those moments of tranquility that made both of them realize how much they still felt for each other, feelings that, despite time, had never died out. 

One day, Umemiya suggested visiting Kotoha, his sister and Tsubaki's great friend. The idea excited Tsubaki, as he hadn't had the chance to see her since his return. "You know, I was always glad to spend time with Kotoha," Tsubaki said, smiling as they walked together to the Umemiya house. "She was like a sister to me too." 

"She loved spending time with you too," Umemiya replied with a warm smile. "She always asked about you when you left. It hurt her not to be able to say goodbye." 

Tsubaki felt a small pang of guilt. She had left too much unresolved when she left, too many conversations pending, too many feelings bottled up. 

---

Upon arriving at the house, Kotoha welcomed them with open arms. Her radiant smile filled the house with a warmth that had always characterized the Umemiya home. “Tsubaki! Finally!” Kotoha exclaimed, hugging him tightly. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you. Don’t disappear like that again.” 

Tsubaki laughed, hugging her back. “I promise I won’t.” His voice sounded soft, but deep down, a shadow of uncertainty enveloped him. What would happen if he had to leave again? How would he explain what was really happening? 

The three of them sat in the courtyard, where Kotoha had prepared a small tea for the occasion. Conversation flowed easily between them, reminiscing about days gone by, the jokes shared, and the pranks they used to get up to together. Umemiya watched his sister and Tsubaki interact, feeling a warmth he hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was as if the past had returned, as if everything was falling into place. Seeing them together again, sharing laughter and confidences, filled his chest with a satisfaction he couldn't describe. 

"This is what I always wanted," Umemiya thought as he watched them. "For everything to be okay again." 

However, the moment of peace didn't last long. Suddenly, Tsubaki began to sway slightly in his chair. He brought a hand to his nose, and to everyone's surprise, blood began to run down his fingers. Kotoha immediately stood up, alarmed, while Umemiya rushed to his side. 

"Tsubaki, are you okay?" Kotoha asked, her voice full of concern. 

Tsubaki blinked, trying to hide the dizziness that was taking over him. "I'm fine, it's just... I think I've been working too much. You know, with the whole bar thing..." His voice sounded weak, and although he tried to smile to reassure them, he couldn't hide the tiredness in his eyes. 

Umemiya looked at him with a frown. "Tsubaki, this isn't normal. You can't keep going like this, you should rest." 

Kotoha nodded quickly, supporting her brother. "Ume's right. You can't be working this late without getting proper rest. You'll get sick if you keep going like this." 

Tsubaki looked down, feeling guilty for having worried them. He couldn't tell them the truth, not yet. "I'm sorry... I promise I'll rest more. I've just been really excited about the whole bar thing." 

Umemiya, however, wasn't so easily convinced. "I don't think that's enough. I'm not going to let you overwork yourself, Tsubaki. You're staying at my house tonight. You can rest there, and tomorrow, if you feel better, we'll go ahead with everything else." 

Tsubaki blushed immediately, surprised by the invitation. "No, I don't want to bother you. I'm fine, really..." 

"It's not a bother," Umemiya insisted with a reassuring smile. "Besides, I want to show you some things around the house. I've made a lot of changes, and I'm sure you'll love seeing what I've done in the orchard." 

Kotoha chimed in, supporting the idea. "Ume's right, Tsubaki. You need to rest. Don't worry about bothering. Besides, it's been a long time since you've spent time with him. It'll be just like old times." 

Finally, Tsubaki relented, though her face was still tinged with a slight blush. "Okay, I'll stay. But just for tonight." 

---

That night, Tsubaki found himself at Umemiya's house, sitting in the backyard as he looked around at the vegetable garden Umemiya had so carefully cultivated. The plants were perfectly tended to, and the place exuded a peace that made Tsubaki feel more relaxed than he had in weeks. 

Umemiya appeared shortly after, a cup of hot tea in hand. "Here you go. This should help you relax." 

Tsubaki took the cup, grateful. "Thank you, Ume. This place is... amazing. I never imagined you'd have such a big vegetable garden." 

Umemiya sat down next to him, smiling proudly. "I've always wanted a quiet place, where I could grow my own things. It helps me get away from everything. And I'm glad you like it." 

The silence between them was comfortable, filled with shared memories and unspoken feelings. Even though they didn't say anything to each other, they both felt the weight of what had been left unfinished between them. Three years apart couldn't fade what had grown in their hearts, that special connection they'd always shared, even if they'd never put it into words. 

"You know, Tsubaki?" Umemiya broke the silence, looking up at the sky. "Sometimes I wonder if things would have been different if we'd talked more before you left." 

Tsubaki glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, feeling a lump forming in her throat. "I wonder that sometimes too. But... I think I needed that time to figure out some things for myself." 

"And now that you're back..." Umemiya left the sentence hanging in the air, as if he didn't know exactly how to continue. 

"Now that I'm back," Tsubaki repeated quietly, feeling her heart beat faster. "I feel like there's still so much to say, but I don't know where to start." 

Umemiya smiled softly, placing a hand on Tsubaki's shoulder. "You don't have to rush, Tsubaki. We have time. And I'll be here to listen to whatever you want to share, whenever you're ready." 

Tsubaki nodded, grateful for Umemiya's patience. But deep down, he knew that time was not on his side. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to share, but he was afraid that when he finally did, it would be too late. 

For now, he decided to enjoy the moment. Being next to Umemiya, feeling the warmth of his presence and the familiarity of their friendship, was all he needed in that instant. The future, with all its unknowns, could wait a little longer. 

---

The end of summer was approaching, and with it came the opportunity for the beach getaway everyone had been waiting for. Umemiya was the one who organized the trip, determined to give Tsubaki and the group something to enjoy, something that would remind them of the times when everything was simpler, when worries seemed distant and shared moments were all that mattered. 

"It'll do us good to disconnect a little," Umemiya had said when proposing the idea. Tsubaki accepted without hesitation, although her mind was full of conflicting thoughts. She knew her situation was delicate, but the idea of ​​spending time with her friends, of feeling like she used to, was something she couldn't refuse. 

The day of the trip arrived, and Tsubaki appeared on the beach in a long, light, airy white dress with blue edges that fluttered in the sea breeze. Underneath, she wore a swimsuit that covered most of her body, not so much out of modesty, but to avoid any curious glances at the scars that still marked her skin. However, that didn't diminish his appeal at all; in fact, he looked more ethereal than ever, as if the sea and sky had enveloped him in some sort of luminous aura. 

Umemiya watched him arrive from a distance and felt his heart skip a beat. It was as if every time he saw Tsubaki, he relived the feelings he'd always had for him, but this time, they were more intense, deeper. "How can he make me feel this way, even after all this time?" he thought, as he watched him approach. 

