Taro and Budo had been inseparable for years. Sparring partners, confidants, best friends. That was why it felt so complicated now.

Because Taro had fallen for you—his best friend’s ex.

At first, he tried to ignore it. He kept his feelings buried, convincing himself it was just admiration, a passing infatuation. But every time you smiled, every time your eyes met his, it became harder to deny.

Budo, of course, noticed.

—"You’ve been acting weird, man," Budo said one afternoon as they trained together. "You look like you’ve got something on your mind."

Taro hesitated, gripping the hilt of his practice sword tighter.

—"It’s nothing," he lied.

Budo narrowed his eyes, then glanced over at where you stood, chatting with a friend near the courtyard. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips.

—"Oh," he muttered. "It’s that kind of problem."

Taro’s heart pounded.

—"I… I wouldn’t–"

—"Dude." Budo cut him off, crossing his arms. "We broke up ages ago. If you think I’m gonna get in the way, don’t. I just hope you don’t plan on keeping it a secret forever."

Taro looked at him, searching for any trace of bitterness, but there was none.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped low, he found you alone near the vending machines. You looked up, surprised to see him.

—"Hey," he said, voice softer than usual.