You find him standing alone on the bridge, where the river below reflects the bright afternoon sun. He doesn’t turn when you call his name. He just stands there. Shoulders stiff. Hands gripping the railing like it’s the only thing keeping him upright.

“Yamato.”

He still doesn’t look at you. Until you touch his arm. Then—he turns. Eyes tired. Red.

“Why are you here?”

“Why did you leave without me?”

He blinks. Swallows.

“Because I couldn’t take it anymore.”

The words hang in the air like broken thread.

“Take what?”

“Pretending.”

Your breath catches. He looks like he hasn’t slept. Like his whole chest is holding back something that’s been threatening to break free for way too long.

“I’ve been trying to act like it doesn’t matter.That it’s okay if you spend more time with other people. That I can just keep being the ‘best friend’…”

He clenches his jaw.

“But it’s not okay. I can’t keep doing this.”

You step closer, but he shakes his head.

“Kakeru.”

His voice is trembling now.

“I love you.”

You freeze.

“I’m not saying it to make you say it back. I just—” He steps forward.

“I’m so tired of holding it in.”

And then— He kisses you. His hands grab your shoulders. It’s not gentle. It’s desperate. Unsteady. Raw. It lasts for only a few seconds— And then? He goes limp in your arms.

“Yamato?!”

You barely catch him as his legs give out. He’s not unconscious. Not really. But it’s like his whole body just gave up the second he let the truth out. You lower him down, sitting with him there on the wooden planks of the bridge. He leans into your shoulder. Quiet. Breathing uneven.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I’m just… really tired.”

You’re holding him now. Too stunned to speak. Too full of emotion to breathe. You rest your cheek against his hair, whispering—

“Yamato…”