"Wow, Tsubaki, you look amazing!" Kotoha exclaimed with a sincere smile, running to hug him. Tsubaki, blushing, returned the hug fondly. 

"Thank you, Kotoha. You look great too," he replied, trying not to seem too aware of the gazes he felt on him, especially Umemiya's. 

 The rest of the group was already settled on the beach: Sakura, Nirei, Suo, Sugishita, Kiryuu, and Tsugeura. They had all brought food for the barbecue, towels, and contagious laughter that filled the air. It was as if time hadn't passed, as if they were back to being those carefree kids who used to get together with no worries other than the next race or fight. 

"Come on, guys, the barbecue isn't going to do itself!" shouted Umemiya, lighting the fire while the others laid out the food. 

The afternoon passed between jokes, food, and memories. Tsubaki, sitting on the sand next to Umemiya, watched the sea while the others talked and laughed around them. Kotoha and Sakura were nearby, chatting animatedly, while Nirei and Suo argued about who was better at making sand castles.

Umemiya, for his part, couldn't stop staring at Tsubaki. Even though the atmosphere was light and festive, there was something about Tsubaki's calm expression that touched him deeply. He knew they had been through a lot, and yet, here they were, together, sharing another moment as if nothing had changed. But in reality, everything had changed. 

"What are you thinking about?" Umemiya asked, moving a little closer to Tsubaki, his voice soft but filled with curiosity. 

Tsubaki turned his head to look at him, a small, almost melancholic smile curving her lips. "Just... how good it feels to be here again. With all of you. Sometimes it feels like time hasn't passed." 

Umemiya nodded, feeling the same. "It's true. It's like, despite everything that's happened, we're still us." 

There was a moment of silence, one of those that doesn't need to be filled because it already says it all. But before he could get too serious, Umemiya stood up suddenly, smirking. “You know what? I think you need to cool off a bit.”

Tsubaki looked at him, confused. “What do you mean—?”

Before he could finish his sentence, Umemiya grabbed his hand and pulled him into the water. “Umemiya, wait!” Tsubaki exclaimed, giggling nervously, but Umemiya had already dragged him to the shore, where a small wave washed over them.

“I told you! You needed this!” Umemiya shouted, laughing loudly as Tsubaki tried to stand in the water.

Tsubaki, soaked but laughing, decided to strike back. With one hand, he began splashing water in Umemiya’s direction. “Ah, no, you’re not getting away with this!”

 The two began a water fight, giggling like children, ignoring the curious glances of the others who, instead of interfering, just stared with nostalgic smiles. Seeing Tsubaki and Umemiya so close, so carefree, reminded them of the old days, when life was simpler and the bonds between them were unbreakable. 

Kotoha, in particular, felt especially touched seeing them like this. She knew how important Tsubaki had been to her brother, and how much his absence had affected Umemiya. Seeing them together again, joking and laughing like before, filled her heart with warmth. "The two of them always had something special," Kotoha thought, smiling softly. 

When they finally decided to get out of the water, soaked but happy, the sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky orange and pink hues. The barbecue was in full swing, and laughter and conversation flowed freely between everyone.

Nirei came over with a tray of food. “Come on, guys! Don’t be left behind. The last meal is ready.”

Tsubaki and Umemiya joined the group, sitting on the sand around a small bonfire they had lit. As they ate, artificial lights began to illuminate the sky, creating a magical atmosphere that encapsulated everything that night meant.

Nirei and Kiryuu began to argue about the food, while Tsugeura teased Suo by returning his jokes with some sarcastic comment that only Suo could make sound funny. Sakura and Kotoha chatted quietly, while Sugishita sat quietly listening to their conversation, and in the middle of it all, Umemiya and Tsubaki exchanged knowing glances and smiles.

At one point, Tsubaki, feeling completely at peace, let her head fall on Umemiya’s shoulder. It was a small gesture, almost imperceptible to the others, but to Umemiya it was everything. His heart beat faster, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he simply let Tsubaki rest there, feeling the warmth of his presence. 

"Tsubaki..." Umemiya murmured after a while, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm happy you're here." 

Tsubaki didn't respond immediately, but her hand, which rested near Umemiya's, moved slightly, brushing against his own. It was a gentle gesture, but meaningful. 

"Me too, Ume. Me too."

---

The morning was cool and calm as Tsubaki and Umemiya walked together to the soon-to-be-opened bar. The excitement on Tsubaki's face was undeniable; every step he took was done with energy, talking quickly about how he had dreamed of this project for so long. To him, the bar represented not only a workspace, but also a place where he could be himself, where his friends could gather and relax, away from the chaos of everyday life. 

"I want everyone to be here on opening day," Tsubaki said, looking at Umemiya with a smile that made his heart beat faster than he would have cared to admit. "The Furin boys, the Sakaki twins... and you, Umemiya. It would be great if you could be here on that day." 

Umemiya, with his usual laughing smile, nodded. "Of course I will be, Tsubaki. I wouldn't miss this for the world." 

Seeing Tsubaki so happy and excited made him feel something he couldn't ignore. Every time he saw him laugh or speak passionately, his heart seemed to beat faster, a warmth taking over him, making him blush. “Tsubaki really is beautiful,” Umemiya thought, with a mix of admiration and something he could no longer deny as simple fondness. 

Arriving at the bar, Tsubaki showed Umemiya every corner of the place with pride. The carefully arranged tables, the stage where he planned to host small concerts, and even the bar area, with gleaming bottles lined up, everything seemed perfectly thought out. It was a reflection of Tsubaki: careful, passionate, and full of life. 

“It’s impressive, Tsubaki,” Umemiya said, looking at his friend in admiration. “You’ve done an amazing job.” 

Tsubaki smiled from ear to ear. “Thank you. I want this place to be special, a place where we can all relax and have fun. And you know, I also thought about inviting other groups we know. Maybe do events together.” 

 Umemiya couldn't help but notice how excited Tsubaki was, and that made him even more irresistible. There was something about his energy, his passion, that left him completely enthralled.

---

After a while they went up to Tsubaki's house, which was above the bar. 

"I'll make something for us to eat," Tsubaki suddenly said, pointing to the small kitchen at the back of the house. "I won't be long." 

"Great, I'm hungry," Umemiya replied, plopping down on one of the comfortable sofas nearby. His smile was wide, and the warmth of the atmosphere made him feel incredibly comfortable. That night, Tsubaki had invited him to stay at her house, and although they used to do so from time to time, lately it felt different. There was a new closeness between them that Umemiya couldn't ignore. 

As he waited, his eyes wandered around the living room. Everything was perfectly organized, as one would expect from someone like Tsubaki, who always cared about the details. However, something in the corner of the living room caught his attention. On a small table near the television, there was a jar with its lid open. 

