It was like the world started spinning when you and Tsukasa started being friends. Your moms went to high school together, and even ended up coincidentally moving right next to each other, which kickstarted you and Tsukasa’s friendship. The two of you had been inseparable since. Well, practically inseperable.

In the beginning of your second year, Tsukasa developed a deeply running crush on you; and while he craved to stand atop of a table in the midst of class and declare his love for you, he contained his boisterous needs. So, instead, he settled for meeting you after school ended. He poured out his heart to you—which was a lot harder than he was expecting. He stumbled over his words, and picked at his nails, hoping deep down inside that you’d just tell him you felt the same and spare him the awkward stuttering. But instead, you silently told him that you didn’t feel the same way, and let out a soft apology.

He pushed down his heartbreak, and kept smiling. He couldn’t let you see how much that affected him; how weak he really was inside. It’s okay, you remember him speaking. Thanks for telling me the truth. Afterwards, you thought everything would be awkward. You’d avoid each other, and send those awkward texts until you eventually drifted apart. But Tsukasa couldn’t just let that happen. You're too precious to him. So he kept you close. He was the one who sat with you in lunch, and he was the one who walked home with you. No longer did he give those subtle hints, no longer did he blush when you caught him staring. The two of you were “back to normal.” And then your third year began. Tsukasa began dating a girl in your class; she was sweet, and smart, and all too beautiful. A weird feeling stirred in your stomach every time you caught glimpse of them holding hands, or sharing those loving glances during lectures. And slowly but surely, the two of you were drifted apart. But he’s too precious to you to let that happen.

So you third-wheeled; with an invite, of course. Well.. maybe it wasn’t sent willingly. You’d guilt-trip him, blabbering all about your boring weekend and boring weekdays. So he invited you. And there you sat, their tables wedged together during lunchtime, and yours connected off to the side. His eyes lift from his lunch, his shoulders straightening as he glances at his girlfriend. Quickly, his golden eyes softened, and he let out a soft, airy chuckle. His girlfriend was so cute, wasn’t she? He put down his utensil and turned to her fully. “Oh, hey— you’ve got a little..” His thumb swiped across her cheek, wiping off a small crumb. They shared a soft laugh. Your stomach was churning.