Work Text:
"sorry, till... i already like someone."
it was like an ocean of ice cubes just fell from the sky, crushing his every hope and dream of being with her, his idol, his best friend and his long lasted crush... mizi. yet it was all ending here, right in this moment. watching her odd expression, like she pitied him. maybe almost slightly disgusted, as if the mere thought of being with a boy was atrocious to think of. till's mind was sent spiralling, as a heavy pit was building in his chest and he fought back tears and mustered a cheery grin. which was awfully forced. does... she hate him now?
"i--it's okay, mizi... i..."
his voice cracked.
he could barely contain his feelings in that moment - he ditched all attempts at concealing. it was pointless. their friendship was definitely over between them. why even bother trying to pretend any more? it's too late. he never had a chance in the first place.
suddenly, till turned on his heel and bolted in the opposite direction amidst mizi's distorted cries in the distance. biting his lip, he ran, his heart pounding erratically against his ribs. the last few students attending study hall getting ready to head home, send passing glances his way as he sprints. past the classrooms, the lockers and then the school gates, only stopping to catch his breath about the massive oak tree at the entrance. his voice came out in ragged breaths, trembling, as warm, fat tears started building in his eyes. he sobs, feeling as if the world is ending.
"what do i do? it's over...."
suddenly, a rough hand grabs his shoulder, hard.
"WAAH?!"
he whips his head around, but his eyes is met with someone's fluffy black hair over his shoulder. the person in question, suddenly embracing him from behind! shame piles in his chest, as he quickly tries to wipe his bloodshot eyes, overwhelmed with tears from his spectacular rejection.
"i-ivan..."
"till!!! i found you! i was looking for you everywhere. u-um... happy birthday! and um... i got you some cake!"
"oh. right... my birthday. but it doesn't matter anymore." , till thinks to himself.
ivan pauses in the middle of nuzzling till's neck, and notices his crying. something ticks in him, and he stares back with dark eyes.
"who was it? who did this to you? tell me."
eyes downcast, this time, he lets the tears flow. might as well just come out and say it.
"i... i told mizi."
the black haired boy looks shocked, yet somewhat calm. he grabs till by the hand, and sits him down with him by the tree, giving his hand a little squeeze. he looks at him worriedly, and waits for him to continue.
"she... likes someone else..." till hiccups, burying his face in his hands. rubbing away tears roughly.
ivan only nods, and hugs him comfortingly, visibly distressed at the sight of his sobbing.
"it'll be okay..." he whispers.
***
some time has passed. the sun is setting, and the pair is still sat snug under the oak tree, eating cake out of the box on the grass.
till can't help but smile pathetically to himself, still tearing up. how pathetic. he still can't stop crying, even though time's passed. the cake is flavourless. void. depressing.
"....*hic*... i-it's over between us...mizi hates me, i just know it, and i have no one. no one..."
a few moments pass, filled with heavy tension, till staring at the grass shards beneath them. ivan looks his way, an odd expression painted on his face.
"... till.", ivan says, quietly.
"h-huh...!?"
*thud*
suddenly, till is on the ground in the bed of grass, ivan having pushed him to the ground, his face unreadable, pinning the confused boy in an unescapable lock.
"wh... what the hell? get off of m-... ivan?"
till's cheeks feel wet. cold. but he isn't crying? ivan's hand brushes till's chin, pulling his face to meet his gaze. tears pooling in his red pupils. crying. he's trembling. till is frozen in place, and can't say anything - this is the first time he's ever seen ivan like this. why is ivan crying? did he do something? ivan stays frozen, unmoving for what felt like years, and then collapses onto till, his arms wrapped around him tightly, as if afraid till would vanish into thin air.
"you have me.", he whispers, shakily, . "don't - don't say that. i'm way better than her. i-i can do better."
till blinks twice, dumbfounded.
"...w-what?"
"... till. i like you. i.. i like you so much. i dont know what to do with myself."