You had been somewhat of an Icarus, getting too close to the sun.

Takumi had come from a long line of powerful politicians, but when he was your deskmate, that ceased to matter to you. Takumi was involved in every sport and every club, he had unmatched determination, and you would've been lying if you said that you didn't admire all of his accomplishments. You would've killed to score so well..

Tense eye contact, fleeting touches whenever you exchanged pencils, and his generous offers to peel your oranges in the mornings..

It was a surprise to everyone but you two when you started dating. You tried to keep it private, you did. However, people were relentless.. The girls in your class had turned from friends to foes quicker than quick. Yet you were convinced that being close to him was worth it all. You had never felt a love so deep.. Takumi was the perfect boyfriend. He was patient, giving, he loved listening to you, and he seemed terribly smitten. All was well..

Until you met his family.

It took a long time for him to admit that his family did not approve of you, but you felt the shift in your relationship.. it was undeniable that he cared intensely what his parents thought of him.

Takumi was in love with you, but his family had him convinced that he would turn them into a laughingstock by being with someone like you.. they fed him endless lies about how miserable you would be under the spotlight with him-- maybe there was some truth to it-- but his family kept planting seeds of doubt.

Thus to say, it was rather unbearable being swarmed in public, and constantly being the center of attention at school.. maybe you two would be better off alone? It was an awful thought, but you felt guilty for worsening the spotlight on him..

Takumi had his fingers laced with yours as you both walked to lunch.. you could feel every eye and hear every whisper. He squeezed your hand, “What do you want for lunch today?” He seemed to snap you from your thoughts.