Archive of Our Own

It was just another Monday. Nagi had gone to soccer practice after what he would call a really boring school day (but, honestly, he would say that about most days). He had scored an appropriate amount of goals to please his best friend aka (soccer) partner, which was incredibly bothersome and made him terribly exhausted. 

So, naturally Reo had carried him on his back all the way home. Well, it wasn’t his home, although since they had become friends, Nagi spent most of his time there. And anyway Reo’s house felt closer to a home than his. Well, probably anyplace with Reo would feel that way. 

“I really don’t understand how you ace every test if this is how you study.” His friend said softly, patting Nagi’s head. 

They were sitting at Reo’s desk. Though, sitting wouldn’t be precise to describe Nagi’s position since his face was practically melting on the table, with his arms extended. Instead of opening his notebook, he’d been playing a game on his phone, while the other boy recited out loud passages of the novel they’ve been reading for class. 

“Just keep talking, it’s helpful.” He didn’t lie, after all Nagi always listened to what Reo said. Something about his voice made it difficult for him not to pay any attention. Therefore, this was the less bothersome way to study. It was almost nice. 

Reo kept going for a while and then got quiet to write his notes on the book. Even though Nagi's gaze was fixed on his phone, he could imagine exactly how concentrated the other boy looked. 

After almost a year of friendship, he’d already have their routine memorized. In not longer than ten minutes, his friend would stand up and ask him about dinner. Nagi would as always just hum, letting him work with that lack of answer. 

Strangely, time passed by and Reo still hadn’t said anything. Instead he was clapping his fingers against the desk’s wood. He wasn’t writing anymore, had Reo already said something and he hadn’t heard it? 

Nagi could feel his friend's posture tense beside him. The clapping sound accelerated, as Reo exhaled. Letting out a deep breath, he made a stifled noise. Then breathed again and finally talked.

“Nagi, can I ask you something?” Reo sounded hesitant, which was weird, the other boy always spoke as he was the most confident person in the world. At that moment, he was using a tone Nagi had only heard in a brief conversation with his father, he wasn’t really supposed to hear (Reo answered a phone call, while he was pretending to be asleep to avoid studying math). Was Reo nervous? 

“Sure.” He answered in his always monotone way, still staring at the game. However, since his friend didn’t speak again, Nagi turned his face to check on him, letting his character die. Reo’s eyes were fixed on his hands, both pounding against the table.

“Reo?” Nagi offered calmly.

“Oh! Sorry, I zoomed out. Do you want anything particular for dinner?” He replied, failing to sound as carefree as always and leaving Nagi extremely confused.

“That’s what you wanted to ask?” He said, skeptical. 

“I guess it was.” Reo blurted out, so unsure, it almost felt like he was asking him.

“…really?” Usually Nagi would’ve dropped it. Talking was a hustle and if Reo didn’t want to share his thoughts with him, there must’ve been a valid reason. Unfortunately, being left with the mystery was also a pain. He wouldn’t want this to keep him up at night. 

“Well, actually…” Reo paused before continuing, he seemed to be carefully choosing the right words, like some of them would break something. “…do you ever think about love?” 

Nagi’s expressionless face shifted for a second, his eyes opening in surprise. 

“What?” Why would Reo ask him such a question? They never talked about this kind of stuff. And honestly, Nagi thought Reo wouldn’t be interested either. His life was already complicated enough dedicating his life to the Hakuho soccer team, while also being the Mikage heir and maintaining his grades to be the first of the class (something Reo had sworn his father in order of him ‘supporting’ his passion for sport). 

“I was just wondering…” Nagi could see his friend was debating if he should keep going, and ultimately, he did. “since Valentine’s day is coming and everything… if you ever thought of, I don’t know, being with someone… romantically, of course.” Reo had turned around and was on his way to the door. 

Not being able to see the expression on his face was definitely a pain, because it could’ve helped Nagi to think about how to respond. 

“I never thought about it, it’s a hassle.” It was true, the sole idea of being with someone, exhausted him. Going on dates, replying to their text everyday, being intimate… and all that with a stranger? No, thanks. He was comfortable enough with his bond with Reo, he didn’t need anyone else. 

