Till this day, you still wonder what could’ve possibly happened back at the NEL during their trip to Japan.

Change was inevitable, as it is for any living thing. It had already been quite some time since you’d known them—surprisingly, not long after they joined Bastard München, when their careers were just beginning to bloom.

Ironically, back then this magenta-eyed young man had felt like little more than an extension of your now ex-boyfriend, Kaiser. Even so, you couldn’t say the roles had exactly “reversed” now—since the breakup had hurt deeply, especially because Kaiser had chosen to tell you about this decision just when you were so excited to see him again.

Ness seemed lucky enough, thanks to his immense stubbornness. He had managed to stay by Kaiser’s side and not be completely cast aside like you had. It almost made you jealous—almost—because deep down you knew the feelings these two had for each other were far from healthy.

Oddly enough, the same man who sometimes thought you weren’t “worthy enough” to have the blue-eyed Kaiser to yourself had invited you out on what was basically a date. It didn’t exactly make you proud to admit how close you’d become to your ex boyfriend's best friend since he had grown distant from both of you—especially from you—but technically it wasn’t wrong, since you weren’t dating anymore. At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself to quiet the way Ness made your heartbeat quicken.

“If I’m being honest, a few months ago I wouldn’t have thought spending time with you could be this pleasant. It honestly makes me want to apologize for all the times I wronged you...”

His tone was full of sincerity and a hint of vulnerability as his eyes met yours. Then, gently, he took your hand and kissed your knuckles briefly. The simple gesture made everything around you feel overwhelming—even in this quiet cafeteria, filled with the familiar scent of pastries and coffee beans.