Curiosity led him to get up and approach. Inside the bottle, he saw what looked like pills, but upon closer look, he realized the labels were in another language. “What is this?” he thought, feeling a slight uneasiness. The pills didn’t look familiar, and the fact that they were in another language only added to his concern. 

Just then, Tsubaki appeared with a tray of snacks, his expression relaxed and smiling. But upon seeing Umemiya near the small table, his expression changed for a brief second. It was a flash of surprise, something he quickly hid with his characteristic calm. 

“Do you take pills?” Umemiya asked, unable to help but sound puzzled. It was a direct question, but laden with concern. 

Tsubaki, maintaining his composure, answered quickly, as if he had already anticipated that Umemiya might ask. “Ah, yes. They’re just vitamins.” She smiled, placing the tray on the table and sitting down next to him. "I use them when I have busy days, they help me keep my energy up. A friend from Tokyo recommended them to me. They're quite effective, especially when you're exhausted." 

Although the explanation was fluid and convincing, something in Tsubaki's gaze made him hesitate. Umemiya knew him too well, and although he wanted to trust him, he couldn't ignore the feeling of unease that had invaded him upon seeing that bottle. 

However, he decided not to insist. Tsubaki had always been reserved about certain aspects of his life, and if he didn't want to share more details at that moment, Umemiya would respect that. "If he says they're vitamins, then that's it," he thought, although worry still lingered in his mind.

"I guess you must be exhausted with all this bar stuff," Umemiya commented, changing the subject as he took one of the snacks Tsubaki had prepared. 

"Yes, it's been hard work, but it'll be worth it," Tsubaki replied with a smile, relaxing a little more. "I want everything to be perfect for the opening. I want everyone to feel good here." 

The night continued in a calm manner, between warm conversations and laughter. They talked about old times, about the races and battles they had shared with Furin, about the dreams they had for the future. Umemiya, despite the small worry he still had in the back of his mind, couldn't help but feel incredibly happy to be there, to share those moments with Tsubaki. 

At some point in the conversation, Tsubaki settled closer to him, resting his head on his shoulder, something that seemed to have become a habit between them. Umemiya felt his heart racing again, but this time he didn't try to hide it. He accepted the feeling, allowing himself to enjoy Tsubaki's closeness, his warmth, the serenity that only he could offer him. 

"Thank you for staying today, Ume," Tsubaki murmured, his voice soft and calm. "It's good to have you here."

Umemiya smiled, his hand resting gently on Tsubaki's. "I'll always be here for you, Tsubaki. Always." 

And though the words were simple, the weight of what they meant was much deeper. To Umemiya, Tsubaki was more than a friend, more than someone he shared moments with. he was someone who had changed his life, who made him feel things he was only just beginning to understand. And though he didn't say it out loud, he knew that no matter what, he would always want to be by his side.

--- 

The night passed without incident at Tsubaki's house. After the warm conversations and the relaxed atmosphere, they both fell asleep on the couch, side by side. The dim light coming through the window bathed the place in a soft glow, and in that tranquility, Umemiya allowed himself to watch Tsubaki as she slept. Her relaxed features, the gentle movement of her breathing, and that feeling of protection that had always invaded him when they were together, was now stronger than ever. 

Tsubaki was not only beautiful, but he was also someone who had come to touch his life in a profound way. The smiling and carefree Umemiya had always felt something special for him, although now that feeling seemed much more intense, as if every small gesture or glance between them tied him more to his friend. 

In the morning, the sun filtered through the curtains, slowly awakening them both. Tsubaki was the first to open his eyes, finding Umemiya's head resting close to his own. He allowed himself a moment of contemplation, smiling softly before carefully getting up so as not to wake him. After all, there was still a lot to do before the bar's grand opening.

A few weeks later... 

The day had finally arrived. Tsubaki's bar was almost ready for the opening, and he couldn't be more excited. He had sent out invitations to everyone in Furin, making sure that both his close friends and those he had shared good times with over the years were present. The Sakaki twins, Suo, Sakura, Kotoha... they were all important parts of his life, and they couldn't be missing. 

As he finished arranging the last details on the stage, Tsubaki couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and joy. Seeing that place filled with people he loved, sharing laughter and memories, was something he had always dreamed of. It was his refuge, his safe space, and knowing that Umemiya would be there, among them all, made him feel a special warmth. 

Umemiya arrived at the bar mid-afternoon to take a look around before the opening. "How's everything going, Tsubaki?" he asked as he walked in, his carefree smile on his face. But behind that smile, he felt something else. Ever since the night he had seen the bottle of pills, his concern for Tsubaki had not entirely disappeared. 

Tsubaki turned around, grinning from ear to ear. "Everything is almost ready! I'm so excited, Ume. It's like all the hard work has finally paid off." 

The enthusiasm in Tsubaki's voice was contagious, and Umemiya couldn't help but feel happy for him, though that small uneasiness still lingered in his mind. "I'm so glad to see you so lively," Umemiya said, moving closer to take in the details of the place. "It's amazing what you've done here, Tsubaki. I'm proud of you." 

Tsubaki's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Thank you, Ume. That means a lot to me." 

As the hours passed, Tsubaki showed Umemiya every nook and cranny of the place. The bar, where he hoped to serve the best cocktails in town, the small stage for live performances, and even the kitchen, where he had been working on some special recipes for that night. 

 "Are you going to do something special during the opening?" Umemiya asked, sitting down on one of the high stools at the bar. 

"Well..." Tsubaki smiled playfully. "I have some surprises planned. I can't reveal everything yet." 

Umemiya laughed, nodding. "I suspected you'd say something like that. You can't help but be mysterious."

They returned to Tsubaki's house again

Tsubaki approached the kitchen, mentioning that she was going to prepare a quick snack for the two of them. Umemiya, while waiting, got up again to walk around the place. He walked to the living room, where the minimalist and elegant decoration highlighted the essence of the house. Everything seemed perfectly calculated, as if every detail was there to reflect Tsubaki's personality. 

It was then that his eyes fell on the small table next to the TV again. The bottle of pills was still there, this time with the lid tightly closed. Umemiya approached once more, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. He remembered Tsubaki's explanation about the vitamins, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something else was going on. 

Before he could think about it any further, Tsubaki appeared again, with a tray of snacks in hand. "Ready. A little preview of what we'll be serving tonight." 

Umemiya quickly turned around, trying to hide his concern. "It smells delicious," he said, taking a snack. But his mind kept turning over what he had seen. "You should take a break after all this," he added in a casual tone. "I don't want you to end up exhausted from all this work." 

Tsubaki glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, as if she understood the true meaning behind those words. But, true to form, she simply smiled. "I will, I promise. I just need to make sure everything goes perfectly tonight." 

Dinner at Café Photos..

That same night, the closest friends gathered at Café Photos, a place that was practically a second home for them already. The idea was to celebrate the weekend that was about to come, the same one in which Tsubaki's bar would finally open its doors. 

