Takashi trudged up the steps to the school roof for lunch as dread filled him. After yesterday's awkward encounter, how could he face Kenji again? But staying away would only make the distance between them grow.
When he opened the door, only Arata and Daiki were there waiting. Takashi blinked in surprise. "Where's Kenji?"
Arata smiled softly. "He said he wasn't feeling well and went home early."
Takashi's heart sank. Kenji never missed school unless something was truly wrong. He pulled out his phone to send a message but his fingers froze over the keyboard. What could he possibly say after yesterday that wouldn't make things worse?
Daiki gazed at Takashi in concern. "Are you two fighting or something? Kenji seemed off this morning."
Takashi sighed, shoulders slumping. "It's complicated."
His phone vibrated with a new message and his heart leapt, hoping - but it was only his mother asking if he needed anything from the store.
Arata stepped forward, placing a hand on Takashi's shoulder. "You should go see him after school. Whatever's going on between you, avoiding each other will only increase the distance."
His gentle smile gave Takashi courage. "You have to talk, even if it's hard. The longer you wait, the harder it will get."
Daiki nodded. "Arata's right. You and Kenji have been friends forever - don't lose that over misunderstandings or stubbornness."
He clasped Takashi's hand in solidarity. "Go to him. Be honest. We're here for you no matter what, okay?"
Takashi gazed between them, gratitude swelling in his chest. His friends always knew just what he needed to hear. "Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I'd do without your support."
Resolve filled him, pushing aside the fear and doubt clouding his thoughts. After the final bell, Takashi set off for Kenji's house with determination.
Arata was right - if he lost Kenji over this, he would never forgive himself. He had to be brave and face whatever end this encounter might bring. Their friendship was too precious to lose without a fight.
When Takashi let himself into Kenji's house, worry spiked through him. Kenji never left the door unlocked. He hurried up the stairs to Kenji's room and opened the door with dread twisting his heart.
Kenji lay in bed, pale and shivering. He turned over weakly at the sound of the door opening, eyes widening in surprise and longing at the sight of Takashi.
Takashi rushed to his side, pressing a hand to Kenji's forehead. His skin burned with fever. "Why didn't you call me?" he asked softly. Kenji gazed up at him helplessly, longing and regret etched in his feverish eyes.
Takashi smiled gently. "Rest. I'll take care of you." He rummaged through the medicine cabinet for fever reducers and a cold compress, tending to Kenji as he always had. And in the quiet intimacy of sickness, the distance between them began to heal.
Kenji sighed as the cold compress soothed his aching head. "You don't have to do this. I didn't want to worry you after...yesterday."
Takashi gazed down at him steadily. "Don't be ridiculous. You're my best friend - of course I'm going to worry and want to help when you're sick." His smile softened. "We'll talk when you're feeling better, okay?"
Kenji nodded slowly, tension easing from his body as exhaustion claimed him. Takashi kept vigil at his bedside as he drifted into a healing sleep.
When Kenji finally woke, evening sunlight filtered through the curtains. He blinked groggily and glanced down to find Takashi asleep, head resting on the edge of his bed. Kenji gazed at Takashi's sleeping face, struck by how innocent and vulnerable he looked. His heart swelled with affection.
Unable to resist, Kenji reached out to gently brush a few strands of hair from Takashi's forehead. His hair was as soft as it looked. Kenji combed his fingers through the silky strands, admiring how the setting sun gilded each one in gold. His heart ached with tenderness and longing.
Takashi stirred and lifted his head, blinking awake. He glanced up at Kenji and smiled. "How are you feeling?" He pressed a hand to Kenji's forehead, relieved to find his temperature had lowered.
"Better, thanks to you." Kenji gazed at him in gratitude and longing. The light of sunset cast a golden glow over Takashi's features, and Kenji was struck anew by how dear he was to his heart.
Takashi handed him a glass of water and more medicine. "I should head home for dinner soon. Call me if you need anything, okay?"
As he moved to stand, Kenji's hand shot out to grasp his wrist. Takashi blinked down at him in surprise. Kenji swallowed hard. "Don't go yet. I...we need to talk. Please."
Takashi gazed into Kenji's eyes, heart pounding. But underneath the longing and hints of fear, he saw only sincerity - and a mirror of the emotions twisting his own heart.
Takashi settled back into the chair beside Kenji's bed without looking away. Kenji's grip on his wrist loosened but did not fall away, drawing courage from the contact.
Kenji took a deep breath. "I can't stop thinking about you, Takashi. When we're apart, when we're together...you're always on my mind." He gazed at Takashi helplessly. "I don't know what to do. I'm so afraid of losing our friendship, but these feelings..."
"I know," Takashi said softly, squeezing Kenji's hand. "I feel the same way. I have for a long time now."
Kenji's eyes widened. "You do?"
At Takashi's nod, joy and wonder filled Kenji's gaze. The truth had finally emerged, in tender whispers as night descended - but rather than tearing them apart, it drew them closer than ever before. The distance between them faded away, replaced with understanding and a sweet expectancy for all that was still to come.