He doubted someone would take him anyway, he wasn’t exactly popular with girls. So why was Reo even asking? He hoped it was the end of the conversation but his friend didn’t seem satisfied with his answer (or lack thereof).

“So what? You’ve never been in love?” There was something in Reo's voice he couldn’t quite decipher (weird, he was usually good at reading his (soccer) partner). 

“I don’t think I’ll ever be, really.” He stated, turning to his phone again, the argument started to bore him.

“Oh, I see… then it doesn’t matter anyway.” The other boy said these last words with disappointment, sounding extremely defeated.

“Did I say something that bothered Reo?” 

“No, don’t worry about it.” Reo replied, leaving the room, probably to get dinner.

He was already starting to play again as he slowly stood up to follow him, when suddenly something occurred to Nagi. Maybe his friend was asking him because he had fallen in love. He froze, the ‘game over’ spread all over the screen. 

————————————————————

Could that be true? With who? Nagi quietly wondered while observing the food plate Reo placed right in front of him.

“Are you okay, treasure?” Reo seemed to have regained his confidence, because he landed the comment perfectly.

“Why did you ask me about love?” His voice not flinching once, as he stared at his friend for an answer that calmed the bothersome feeling inside of him.

That question was enough for the ambiance to tense again. Reo stayed silent for a while with a thoughtful regard, as if he, himself, didn’t know either and had to create a response out of nowhere.

“Well…” he started hesitantly. “Like I’ve already said, Valentine’s is coming.” 

Nagi waited for him to continue but it appeared to be the end of the sentence.

“And?” He couldn’t help but ask.

Reo opened and closed his mouth several times before finally explaining. 

“A lot of people declare their love on that day, especially to me.” He laughed awkwardly. “And my parents had been bothering me about a possible girlfriend. They’ve been so insistent lately I’m afraid they might force me to date one of their friends’ daughters…” He shook his head and made a dismissive hand movement. “So I’ve been wondering if maybe I should take the problem into my own hands and give one of our Hakuho's classmates a shot.” He fidgeted with the fork and added. “And, well you are…” Reo struggled to continue, as if he wasn’t finding the right word “my best friend and I wanted to know your stance on love because I’m in…” He stopped himself mid sentence, then started again. “Before I made a choice I’d regret.” 

Nagi tilted his head, his blank stare analyzing Reo. If something, that answer only confused him more. He was acting strange.

No matter how much his parents wanted to force something on him, they wouldn’t be able to if their heir was opposed. Reo always got what he wanted in the end, so if he didn’t want to date, he could just choose not to. He wasn’t easy to control nor was he the type to just accept a love confession purely based on something this transactional. Even if Nagi considered his friend wouldn’t be interested in love due to his tight schedule, he also thought, coming at the right moment, Reo’d be the romantic type. If he was so nice to Nagi, who was only a friend, then he’d be a great boyfriend (objectively, of course). 

Plus, why would he need his opinion anyway? Was he hoping for Nagi to encourage him? Though, he felt more like talking him out of it. 

“Are you not going to say anything?” Reo exclaimed anxiously.

“Uhm, you can do whatever you want.” Was all he could muster. 

“Yeah I know.”  His friend offered, and nodded in what seemed to be agreement, but looked visibly uncomfortable and unsure. 

For a moment the room remained in silence (and not the usual nice silence they keep between them when Nagi is done talking), there was something oddly stressing about Reo’s gaze, it seemed to be daring Nagi to say something, to restart that painful argument. His purple eyes were filled with an emotion Nagi couldn’t quite grasp. 

However, he didn’t reply, he just started eating and that was the end of it. In all honesty, Nagi wanted to finish the conversation as soon as possible so he could forget that it even happened. He hoped Reo would too. He couldn’t explain it, but the mere thought of his friend being romantically involved with someone made his head hurt.

————————————————————

Unfortunately, Nagi started to think the universe was bothering him on purpose. It’d be right to affirm not a single corner of Hakuho was free from those horrible Valentine's decorations. Who even placed them in the middle of a Monday night? He was sure they weren’t all over the school yesterday afternoon. He saw those damn hearts everywhere, to the point of considering ripping them off (but it’d be too much of a hassle). 

“What a pain.” He exclaimed, lying on his desk, while mentally burning the red colored paper.