The atmosphere in the café was warm and familiar. The hanging lights created a cozy atmosphere, and the tables were arranged so that the group could all sit together, like in the old days. 

Tsubaki was especially lively that night. He had ordered his favorite dish and kept joking around with Hiragi and the Sakaki twins, who seemed just as excited as he was about the opening of the bar. 

"I can't believe it's all ready," Nirei said as he took a sip of his drink. "I remember when you were just starting out with the idea." 

"It's amazing how fast time has passed," Momose commented, smiling softly. "I'm so proud of you, Tsubaki. You've worked so hard for this." 

Tsubaki, blushing at the compliment, looked down for a second before replying. "Thank you, but I couldn't have done it without you. You've been my support every step of the way." 

Umemiya, sitting next to him, watched in silence. Seeing Tsubaki so happy, so full of life, made his heart beat faster than usual. There was something about that energy, about the way Tsubaki radiated light, that took his breath away.

As the laughter continued at the table, Umemiya allowed himself to get lost in his thoughts for a moment. Despite all the joy, he couldn't get the bottle of pills he'd seen at Tsubaki's house out of his head. Were they really just vitamins? The uneasiness kept coming back, but he decided not to mention it. He didn't want to ruin the moment. 

Kotoha, who was sitting across from Tsubaki, looked at him with a mischievous smile. "So, do you have any surprises planned for the opening yet?" 

Tsubaki laughed, throwing his head back. "Maybe... maybe not. They'll just have to wait and see." 

"Always so mysterious, Kiryuu joked, gently punching Tsubaki on the arm. "But I can't wait. I know it'll be something great." 

The conversation continued to flow for hours. The cafe was filled with memories, jokes, and promises to continue supporting each other, no matter what happened. For Umemiya, those kinds of moments were what made everything worthwhile. The bond he shared with his friends, and especially Tsubaki, was something he never wanted to lose. 

After dinner, the group decided to stay a little longer at the cafe, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Tsubaki, still smiling, watched everyone fondly. This was the kind of life he had always dreamed of, surrounded by the people he loved, watching how every little step led him to something bigger.

The night at Café Photos was perfect. The laughter, the jokes, and the energy between the friends was contagious, especially with the impending opening of Tsubaki's bar. As dinner came to a close, and the group began to disperse, Tsubaki approached Umemiya. "I'm going to invite Kotoha to stay at my house tonight, we have a lot to talk about," he said, his tone carefree. 

Umemiya nodded warmly, though he couldn't help but let his mind wander back to the pill bottle. He had decided not to ask yet, but the worry remained in the back of his mind. "Sounds good to me," he replied, smiling softly. "Just make sure you get some rest. I know you, and I know you'll probably be thinking of a thousand things for the opening." 

Tsubaki chuckled. "I promise I will." 

Kotoha, excited at the thought of spending the night with Tsubaki, immediately agreed. "It'll be like old times!" she exclaimed, her excitement shining in her eyes. The two had always shared a special bond, almost like sisters. 

---

Back at Tsubaki's house, the atmosphere was calm. They went straight up to his room, where Kotoha instantly felt at home. The decor, the little details, and Tsubaki's personal items made the space feel so intimate and full of his essence. It was as if every corner of the room spoke of who he was, his tastes, and his unique style. 

Tsubaki, meanwhile, was filled with excitement. He had told Kotoha about the surprise he had prepared for the bar's opening: his dear friend Shizuka, the star of the place, would be the main performer for the night, and Kanji, her now husband and manager, would be back to support her. Kotoha couldn't help but smile and feel a tingle of excitement at the news. "I can't believe it! Shizuka and Kanji back! This is going to be amazing, Tsubaki," she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. 

 "It's going to be a great night, I'm sure of it," Tsubaki replied with a wide smile, but there was something else in his gaze, something Kotoha couldn't quite decipher. 

After a while of talking and laughing, Tsubaki decided to prepare a special snack for the night. "I'm going to the kitchen to prepare something quick, I won't be long," he told Kotoha, leaving her alone in his room.

Kotoha, relaxed and comfortable, began to walk around the room, admiring the things that Tsubaki had so carefully arranged. It was a space that reflected her spirit, with personal touches that made it warm and welcoming. However, as she walked near the vanity, something caught her eye. There was a small open box, and inside it, a pile of papers stacked in a messy manner. Her curiosity prompted her to approach it, thinking that perhaps it was something related to the opening of the bar, a surprise that Tsubaki was keeping. 

As she took the first paper, something in her expression changed immediately. Her eyes scanned the words, but the content was not what she expected. As she read, her heart began to race. The words "stage 2 stomach cancer" and "surgery" jumped out from the paper, and as she moved forward, the reality of what she was reading hit her hard. "No... this can't be..." she thought, feeling her world falling apart. 

 Kotoha slumped onto the bed, the paper still in her hands, shaking. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. The idea that Tsubaki had gone through something so devastating and had never told her... it was simply incomprehensible. "How could he have kept something like that himself? Why didn't he tell me?"

She was devastated. She felt like she was gasping for air, like the weight of this newly discovered truth was crushing her. In her mind, questions piled up without answers. Her best friend, her soul brother, had faced something so terrifying, so painful, and she hadn't been there for him. It was an unbearable feeling, a mix of sadness, confusion, and deep pain. 

Just then, Tsubaki came up the stairs, carrying the snacks she had prepared in her hands. he entered the room with a smile on his face, but that smile immediately faded when she saw Kotoha sitting on the bed, her face soaked in tears, holding the paper she had found. 

The color drained from Tsubaki's face. he knew exactly what Kotoha had discovered. The air in the room grew heavy, and a feeling of inevitability settled in Tsubaki's chest. 

"Kotoha..." he whispered, setting the tray down on the floor. Tears began to fill his eyes. he knew this moment would come sooner or later, but he never wanted it to be like this. “This isn’t how I wanted you to know…” 

Kotoha looked up, still crying. Her voice was shaking when she was finally able to speak. “Why, Tsubaki? Why didn’t you ever say anything? Why did you keep this from me?” The anguish in her voice was palpable. She felt a mix of anger and pain, unable to understand how Tsubaki had endured something so big without telling her. 

Tsubaki was silent for a moment, trying to find the right words, but all she felt was the weight of the past three years. “I didn’t want to worry anyone,” he said at last, his voice cracking. “It was something I had to face… alone. I didn’t want you to carry my pain.” 

Kotoha shook her head, unable to accept what she heard. “But we’re family, Tsubaki! How could you go through all this alone? Why didn’t you trust us?” 

Tsubaki sat down beside her, tears beginning to flow freely down his face. “It… it was too much, Kotoha. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know how to process it. Everything happened so fast… the surgery, the recovery. I lost so much, physically and emotionally. I was scared, but I didn’t want you guys to know. I didn’t want you to see me as someone weak or… broken.” 

