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When something concerned them both, they knew exactly what the other was thinking or going through. It was incredibly strange that neither of them realized this.
So when they finally came face to face, they didn't compete.
"He... he's already seeing someone!" Nakamura warned, trying to force a smile.
But that smile didn't last long: Hirose had been his first love. Even so, he sincerely wished him well.
"I hope you don't interfere," Nakamura couldn't bring himself to say, the words painful.
Kousei nodded silently. He already knew; Hirose's mother had told his own. He couldn't deny that it caused him a little sadness, but life went on. This news wouldn't erase the good memories of their childhood together.
He looked at Nakamura and immediately understood how much it hurt him. He felt bad for him; he hated seeing him suffer like this.
It was strange: he hadn't known him for very long, but he felt a special connection. Perhaps because they both shared that special affection for Hirose.
Seeing Nakamura with tears streaming down his cheeks weighed heavily on his chest. Without thinking twice, he hugged him tightly. His own legs were wobbly, and he didn't even know what excuse to make afterward.
As he held him, he felt the boy's body gradually relax. Nakamura sobbed and buried his face in his shoulder, unaware that he was seeking refuge, comfort, and security in those arms.
At that moment, his shyness vanished; he was too tired and hurt to worry about anything else.
They remained like that in silence for a while, until Nakamura suddenly reacted, staring at him and pointing a finger, his face flushed.
"Are you a pervert or what?"
Kousei sighed and felt the tension ease. With a mischievous smile, he replied,
"So what if I am?"
They stared at each other for a second, then both chuckled softly, as if sharing a secret only they could understand, or rather, that painful feeling of heartbreak.
"Are you feeling better now?" Kousei asked, offering him a handkerchief.
Nakamura took it, but frowned when he saw it was decorated with bunny drawings. Kousei, on the other hand, didn't show a hint of embarrassment.
"I love cute animals!" he confessed with his usual calm.
Nakamura, suddenly feeling more at ease, immediately added:
"I like octopuses! They're so cute!"
He didn't know why he was saying that to his rival, but he had a feeling Kousei wouldn't laugh. And he was right: neither of them laughed.
They discovered they shared somewhat peculiar tastes and a common admiration for creatures of the animal world.
"Susu is adorable!"
"Susu," Kousei repeated, showing thousands of pictures of his bunny, Susu.
"Why is he showing me this if I didn't ask for it?" Nakamura wondered. However, he couldn't deny that he was melting with tenderness at the sight of the little furry creature.
The situation had a touch of humor. Kousei never imagined he would fall in love, much less that it would happen while comforting the one he thought was his rival.
He smiled gently, observing how focused the dark-haired man was.
Nakamura, you're beautiful.
Kousei wanted to shout it from the rooftops, he longed to hug Nakamura again. He could still feel the warmth of that unexpected embrace.
He could also feel his heart pounding in his ears, beating a mile a minute.
He wasn't stupid. He knew what was happening to him.
"Nakamura!" He stood up, and Nakamura, surprised, did the same.
"Come out with me!"
If Nakamura had thought Kousei was crazy before, now he was even more convinced.
"I don't th..."
Nakamura's reply trailed off. He didn't know why. He was lost in Kousei's gaze.
Kousei had a melting expression that mirrored Nakamura's figure as if it were the universe itself.
Kousei chuckled sweetly, not hearing any rejection. "I'll win you over!" he declared, more out loud than anything else. "Nakamura, I'll make you fall in love with me!"
Nakamura should surrender to this unexpected love. Nakamura truly hoped for this. He felt the heat rise in his cheeks quickly.
Why him?
Nakamura sighed. His foolish heart was racing again. Was this just some silly manga cliché?!
Nakamura should just give up and wait for the inevitable to happen. They both knew perfectly well that they were destined to be together; who else would understand them if not each other?
Although Nakamura took a long time to sincerely admit it, all this author has to say is: Don't give up, Matsumura Kousei!