“You’ve been saying that quite a lot today, even for you.” Reo chuckled.

Nagi looked up only to find the other boy smiling softly at him. He felt his heart flutter, he always did whenever his friend directed one of those ‘blindingly bright’ smiles towards him. But anyone would feel that way in his position. Well, most of Hakuho high probably did anyway. It was impossible not to like him, Reo was just too charming.

“Come on, get up, we have to go to practice.” The other boy insisted, although there wasn't any harshness or sense of urgency in his words. 

Reo leaned down to rest his head on Nagi’s desk, beside him. His friend seemed to analyze him and then his expression shifted slightly, showing a tint of concern. 

“Are you alright?” He pressed his hand against Nagi’s forehead. 

They were awfully close, not that he minded, but more than they’re used to. He wondered if the other boy realized it too, because he immediately got up.

“You’re just fine.” Reo stumbled with that sentence, suddenly covering his face and turning around.

A little startled, Nagi finally stood up and followed him to the locker’s room. 

————————————————————

During practice, Reo was off. It was something almost imperceptible, Nagi wasn’t sure if anyone could tell. His game wasn’t flawed but it was imprecise. Not the usual perfect passes nor the crazy plays he always wanted to try. Reo was playing safe, he seemed to have lost focus that day.

Then, another weird thing happened. After they managed to score (a goal oddly normal, at least for them, since his friend never missed the chance to force Nagi into a new game style), Reo didn’t run to hug him. Instead, he just patted his shoulder and moved on to hear the next exercise their coach was explaining. 

Nagi wasn’t upset about it (of course), it probably didn’t mean anything. Everyone was allowed to have a bad day, he never read too much into a situation. So why start? He settled that he wouldn't bother while ‘stretching’ (really more of laying there, watching the others stretch). Usually, Reo would scold him for not doing it properly and help him. However, at that moment, his friend remained silently by his side, until one of their teammates approached him.

“Hey, Reo! Did you see who was watching you at the stands?” Asked teasingly a short, brown haired boy, who Nagi’d guessed was the same year as them, though he didn’t recall his last name (he was horrible at keeping track of Reo’s friends, they were just too many).

Reo looked at the stands, then back at his friend. “Oh, I don't think she came to see me, probably just likes soccer.” 

Suddenly Nagi felt the need to check on the person sitting. It was a girl from their class, tall, dark straight hair. Her light brown eyes were clearly fixed on his best friend, with her cheeks slightly blushed. She suddenly waved, which made Nagi realize Reo’d been staring at her too. The other boy returned the gesture. 

“She’s totally confessing to you on Friday. You’re lucky, she’s the prettiest girl of our year.” Their teammate insisted.

“I guess.” Reo sighed and Nagi could swear he saw his purple eyes filled with sadness, but it was only for an instant, before adding “She is really pretty.” 

Nagi immediately stood up and headed towards the lockers. Him walking after training by his own free will wasn’t common, if not a miracle. He couldn’t explain why, but he wanted to stop hearing that exchange as soon as possible.

————————————————————

For the first time in his life, Nagi quickly changed and was waiting for Reo at a bench outside the school. He didn’t know what took over him, but feeling that way was for sure a pain. 

Was she the reason Reo was so distracted during practice? Is it because of her he asked me about love? Nagi couldn’t escape to wonder. 

Even though he tried to concentrate on playing a game on his phone, he kept losing. Is Reo going to date her? And if he is, why does it bother me so much? A question he couldn’t bring himself to answer.

“Ugh, this is so bothersome.” He whined.

“Yeah, I hate it when my best friend leaves without me, it’s really bothersome.” 

He turned to meet the voice behind him. Back in his school clothes and with his long purple hair slightly wet, Reo stared at him with an half-amused/half-confused look on his face. Then, he rolled his eyes and sat beside him, resting his head on Nagi’s shoulder. It was the kind of intimacy that usually felt comfortable, although at that moment, Nagi wished Reo couldn’t hear his heart beating out of his chest. What was even happening to him?  

“Are you mad at me?” And again, Reo didn’t sound as confident, fear took control of his voice. His friend didn’t let Nagi respond before continuing. “I’m sorry if I freaked you out yesterday. I won’t mention love stuff again.”