Kotoha looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. “Tsubaki, we would never see you like this.

Never! You're my best friend, I love you, how could you think we'd be better off without knowing?" 

The pain in Kotoha's voice made Tsubaki close his eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to come out even harder. "I know... I know now. But at that time, I felt so alone. I couldn't deal with it all, and I thought that if I moved on, if I focused on other things, I could leave it behind." 

"Leave it behind?" Kotoha repeated, incredulous. "Tsubaki, this isn't something you can just leave behind. It's part of you, part of your story!" 

Tsubaki looked at her, deep sadness reflected in her eyes. "I was so scared, Kotoha... Scared that if you guys knew what had happened, things would change. I didn't want you to look at me with pity. I didn't want to be the one who survived, the one who was on the brink of... losing everything." 

Kotoha, still with tears in her eyes, took Tsubaki's hands. "Tsubaki... I would never look at you with pity. None of us would. You're strong, stronger than you realize. But you also have the right not to be sometimes. You don't have to carry everything alone." 

Tsubaki nodded slowly, Kotoha's words sinking deep into her heart. For so long, she had built walls around herself, trying to keep her pain at bay, but at that moment, in front of her dearest friend, those walls began to crumble. 

"I'm sorry..." Tsubaki whispered, his shoulders shaking as he finally let out the pent-up pain. "I'm so sorry, Kotoha. I didn't want you to know this way. I didn't want to hurt you." 

Kotoha hugged him tightly, saying nothing more. Their tears mingled as they clung to each other, silently sharing the pain, fear, and relief they could finally feel at having no more secrets between them. 

The night that began as a celebration of friendship and emotion was now transforming into one of deep, painful, but necessary confessions.

Now with this shocking revelation, Kotoha said that this should no longer be a secret, their friends had to know, especially Umemiya, who was the one who suffered the most from his absence, Tsubaki refused, he was very scared and did not want to cause more pain, Kotoha was still with her emotions at the top, she did not want to argue with Tsubaki but it was a very delicate situation, it all made sense now, the times they looked at Tsubaki quite delicate making excuses that it was because of work, it made sense, she blamed herself for not having worried more before, Kotoha came down from the stairs refusing to leave this as a secret, Tsubaki begged her please not to say anything, while they discussed Tsubaki's stomach cancer.

Umemiya who had supposedly left his worry behind had entered the house because he could not sleep without waiting for an answer, he heard that inside Tsubaki's residence there was an argument, upon hearing the word cancer, he froze and opened the door leaving Tsubaki and Kotoha in silence and with eyes wide open, Umemiya looking between Tsubaki and Kotoha, it was such a slow silence, Umemiya still hadn't processed well what he just heard, Tsubaki? Cancer?

The silence in the room seemed to have solidified, heavy and impenetrable. Tsubaki was frozen in place, watching as Kotoha, her eyes still filled with tears, blurted out the news in the crudest way possible. And then, she was gone, slamming the door behind her with a force that resonated throughout the house. 

The echo of the door closing disappeared, and all that remained was that same crushing silence between Umemiya and Tsubaki. 

Umemiya's eyes remained fixed on Tsubaki, but there was no clarity in them. It was as if the words hadn't quite fit together yet, as if his mind couldn't process what he had heard. The usual sparkle in his gaze was gone, replaced by a haze of confusion and, little by little, a pain that settled deep within him being. 

"Tsubaki..." he began to say, but his voice sounded distant, broken, almost as if it wasn't his. he took a step towards him, but then stopped abruptly, unable to continue. "You... had cancer?"

The word “cancer” felt heavy as it came out of his mouth, almost unreal. Umemiya couldn’t understand it, couldn’t take in that Tsubaki, his friend , his closest companion, and now possibly his lover, had gone through something so devastating, and worst of all, in complete silence. 

Tsubaki couldn’t hold Umemiya’s gaze for long. He knew this moment would come, but he had never imagined how painful it would be to face it. He swallowed, feeling the dryness in his throat, and tried to speak, but his voice came out in a muffled whisper. 

“Yes… but… I didn’t want anyone to know,” he muttered, the words escaping with effort, as if they could barely get out. 

Umemiya’s face twisted in pain and confusion. His hands began to shake slightly as he clenched them into fists, trying to find some control, something to anchor him in that moment, but nothing seemed enough. The room spun around him. 

 "Why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you trust us?" The desperation in his voice was evident. "Why did you leave without a word? You left us... you left me..."

Umemiya put a hand to his head, as if the weight of everything he had just heard was too much to bear. The confusion and pain were too intense to hold back. His mind drifted back to all those times when Tsubaki had been absent, all those days when he had felt like something was missing. He understood now why Tsubaki always made excuses, always seemed exhausted. But at the same time, he couldn't bear the thought of Tsubaki having endured all of this alone. 

Tsubaki tried to reach out to him, but tears were already clouding his vision. He didn't know what to say, he didn't know how to ease that pain he saw in Umemiya's eyes, a pain he himself had caused by hiding the truth. But at that moment, he was also scared. Scared that his decision to say nothing had broken something irreparable between them. 

"I didn't want to be a burden, Umemiya..." Tsubaki sobbed softly, his words barely audible.

Umemiya let out a deep sob. He shook his head as he looked down, his shoulders hunching under the weight of what he had just discovered. 

“A burden?” he repeated, disbelief burning inside him. He looked up slowly, his eyes glistening with tears he struggled to hold back. “Did you really think that was what you would be to me? That you could ever be a burden?” 

The pain in his voice was palpable, and his breathing became more and more ragged. With each passing second he felt something inside him break a little more. He brought his hands to his head, squeezing hard, as if he wanted to erase what he had just heard. 

“I don’t understand… I can’t… how could you carry all of this alone? I was here!” he cried, his voice torn with pain. “I’ve always been here… Why didn’t you tell me, Tsubaki?” 

Tears finally spilled down Umemiya's cheeks, falling uncontrollably as he collapsed to the ground, unable to stand any longer. Everything he thought he knew, everything he had felt, now seemed like a mirage, a lie. His heart was pounding with an unbearable intensity, and the pain of knowing that Tsubaki had suffered so much in silence was tearing him apart.

Tsubaki knelt beside him, his own despair taking over his body. There was no way to fix this, he knew. The words he had wanted so badly to say to Umemiya no longer mattered. He could only look at his friend, his lover, and watch as the pain consumed him. 

“I’m sorry, Umemiya…” Tsubaki murmured between sobs, his voice cracking. “I didn’t want you to know like this… I didn’t want you to carry this pain. It had been enough for me… I couldn’t bear for you to have to go through this too.” 

