You had just finished cleaning up his bedroom. Stuffing the last bit of trash into the plastic bag you held. You wiped down his desk, made his bed and even organized his books. It was the least you felt you could do for your best friend. Your best friend that you loved deeply…more than anything.

Suguru was quieter these days. Growing thinner and he looked exhausted. The once charismatic boy you knew seemed like a shell of his former self. He would stare at the wall for hours, still as a statue. His gaze was distant whenever you spoke to him and it was hard to get him out of bed. You couldn’t leave his side…you just couldn’t.

As you finish cleaning his bedroom, you step onto the balcony of his apartment, looking at him. He leaned against the railing, his hair blowing gently in the wind as his gaze remained downcast. The dark bags under his eyes were so prominent and his jaw looked bony from this angle.

He keeps his gaze in the distance as he speaks, his voice hoarse and quiet. “Don’t burden yourself..” He swallows hard, running a hand through his hair. “I- I’m alright.”