“It’s alright, I’m not mad.” He replied. It was true. Nagi wasn’t mad, he didn’t understand the feeling well enough to know that. Plus, it wasn’t the other boy’s fault, friends tend to talk about these things. Nagi’s reaction was yet a mystery for him and so were Reo’s motives. 

“Did you ask me because of that girl?” He said, a slip of anger tainting his monotone voice.

“What? Who?” Those questions sounded filled with genuine surprise, as if Reo didn’t have the slightest idea of what Nagi was talking about.

“The girl watching the match just now.” Nagi was shocked with the speed of the words coming out of his mouth. 

“Oh, no, it wasn’t about that.” Reo rushed to answer, visibly nervous.

“Then what was it about?” 

“I told you, maybe I’ll accept a confession this year. Not necessarily hers. It’s just…” But Reo couldn’t finish the sentence because he was interrupted.

“You’re lying.” He was mildly offended that, after all these months seeing each other everyday, Reo didn’t realize Nagi could tell when he was not being honest. He’d seen his friend lie, but never to his face. 

Reo pulled his head away from Nagi’s shoulder to look him in the eyes. He was smiling, yet there was something extremely sad about his gaze. 

“You’re right. I just don’t want to talk about it any more, can we forget it?”  

No, Nagi didn’t want to forget it. He wanted to figure things out, he wanted to keep asking. Unfortunately, he’d always been weak to Reo’s wishes, it’d be impossible for him to ignore the pleading look on his friend’s face. How could he be this insensitive to the person that meant everything to him? So he just nodded, letting the argument die at last.

————————————————————

The rest of the day proceeded normally. They spent the afternoon at Reo’s, ‘studied’, had dinner and then Nagi returned to his place. However, as much as he wanted to stop all thinking, Nagi couldn’t take his mind off the love thing. 

Reo evaded the question when I asked if it was about that girl. Does he really like her? Why did he look so sad about it? It’s probably reciprocated anyway. 

Nagi frowned. What a pain.

Laying in bed, hoping (and failing) to sleep, his head spun with questions he didn’t want to answer. Although, his brain didn’t think likewise, because that annoying train of thought kept going.

What does he even see in her? They’ve never even talked. I’m sure I know him better.  

I should be the one Reo’s in love with.  

Oh, 

that’s it. Isn’t it? 

Nagi had thought he was above love. There was nothing further from the truth.

————————————————————

“Do you want to tell me something?” Reo suddenly whispered to him in the middle of class, almost causing Nagi a heart attack. 

Why is he asking me that? Did Reo figure out why I acted so strange yesterday? How could he? It’s only been an hour of class, am I that obvious? A faint pink covered his cheeks. 

“What?” He tried to whisper back, although it came out as a stifled noise.

“You’ve been staring at me, so I thought maybe you wanted to ask me something? It’s weird you’re even awake, actually.” The other boy muttered, a shy smile drawing on his face. 

Oh. He hadn’t realized he’d been staring. Nagi was in his sleeping position anyway, how did Reo even notice? He had just been looking up at him, wondering when he started feeling this way about his best friend aka (soccer) partner. Maybe he’d always felt it. In retrospect, his emotions around Reo probably weren't what most friends felt for each other. 

Nagi yawned, he was really tired. He did, in fact (as Reo had pointed out), tend to sleep in this class.  

“No. Reo's just nice to look at.” He stated, already half asleep, not completely aware if he was saying it out loud.

“WHAT?!” His friend yelled, startling Nagi and forcing him to open his eyes. Reo’s face was extremely red. 

“Mikage! It's not like you to misbehave. Do you want to get detention?” The teacher said harshly. 

“No, I’m sorry. It won't happen again.” Reo rushed to reply, clearly embarrassed.

“Alright, then let's take back where we left…” 

Nagi was left dazed. Why did Reo react like that? 

————————————————————

They didn't interact much before the last class of the day ended. At that moment, both of them were walking through the school hallway. Nagi offered no resistance (or almost no resistance) when Reo called him to go to practice. His friend was rambling on about a new player he was obsessing with and how they should analyze his games together. 

“I also stalked him on Instagram and he has a great music taste too. Do you like Mac Demarco? I think you would, he has really chill music…” Reo took out his phone to show him, but was interrupted.