But Umemiya couldn’t hear anything else. All he felt was a devastating emptiness that swallowed him whole. The tears kept falling, and his chest shook with each sob he couldn’t hold back. 

He brought his hands to his eyes, covering them, as if he could block out everything that was happening, as if he could stop the pain. But there was no escape. Everything he had built in his mind about the reason for Tsubaki's absence was now crumbling, revealing a truth far crueler than he could have ever imagined. 

The clock on the wall continued to tick, but for both of them, it seemed to have stopped at that moment, in that room filled with pain and unwanted revelations. 

Umemiya was still immersed in his pain, lost, unable to articulate any more words. Tsubaki, still by his side, wished he could erase everything, go back, but he knew the weight of that decision would follow him forever. 

---

The air in the room seemed to grow thicker with each passing second. Umemiya's sobs filled the space, heartbreaking, but there was also an internal struggle going on in him, a battle between disbelief and the need to understand what he had just heard. 

Tsubaki, in an almost automatic act, tried to reach out to Umemiya, his fingers seeking to touch his friend's hand. But before he could reach out to him, Umemiya jerked back, as if the mere physical contact at that moment was too much to bear. 

"No..." Umemiya muttered, shaking his head with his eyes still filled with tears, his gaze lost. "Don't touch me... please... not now." 

Umemiya's rejection was like a dagger to Tsubaki. His hand trembled in the air before slowly falling back to his lap. He knew Umemiya wasn't doing it out of hatred, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Umemiya was in shock, broken. And he was the reason for that pain.

Umemiya clumsily got up from the ground, staggering as if he had lost his balance. He walked to the nearest wall and leaned against it, breathing unevenly, trying to understand what he had just discovered. He brought both hands to his head, clenching his fists in his hair, as if he wanted to tear away the confusion and despair that was overwhelming him. 

“Three years, Tsubaki!” he suddenly shouted, rage mixing with his sadness. “Three years and you didn’t say anything? How could you hide it? How could you let me live thinking you were fine? How could you do that?!”

His voice cracked, the screams diminishing into a stifled cry. Tears fell freely, his body shaken by the intensity of his emotions. It was the kind of pain that breaks your soul, that makes you feel helpless in the face of something as immense and inevitable as an illness. 

Tsubaki lowered his head, his own body tense. There was no way to simply explain why he had made that decision, why he had chosen to suffer alone. How could he tell Umemiya that he had done it to protect him, when that very protection was now destroying him? 

“I… I didn’t want you to see me weak. I didn’t want you to suffer for me…” Tsubaki whispered, his voice shaking again. “I thought that if I did it alone, it would be easier for everyone… that you wouldn’t have to carry this.” 

The weight of those words hit Umemiya like a wave. His heart pounded with a painful force, and his knees began to weaken. What Tsubaki was saying only confused him more. Weak? Protecting him? Did he not understand that the real burden was being excluded from all of this? 

Umemiya turned to him, her face still drenched in tears, but with an expression of disbelief and anguish. "Weak? Tsubaki, I've never thought of you as weak! Never!"

Tsubaki looked up for a moment, surprised by the vehemence in Umemiya's voice. But that surprise was quickly replaced by more guilt. It was as if everything he thought he had done right was now crumbling in front of him. 

"I thought... if I faced it alone, you wouldn't have to deal with all this pain. You already had enough with Furin, with Makochi... with everything you're carrying around. I didn't want to add more weight on your shoulders..." Tsubaki's voice was barely a whisper, heavy with regret. 

But to Umemiya, those words only added more pain to his already torn heart. "That doesn't matter! What matters is that you were suffering and you didn't let me help you!" he shouted, his frustration finally boiling over. "I would have been there... I was always there, Tsubaki. We would have faced it together!" 

 Silence fell upon them again, but it was a suffocating silence, filled with unspoken emotions and words that could no longer be undone. 

Umemiya, still breathing heavily, let himself fall against the wall, slowly sliding to the floor. He covered his face with his hands, trying to contain the chaos he felt inside, but it was impossible. He was lost, trapped between sadness and rage. Because, beyond the betrayal he felt for not having known anything, there was fear. The fear of having lost Tsubaki without even knowing it. The fear that it could all be over long before he even realized it.

Tsubaki looked at him from his position, not knowing what to do, how to soothe Umemiya's pain when he himself could barely deal with his own. For those three years, he had thought he was doing the right thing, but now, facing reality, he realized how wrong he was. He had underestimated Umemiya's love and devotion, his ability to endure pain for someone he loved. 

"Umemiya..." Tsubaki whispered, feeling tears begin to roll down his face. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how I can fix this... but I'm sorry." 

Umemiya let out a broken laugh, one that held no trace of joy, as he stared at the ceiling, tears still falling down his cheeks. "Fix it?" he repeated, shaking his head. "I don't know if this can be fixed, Tsubaki. I don't know how to go on after this. I don't know how... how to look at your face now." 

Those last words felt like a blow to Tsubaki's chest. The pain of hearing that from the person he cared about most in the world was unbearable, but he knew Umemiya was right. He had broken something by hiding the truth, something that couldn't be fixed with just apologies.

They both stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity, each dealing with their own pain, their own confusion. But Umemiya's pain was tangible, a mix of rage and fear. Tsubaki could see his friend struggling with emotions, and it only made him feel more helpless. 

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Umemiya broke the silence, his voice low and shaky. "I can't understand why you left me out of this, Tsubaki. I can't understand how you thought it was better this way... Don't you realize that what hurts me the most is being pushed away? I love you, damn it. I've always loved you... as my family, as my friend, as everything." 

Tsubaki's heart stopped for an instant. Umemiya's words echoed in his mind, hitting every corner of his being. Umemiya had spoken the truth, the raw, painful truth of what he felt. It wasn't just the cancer that had hurt Umemiya, it was the betrayal of not having been important enough to share that pain. 

And now, they were both trapped in that sea of ​​emotions, not knowing how to move forward, how to rebuild something that seemed irreparably broken.

......

The silence in the room was palpable, broken only by Tsubaki's broken sobs, who had been holding on to his grief for hours, as if at last all the weight of those three years had been released in uncontrollable tears. Umemiya, though calmer now, was caught in his own whirlpool of guilt and sadness. He knew he couldn't turn back time, but something in him wished, desperately, that there was a way to change what had happened. 

The words he had said earlier, in his confusion and pain, haunted him. They were like blades stabbing into his conscience. He hadn't wanted to hurt Tsubaki even more. And yet, he had. Seeing him now, sobbing without being able to stop, he felt his heart break even more.

Finally, Umemiya, with slow but determined steps, approached Tsubaki. He knelt in front of him, looking closely at the face marked by pain, by the suffering he had endured in silence for so long. 

