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Rin Itoshi was hopelessly in love with Isagi Yoichi—always had been. From the moment those beautiful blue eyes curiously landed on him, the green-haired boy knew he was utterly smitten, and there was no turning back. To him, the other was so beautiful, so unreal, someone from another world. He believed it was impossible for an angel like Isagi—so kind and compassionate—to be just a mere mortal like himself.
Over time, they became best friends, inseparable, they spent every day together. Yoichi's presence made Rin's heart race and brought out his most genuine smiles. Rin had come to know all the little details about the one he loved, from how his arms wrapped around his stomach when he laughed to his favorite way to prepare breakfast. He truly loved him, considering him not only his best friend but his soulmate—the one he belonged with and could be his true self around.
He loved him so much that he never found the courage to confess, afraid of losing the love of his life and being left alone. For years, he thought he could be satisfied just being close to the blue-haired boy. But little by little, he realized he had been wrong. By the time he admitted it to himself, it was too late—Isagi Yoichi was married, and Rin could only watch from afar as a spectator.
He could still vividly remember everything that had happened over those years. Watching the love of his life exchange rings with someone else—despite having wished so desperately to be in that place—shattered his heart into pieces. Yet, he couldn't do anything, because even as the pain consumed him from within, he could never stand in the way of Isagi's happiness.
It felt like just yesterday that he spent countless nights comforting the older boy, who cried because of his wife. Rin loathed that woman, the one responsible for his beloved's sadness, the one who had ruined his life. Watching Isagi try to justify her actions made Rin's blood boil.
Time after time, Rin motivated him, being the only one who could make Yoichi smile during his darkest moments. But it was never enough for Isagi to see him the way Rin saw him. Never enough for him to realize that he should be with the boy with aquamarine eyes—someone who would treat him as he truly deserved.
Isagi's 30th birthday was the final straw. His wife had completely forgotten the date. After hours of gentle persuasion, Rin managed to help him see the truth.
And now, months after Rin had finally convinced Isagi to divorce her, they sat together on the damp grass, gazing at the nighttime view. The deep blue hues of the sky complemented Isagi's hair perfectly, and the radiant stars reflecting in his eyes lit up the night. His face showed a weary expression, with his darkening under-eye circles more prominent than ever. Rin noticed and felt compelled to ask:
-Are you okay? You seem pretty down-
The older boy sighed deeply and shook his head. He didn't like addressing the topic and preferred to avoid it. Rin quickly understood and changed the subject.
-The kids... they're with her this week, aren't they?- he whispered softly.
Yoichi nodded. He wouldn't see his two children—the only good thing left from his past marriage—until the following week. He adored them; they were one of his few sources of joy.
Rin, too, had grown fond of them, treating them with patience and kindness. Yet, seeing the blend of his beloved and that woman left a bittersweet taste in his mouth.
He grabbed the beer bottle and took a swig, hoping to drown out the tragedies that haunted him, to erase the moments of watching Isagi suffer because of his ex-wife from his mind.
The blue-haired boy had been drinking as well, his cheeks flushed a deep red from his low alcohol tolerance. His movements were slower, uncoordinated. He lay back on the ground as best he could, and Rin did the same.
Isagi glanced at him sideways, their eyes meeting, and Rin felt his heart start to race wildly.
-To be honest... you're the only one I can trust these days.-
-Of course... that's what I'm here for. We're friends, right?- Rin replied, resigned.
-Yeah...- Yoichi's gaze turned toward the sky, and Rin thought he looked beautiful, the blush on his cheeks making him appear even more attractive.
-To be honest...- the older boy began, -if you were a woman, I'd marry you. You're always there for me, and you're so kind, so honest, and sweet to me-
Rin's aquamarine eyes sparkled with hope, and the words escaped his lips before he could stop them.
-Then let's get married anyway.-
Isagi started laughing, clearly taking it as a joke. His laughter echoed in the night, the only sound in the stillness. Rin felt a pang of disappointment; he had been serious. He wanted nothing more than to marry his Yoichi. Yet, he couldn't help but think the boy looked stunning with that big smile on his face.
-God, Rin, you're so pathetic..."- Isagi said, wiping away tears of laughter. It was the first time Rin had seen him so happy since his divorce.
Rin let out a hollow laugh in response and decided to lock his feelings away in a small box, sealed tightly. Because even though Isagi Yoichi was the love of Itoshi Rin's life, the green-haired boy was not his.