“Mikage-kun! How are you today? Going to practice?” It was that girl again. Thankfully, Reo didn’t see him because Nagi couldn't resist rolling his eyes.

“Oh, Takada-san, it’s nice to see you. Yes, we were heading towards the field.” Reo said, attempting to gesture the direction, but failing due to the sudden weight pressed against him.  

Nagi had grabbed his arm and was pressing his head against Reo’s shoulder. 

“Let’s go.” He whined. 

His friend sighed, shaking his head but smiling anyway. 

“It’s getting late, we have to get going. See you.” Reo excused them. 

They turned around to leave, however they didn't get too far.

“Wait! I was wondering if we could walk home together after practice… I’ve seen you take a similar route to mine.” She said, clearly flustered, blushing hard.

“Well, I…” The other boy started, but Nagi didn’t let him finish.

“No, he’ll walk with me today.” He didn't give any of them time to react before he walked away, taking Reo with him.

 ————————————————————

“Are you just going to act as if that didn’t happen?” His friend asked with an amused look on his face, while he put on his soccer shoes. They were alone in the lockers, all of their teammates had already changed and were starting to warm up.

“I didn’t want to be late for practice, what’s wrong with that?” Nagi bluntly lied.

“You’re telling me, that YOU, the person whom I have to drag out of his desk everyday, wanted to be early?” Reo’s laugh invaded the room.

“I went willingly today.” He muttered and looked away.

“I really don’t understand you.” His friend, still beaming up in laughter, had stood up and was extending a hand to help him get up.  “Come on, let’s go.”

At that moment, before taking his hand, Nagi could only hope his face didn’t show the fuss of emotions inside of him. 

 ————————————————————

If Nagi wanted to avoid Valentine’s when he didn’t understand his feelings. Once he did, that sentiment of hatred towards the day became even stronger.

He came to the conclusion (after a long, troublesome, night, in which his mind seemed to be incapable of dropping the subject), it would be a mistake to confess. His friendship with Reo was too important. The risk of the other boy reacting badly was too high. 

Therefore, even if having a platonic relationship started to become a pain to Nagi, it’d be a bigger pain if he didn’t get to see his friend at all. And though he wasn’t sure Reo would break contact between them, either way being rejected would be a roller coaster of emotions he wasn’t ready to handle (nor would he ever be, probably).

“Are you going to confess to someone tomorrow?” A group of girls was chatting cheerfully beside him. 

Nagi sighed, head resting on his desk as always. Class hadn’t started yet and people were already talking about it. He hoped they all got rejected.

“The day didn’t even begin, you know? How can you be this tired?” Reo said lightly, tilting his head, his gaze softly on him.

“I didn’t sleep well.” 

“Which game kept you up this time?” His friend asked, as he mechanically started to caress Nagi’s hair.

I wish that were the case. “The one we’ve been playing together.” 

“Were you practicing because I almost beat you last time?” Reo teased him, a proud smile covering his face.

At that, Nagi’s expression softened. How cute. “No, you’re terrible at it.” 

“What? I’m not!” 

 ————————————————————

“Come on, we’ve got a game on Saturday.” Reo exclaimed, back with the same eagerness he always had. He’d insisted they stayed after practice. 

After what must’ve been an hour, Nagi was breathless, lying on the grass, almost wishing that annoying girl (Tanaka, was it?) was there to distract Reo again. His expression turned into a frown. No, actually, he’d never wish that. 

“You’ve been oddly expressive lately, treasure.” Reo had lain down beside him and was reaching to remove a leaf stuck in Nagi’s hair. 

It’s all your fault. He wanted to yell, but ultimately couldn’t get mad at Reo. Not when he was looking at Nagi with such tenderness in his eyes. Instead he simply hummed. They were once again closer than it’s considered normal for two friends (even them).

“Don’t go out with that girl.” Nagi surprised himself hearing the words coming out of his mouth. 

“Why not?” Reo’s voice sounded wary. Suddenly, he appeared very pensive, as if he didn’t comprehend what Nagi had just said.

That was definitely not the answer Nagi was expecting. Why couldn’t his friend just say he wouldn’t date her? Now he had to think of a valid reason. Because honestly, why else would he want Reo staying single.