"Tsubaki…" his voice was soft, filled with a mixture of regret and love that could only be expressed at that moment. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. If only I had chased you that day... if only I had had the courage to tell you how I felt... I didn't want you to go, I didn't want to lose you." 

Tsubaki raised his face, trembling, but with a lost look, as if he were trapped in his own world of anguish. Tears kept rolling down his cheeks, and each one was like a small release of all the accumulated suffering. Umemiya couldn't bear it any longer. He took Tsubaki's face in both hands, holding it with a tenderness he had been saving for so long.

“There were so many things I wanted to tell you that day…” he continued, his voice cracking with emotion. “So many things I couldn’t bring myself to express. I just wanted to see you happy, Tsubaki. That’s why I let you go… I thought maybe, by letting you go, you would find the peace I couldn’t give you.” 

With each word, he wiped away the tears that kept falling from Tsubaki’s eyes, his fingers gently caressing her soaked cheeks, as if he could somehow erase all the pain he had caused. But he knew it wasn’t that simple. He couldn’t erase three years of suffering with a few caresses. 

Suddenly, unable to bear the distance between them, Umemiya pulled Tsubaki towards him, hugging him with desperate strength. Tsubaki’s body sank into his, his arms encircling his back with the same intensity. It was as if they were both clinging to the last shred of hope they had left, seeking comfort in a sea of ​​emotions that threatened to drown them.

“I’m sorry, Tsubaki. I didn’t mean to say those words to you like that.” Umemiya’s voice was a whisper, broken by the pain that still tormented him. “But it’s just that I love you… I love you so much, and I’ve always loved you. The thought that I could have lost you without even realizing it… it destroys me. It tears me apart completely.”

Every word echoed in Tsubaki’s heart. The warmth of Umemiya’s body against him, his arms firmly around him, gave him a sense of security that he had longed for during those long years of loneliness. For so long, he had carried his burden alone, believing it was the only way to protect those he loved. But now, in Umemiya’s arms, he understood how wrong that decision had been.

Umemiya took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his chest. "But I understand now, Tsubaki. I know you were going through a vulnerable moment. I shouldn't have blamed you. I hurt you, and I'm sorry… I'm more sorry than you can imagine. But I want you to know something, and I want you to remember this: I'll always be here for you. Always. No matter what happens. I'm more than the friend you met in school. I don't want to be apart from you ever again."

Umemiya's words were like a balm for Tsubaki's wounded soul. At last, the weight of those three years seemed to crumble, collapsing under the weight of confession and truth. The pain was still there, lingering, but there was also the warmth of Umemiya's love, wrapping him in a layer of comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. 

Tsubaki, his voice cracking from crying, could only nod, unable to articulate a clear answer. His body trembled as he clung to Umemiya, as if letting go meant returning to that heartbreaking loneliness. But now, after so long, he could finally let go of some of his burden. He could let go of the pain, let it overflow and break free. 

They both stayed like that, clinging to each other, seeking comfort in closeness and contact. The sound of their breathing and the small sobs still escaping from Tsubaki filled the room, but there was no need for words. At that moment, they both knew that the love they shared, though broken and painful, was also their salvation. 

Tsubaki finally spoke through tears. "You don't know how much it hurts me to have left you out, Umemiya. I didn't want to carry this alone... but I didn't want you to suffer either. I... thought I was doing it for you. But now I understand that I was wrong. I should have let you be by my side. I should have allowed you to help me."

"Shh..." Umemiya hushed him softly, stroking his hair tenderly. "What's past is past. We can't change it. But we can move forward together. And that's all that matters now." 

The pain was still there, throbbing deep in their hearts. But right now, in the warmth of that embrace, there was also an unspoken promise of healing. Time wouldn't heal everything right away, and they both knew they still had a long way to go, a lot to rebuild. But for now, they were together. And that was all that mattered. 

---

The news of Tsubaki's cancer was a crushing weight on everyone who loved him, and though tears and grief still hung in the air, the friendship and support surrounding him was unwavering. The atmosphere, though sad, was slowly transforming into something more, a space filled with hope and unity. Everyone gathered around him, some still unable to fully process the news, but determined to never let Tsubaki feel alone again. 

Kotoha was one of the first to approach after the awkward silence settled in. Despite past issues and the distance that had grown between them, her eyes were filled with regret and love. Without saying a word, she leaned over Tsubaki and hugged him tightly, her body shaking from the tears she tried to hold back. "I'm so sorry, Tsubaki..." she murmured, her voice breaking. "I shouldn't have walked away. I shouldn't have left you alone..." 

Tsubaki, still wrapped in his grief, felt the tears return to his eyes, but this time they weren't just of sadness. There was something of relief, of reconciliation. He tightened his hold on Kotoha, nodding softly. "I'm sorry too," he whispered. "I never wanted things to be like this." 

That small exchange of apologies marked a subtle, yet profound, change between them. It was as if the weight of those years of misunderstanding and distance had vanished in that silent embrace.

Sakura, Nirei, and Suo, who had been watching silently, decided it was their turn to show Tsubaki how much he meant to them. They threw themselves at him, hugging him as a group, as if they wanted to surround him with warmth and love until all the pain disappeared. Nirei, tears streaming down his cheeks, murmured softly to him, "We'll be okay, Tsubaki... We'll get through this together." Suo, always more reserved, couldn't find the right words, but his hug was strong, solid, like a silent promise of support. Sakura, normally so carefree, was also on the verge of tears. "No more secrets, okay? No more bearing it alone." 

Hiragi, always the more temperamental, arrived after them. Instead of hugging him, he leaned in front of Tsubaki and stroked his head with a mix of tenderness and severity. "You're an idiot, you know? A complete idiot for leaving us out of this." His words were harsh, but his tone was filled with concern and love. "But I forgive you, because you are strong. Stronger than any of us thought." 

Tsubaki smiled through his tears, nodding. He knew Hiragi was scolding him because he cared. "I'm sorry," was all he could say.

The Sakaki twins, who always seemed inseparable in their energy and banter, were unusually quiet. They were both in shock, their expressions a reflection of the fear they felt at the thought of losing someone so close to them. In the end, not knowing what to say, they simply approached Tsubaki and put their hands on her shoulders, as if they wanted to convey their support in that silent way.

Umemiya, however, stood a little apart, lost in his thoughts. Despite all the love and support that was pouring out around him, he was still processing everything that had happened. The weight of guilt still clung to him, but he knew he couldn't let it consume him. He wanted to be close to Tsubaki, he wanted to give her all the love he had been holding back for so long. But he didn't know how yet. 

Tsubaki, feeling the need to be alone with Umemiya after everything they had been through, leaned towards him and, with a small smile, said, "Would you like to come to my room? I want to show you something." His words were soft, almost shy, but there was an implicit invitation in them. 

