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When he leaves the school no one is stopping him. Kiryu and Tsugeura are stunned with shock and Sakura is too heartbroken to do anything. Everyone else is just not strong enough. He goes through the quiet corridors without looking back.
It is only when he steps outside the school yard into the town's streets he hears the rushing steps behind his back.
"W-why? Please, tell me why? Was it all a lie? Were you ever..."
The voice is trembling with grief and anger. He never heard this voice so angry before. It is unsettling.
"Suo-san!"
"Ah, Nire-kun. I'm sorry but I don't have an answer good enough for you"
Suo feels his eyes burning. The heat is pouring on his cheeks.
"We are your friends. We are..."
The street is empty at this hour. Bright in soft sunset light. How many times they went patroling together at sunset. Sakura's quiet content, Nirei's bubbling excitement. Suo's own hidden agenda.
No. It is not true. He can lie to others but what's the point in lying to himself? He was happy. They invited him in and Suo was so happy to get closer to this warm light of their friendship. So happy in fact, he almost forgot what he was supposed to do. Almost.
"S-suo-san? We can help. Let us help." The gravel shifts under Nirei's feet. He gets closer. One step, another one. Even without looking Suo knows that in another step or two Nirei will be close enough. As always, right behind his shoulder, clinging to the hem of his sleeve. He still does it occasionally. Not because he is afraid (Nirei no longer needs their protection) but because he genuinely wants to be closer. The sun is setting behind them, their shadows merging together.
How many times they were walking the streets together after Sakura went home. Talking about their classmates and new desserts and books they both read and films they both wanted to see. The setting sun stayed a little longer in the golden brown of Nirei's eyes. Suo feels as if a cold hand clutches his heart. What is it?...Guilt? Regret? Love?
That love he so carefully tried to distance himself from.
"Nire-kun, what's the..?"
"Suo-san, I like you."
Dry lips against his left cheek. No matter how strong they were, Nirei turned out to be the bravest.
Suo closes his eyes to bask in the warmth of the memories. He doesn't need to turn back to know how close Nirei is standing. The wind is rustling in the trees. Pain in Suo's chest is getting duller. He starts walking again.
"I'm sorry, Nire-kun. There's nothing you can do about it. The best thing is to just leave m..."
"No!"
He is pulled into a hug. He's walking and the next moment his face is full of soft blonde hair. Suo wants to break free but his traitorous body refuses to cooperate.
"Let us help, Suo-san. You are our friend. We don't leave our friends behind, you know that".
He does know that. He'll be the first to say that, be it someone else. Someone who deserves to be helped. Not him.
Nirei's grip gets stronger and somehow it eases the tight knot in his chest. Maybe?..
"Maybe we don't know or understand your reasons but I am sure everyone in that classroom will stand by your side. You don't have to do it alone. You don't have to be alone".
"Ah, I never could say "no" to you, could I? After all, you are my favourite disciple".
Nirei gives him the biggest, brightest smile. His eyes, red-rimmed and wet, are almost golden in the sunset light.
"I am your only disciple".