“I mean if it’s just ‘cause of your parents.” It’s a wonder how Nagi could manage to maintain such a casual tone. 

“Oh!” Reo pulled back and stood up, laughing awkwardly. “Yeah of course, don’t worry I know that. I won’t accept anybody I’m not interested in.” 

 ————————————————————

Does that mean there is someone he is interested in? 

Nagi’s head ran in circles, helplessly replaying the conversation in his mind. 

I probably shouldn’t bother too much about it. There’s nothing I can do anyway. 

Well, there is…

He felt his face heating up. No, I’ve already discarded that option.

————————————————————

Ugh, this is such a hassle, I won’t do it anyway. Nagi yawned and questioned if he should just quit everything and exit the store. But then why had he even bothered to wake up earlier? He might as well buy the chocolate just in case. 

Plus, he wasn’t really passing by. His insufferable best friend only ate Lindt chocolate. Therefore Nagi had to find the nearest official store (of course everything the Mikage heir liked wasn’t easy to get), which one wouldn’t describe as close to Hakuho. 

Also, he didn’t have in mind that, on Valentine’s (mind you, the day in which people give chocolate to each other), the place would be this overcrowded. In conclusion, Nagi would be arriving terribly late to school. Nothing extremely unusual, but ever since he became close with Reo, his attendance had gotten increasingly better, making this the first time in a while he was late. 

He scanned the shelves in search of Reo’s favorite. Nagi remembered it was the one in the red packaging. 

Once he found the one, he went to the line that appeared to be hours long. He took out his phone to kill time, opening a game instead of answering his friend’s text asking why he hadn’t gotten to school yet. 

As he waited, he tried not to think about the decision he was making. But the closer he got to the register, the more he wanted to run out of there.

“Ahh, young love. Who’s the lucky girl, huh?” Said an overly happy employee, considering he was working a minimum-wage job at that hour. 

Nagi just blinked and handed him the money without saying anything. He’d never been fond of small talk, especially when buying into a choice he was certainly going to regret. 

————————————————————

Leaving the store, he made sure to place the chocolate carefully in his backpack so it wouldn’t melt, and most importantly, so he didn’t arrive with the bag in his hand. Although most people did, if Nagi entered Hakuho with Valentine’s chocolate at plain sight, it would’ve been obvious for whom it was. There wouldn’t be anything more bothersome than being asked about it by any of Reo’s friends. And again, what were the chances of him actually confessing? Better not to make a fuss out of it, he was past his usual amount of effort already, he might as well just keep it quiet and call it a day.

The walk went by quickly. He checked the hour, it wasn’t that late. Just moments before putting away his phone, it started ringing.

“Hello?” Nagi said, as plain as always.

“Did you fall asleep? Where are you?” Reo asked only half-teasingly. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class?” His voice maintained the same rhythm, even though he became slightly worried by the possibility of Reo skipping class to be with a certain someone.

“Look who’s talking! Apparently the teacher had an inconvenience on his way to school, so we won’t be having class until the third period. That’s how I’m able to call you. Don’t ignore my question! Where are you?” 

He sighed. Of course Reo wouldn’t miss a lecture for a girl. What a pain. This love thing is making me stupid. 

“Nagi? You still there?” His friend insisted at his lack of answer.

“Overslept. I’m five blocks away.” 

“Okay good, ‘cause I… wait a second” His friend stopped talking. Someone came to talk to him, it was a girl. Nagi could faintly hear her voice through the call. 

“Mikage-kun, Takada-san is waiting for you on the terrace!” 

Reo’s voice returned, different this time, it sounded anxious. “Looks like I have to go. We’ll see each other just now anyway.”

“Wai…” He started but the other boy had already hung up. 

She’s going to confess. 

What if Reo accepts her? I can’t tell him anything after that. 

What then? I’ll just have to live with these bothersome feelings forever? That’d be too much of a hassle.

I have to get there and stop it.

At that moment, the boy, who had never in his life rushed to get anywhere, was sprinting across the street.  

————————————————————

Once he got there, he practically flew up the stairs. Nagi didn’t think he’d ever been that fast, not even playing soccer. However, he froze at the door, he couldn’t get himself to open it. He just stood there, panting. 