Umemiya nodded, feeling a knot in his stomach. He followed silently, leaving behind his friends who, although still worried, knew that this moment was important for both of them.

When they reached Tsubaki's room, the atmosphere was more intimate. The soft light coming through the window illuminated the space warmly, creating a sense of calm after the emotional storm. Tsubaki sat up in bed, pointing with one hand to his abdomen, where he bore the scar that symbolized his hardest battle. 

"I want you to see something," he said, his tone more serious now. Slowly, he lifted his shirt a little, revealing the scar on his abdomen. It was a clear mark, the physical reminder of the years of struggle he had spent in silence. But to Tsubaki, that scar was not just a mark of suffering; it was also a mark of survival. 

Umemiya stood still, watching in silence. He felt his chest tighten at the sight of that scar, at the realization of all that Tsubaki had gone through without him. "Can I... touch it?" he asked quietly, as if he didn't want to break the moment. 

Tsubaki nodded slowly, giving his consent. Umemiya, with trembling hands, reached out his fingers towards the scar. Touching it, he felt the skin, harder in that place, but he also felt the strength that resided beneath. Seeing it, touching it, made him aware of everything that had been hidden beneath the surface. The emotions he had been suppressing for so long finally burst forth in the form of tears.

"I can't believe you had to go through this alone..." he murmured, his voice shaking. "I should have been there. I should have been with you the whole time." 

Tsubaki, seeing Umemiya's tears, leaned towards him, running his fingers gently through his hair, in an attempt to comfort him. "You didn't let me," she said softly. "It wasn't your fault. But now we're here... together."

The emotions between them were running high. Umemiya, unable to contain himself any longer, took Tsubaki's face in his hands, his eyes searching his with a mix of love, sadness and desperation. "I love you, Tsubaki," he whispered, his words filled with an intensity that couldn't be denied. "I love you more than I thought possible. And I'll always be here, no matter what. I'll never leave you alone again." 

Without a second thought, he brought his lips to Tsubaki's, in a kiss that was soft, full of tenderness and all the love he had been hiding for so long. It was a kiss that not only expressed his love, but also the promise to be by his side, to support him and to never lose him again.

Tsubaki, surprised at first, let himself go with the moment, returning the kiss with the same intensity. Tears still ran down his cheeks, but this time they weren't just from sadness. There was a deep relief, a sense of belonging, as if they had finally found their place, in each other. 

"I need you, Umemiya," Tsubaki murmured when they finally broke apart, her lips still brushing his. "I don't want to go through this alone again. And now I know I don't have to. Because I have you." 

Umemiya hugged him tightly, feeling his heart, though still broken, begin to heal. "I'll always be here. I promise." 

They stood there holding each other in the privacy of the room, knowing that, though there was still much to overcome, they had taken an important step towards healing, together. 

---

The opening of Tsubaki's bar was an event full of excitement and joy. The place was full of life, with friends and acquaintances of Tsubaki and Umemiya enjoying the music, laughter, and welcoming atmosphere that he had dreamed of for so long. The bar, with its unique decor and personal style, perfectly reflected who Tsubaki was: a mix of strength, beauty, and authenticity. It was his space, his refuge, and seeing how everyone celebrated with him made his heart fill with pride and satisfaction. 

Umemiya watched everything from a safe distance, without taking his eyes off Tsubaki, who received congratulations and hugs from everyone in attendance. He saw him laugh, he saw him shine with renewed energy, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion in his chest. Finally, after everything they had been through, Tsubaki was where he belonged: surrounded by love, friends, and a future full of promise.

When most of the guests had relaxed, Umemiya couldn't resist any longer. He slowly approached Tsubaki, who was standing by the bar chatting with Kotoha and Hiragi, his expression lit up by a smile that hadn't been seen on his face for a while. Without saying a word, Umemiya walked around Tsubaki from behind, enveloping him in a soft, protective hug, as if he wanted to seal this moment of happiness between them. The contact made Tsubaki relax immediately, closing her eyes for a moment and resting her head against Umemiya's chest, enjoying the warmth and security she always found in him. 

Umemiya lowered his head and, with the utmost sweetness, placed a soft kiss on the top of Tsubaki's head, his lips brushing his hair tenderly. "I'm so proud of you, Tsubaki," he murmured against his skin, his words laden with emotion. "All of this... is what you always deserved. And I'm so glad you're achieving your dreams."

Tsubaki smiled, his hands finding their way to Umemiya's arms, which wrapped around him like an eternal promise of protection. "I couldn't have done it without you," he replied quietly, barely a whisper between them. "You've given me all the support I needed to get this far... And now that everything is clearer, I know I don't want to face anything else without you by my side." 

They both stayed silent, simply enjoying the moment, the closeness, and the feeling that everything was finally in its place. The close friends around them, like Sakura, Nirei, Suo, and Hiragi, watched the scene with knowing smiles, knowing that Tsubaki and Umemiya had gone through too many storms to get to this point. The happiness they shared was something everyone wished for them, and seeing them so close filled the atmosphere with warmth.

After a while, Umemiya stepped forward, turning Tsubaki gently in his arms so that they were both face to face. Their eyes met, and without the need for words, they shared a look that spoke of love, of years of struggle, of growth, and of hope. Umemiya brought a hand to Tsubaki's face, caressing her cheek with his thumb as he tilted his head towards him, slowly moving closer. 

The kiss they shared was different from the previous ones. There was no rush, no urgency. It was a kiss full of meaning, of gratitude, and of silent promises. Umemiya kissed Tsubaki with a deep tenderness, as if he wanted to show him everything he felt and what he was willing to give. And Tsubaki, responding with the same intensity, let all the love and desire he had kept for so long flow into that kiss. 

When they finally separated, they were both breathing softly, but their hearts were beating hard. Umemiya smiled at Tsubaki, resting his forehead against his. "From now on," he said, his voice low but full of conviction, "there's nothing we can't overcome together. I love you, Tsubaki. And I will always love you."

Tsubaki, his eyes filled with an emotion he couldn't describe with words, nodded. "I love you too, Umemiya. And I will for the rest of my life." 

As the bar continued to vibrate with the music and laughter of their friends, Umemiya and Tsubaki knew that, although their journey had been full of obstacles and hardships, they had arrived at a place of love and mutual acceptance. Together, with a bright future ahead of them, they were ready to face whatever came next. 

The atmosphere around them was warm, full of hope and good wishes. And as their friends continued to celebrate the success of the bar's opening, Tsubaki and Umemiya, embraced under the soft light of the bar's lamps, shared another kiss. This one, more passionate, was the perfect ending to a chapter full of pain and redemption. Now, they were both ready to start over, stronger and more united than ever. 

The story, finally, found its happy ending. But for Tsubaki and Umemiya, it was just the beginning of a life together, full of love, dreams and the deep desire to be happy, side by side.

---

Fin