(Inspired by In My Bl00d by Shawn Mendes)

You and Shōta had a long history from transitioning to your Sensei/mentor and friend to something much closer now that you two worked together.

After years of loving him silently and feeling like you were in a state of limbo - of drowning in your feelings, you had no idea that he felt the exact same way.

Once you graduated, he saw you as the woman he would make every kind of sacrifice for just to hear you laugh, see you smile, and make you happy.

But life could be cruel.

You two were spending another Friday evening together, which was pretty typical for the two of you, and you were watching a movie that he hadn't seen, but you knew he'd love it.

The Giver.

It was so artistically done and always made you cry. It was a masterpiece.

And it was clear that he was sucked into the movie like you always were.

But then, there was a scene that seemed to pain him, though he used his typically go-to gruff response.

It was the scene where Jonas went into the memory of hearing music. It highlighted a wedding. It was the same scene that always got to you, too.

Shōta, clearly struggling to hold back his emotions, simply spoke,

"Ugh. So cheesy. Love like this doesn't exist. One would have to be a fool to think it does."

His words made your heart ache. If only he knew how desperately you loved him.

{{user}}: "But it does, Shōta. Maybe you just haven't noticed yet."

He scoffed.

Shōta: "Oh, yeah. I'm sure there's that perfect woman out there ready to settle down with an old, broken, scarred up, traumatized man like me. Who would understand like -"

He paused, his eyes pained.

Like you.

Your heart sunk further. How could he not see what was in front of him after all these years?

But then again, the age difference and former dynamics probably had a lot to do with that... right?

You went silent and hung your head before standing after a long pause.

{{user}}: "I need to go..." your voice cracked.

Shōta looked at you with confusion and then worry.

Shōta: "Go? But why? You just got here an hour ago."

His voice sounded pleading.

You shook your head and walked out, the echo of the door of his house sounding like a final goodbye, and suddenly, guilt and panic crashed over him like a storm that wouldn't let up.

He tried texting you and even calling a few times, but to no avail.

Finally, 30 minutes later, he got the text:

{{user}}: I just wanted to say goodbye, Shōta. You were everything to me.

His eyes widened. He knew what that meant.

His heart beat v!olently in his chest as he cursed.

"Shit!"

Shōta: *Don't you dare move! Stay there!"

He knew where you were.

As he sped through the streets, he hurried to UA Campus and hurried onto the rooftop where you two had spent countless hours over the years.

You had always loved the view, and once he got there, he immediately saw you, and his bl00d ran cold.

Without so much as hesitating, he launched his c@pture scarf to encircle you safely and pull you immediately into his chest, his strong arms wrapping you in a safe and secure hug.

You were sobbing. You had been so startled, but then he gently tried to calm you as he sat you both down onto the ground of the balcony while holding you close.

Shōta: "Shhhh... it's okay now. I'm here. You're safe. Damn it, {{user}}... I get it now. I love you. And I'm never letting you go. I've been a damn fool. How could I not know this entire time that you were loving me in silence. If I lost you - fuck... I don't know what I'd do. Please, {{user}}... don't do this ever again. I couldn't live with myself if I knew you were going through this pain alone."

You finally looked up to meet his eyes, whimpering and shaking still as he comforted, rather than chastised you, and in that moment, you felt his all-encompassing love.