What am I doing? She probably confessed by now.

This is such a pain. 

He was about to turn around when the decision was made for him. The door opened, crushing into him.

“OMG! I’m so sorry!” It was her.

Nagi stayed silent, looking at her. She didn’t seem sad. No chocolate on her hand either, his friend must’ve accepted the gift. He sighed. This is all so bothersome. 

“Are you okay?” She insisted.

“I’m fine.” Nagi exclaimed, still breathless and probably louder than he should’ve. 

The girl excused herself one more time and went away, leaving the door open behind her.

“Nagi! I thought I heard your voice!” 

Reo was sitting at their usual spot, waving at him to come closer with a radiant smile. And he did, of course he did. Even though he wanted to run away, he shortened the distance between them, until Reo was in front of him, staring at him with a soft look that could melt anyone. Nagi’s heart ached as he redirected his eyes to the ground. He didn’t need to be reminded of these bothersome feelings he had recently discovered.

“Did you rush to get here? You’re breathing weird?” 

“No.” He lied but his weak voice betrayed him. 

“Don’t just stand there, let’s stay here. We have a while before class and the sun it’s nice.” Reo said, yet Nagi didn’t move, his whole attention was fixed in the heart-shapped box beside his friend.

“What did she bring you?” He asked, but didn’t wait for a response before grabbing to see for himself.

“It’s a nice gesture, she gave them even when I…” The sentence was left unfinished because Nagi talked again.

“You don’t like this brand.” He was starting to breathe normally, recovering his unalterable monotone voice.

“Well, but I couldn’t tell her that, she insisted on me taking them even though I rejected her and…” Reo’s explanation got cut once more.

“You rejected her?” He looked up in confusion.

“Yeah, of course.” His friend replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “She took it really well, I’m glad.” 

Oh. On that instant, Nagi could swear the world stopped. Everything went quiet. His body relaxed (he hadn’t realized, he was so tense). He’d been worrying about nothing. It seems love is making me stupid.

All the stamina left him, which meant the exhaustion from the careless running finally came back at him. He had the urge to sit. Handing the box back to Reo, Nagi settled beside him, still incredulous. 

“Did I imply I wanted to date her yesterday?” Reo asked, the question filled with genuine curiosity.

However, Nagi didn’t answer. He was having trouble looking inside his bag. Maybe it was the exhaustion, or the uncomfortable blinding sun crushing against his face, or the fact that Reo had rejected the girl nicely or the way those kind purple eyes were looking at him just moments before, but he felt like doing something stupid (who knows, maybe he just wanted to do it). 

“Nagi? Did you hear me?”  

“Here.” He said abruptly, his head straight forward, not turning to see the other boy’s reaction. “It’s the one you like, right?” 

“What are you doing?” Reo was taken aback, Nagi had never heard him sound so shy.

He pressed his head against Reo’s shoulder.

“Are you really going to make me say it?” 

“Is this friendship chocolate?”

Nagi paused for a moment. It’d be easier to just give in and lie. He couldn’t say he wasn’t tempted. Reo was giving him an easy out. And when in his life had Nagi Seishirou not taken the easy way out of things? He opened his mouth to finish the matter once in for all.

“...”

But somehow, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Something inside of him wanted to continue, to find out how his (soccer) partner would react. Did a universe in which they felt the same exist? He’d already made it this far, it’d be bothersome to give up.

“No.”

“I don’t understand, you said you weren’t interest…”

He didn’t let his friend go on. “Forget it, I was wrong. I’m in love with you.” 

They remained in silence for a while, neither of them daring to move, as Nagi mentally cursed every single decision that led up to that moment.   

“Hey, Nagi.” The other boy said at some point, taking him out from the stupor. His tone sounded extremely soft.

At that, hoping his face didn’t reflect his rushing heart, he finally turned to look at Reo. Whatever his friend’s answer was, it couldn’t be that bad when he was talking to him with such kindness in his voice. 

His purple eyed (soccer?) partner had a small smile drawn on his lips, with his cheeks bright red. How can someone be so beautiful? 

“I love you too.” Reo laughed, then muttered. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, actually.” and gently grabbed Nagi’s cheek, closing the gap between them.