𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘. 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃
Meeting is Easy, Parting is Hard

THE CROWD IN JAPAN WERE DIFFERENT than the ones she was used to. For some reason, their screams and adoration sounded more muffled, almost like she was underwater. All Minako could focus on was the sound of her heartbeat through her ears and the sharp breaths she was inhaling and exhaling. No, perhaps the crowds weren't different. She was different. She couldn't pinpoint what exactly had shifted for her. Their free program wasn't anything insane compared to their past ones, nor did they make any mistakes. It was as smooth as she last remembered. But something uncomfortable settled into the bottom of her stomach as she pressed her forehead against her partner's.

      Skating again felt familiar, almost as if she had never stopped in the first place. Determination seeped into her bones as she felt the heavy spotlight burn down her neck. Her legs felt like static as she curled her fingers around Mathis' sleeves to keep herself from falling over. An unusual heaviness filled her body instead of the usual euphoria that would appear after a difficult stint. Her hips felt sore from clenching and her arms felt like jello from the tense and sharp movements. 

      It was finally over.

      Mathis pulled his head away from hers and pressed a quick kiss on her cheek before bringing her into another hug. "You did amazing," he whispered into her ear, ignoring as people in the stands began to throw stuffed animals onto the rink. All she could focus on was her heartbeat that thud against her eardrums.

      "Thank you," was all Minako could whisper back as the two finally backed away from one another. And she meant it. 

      With one arm around her waist and a hand on Mathis' back, the two smiled as they waved at the audience who continued to shout their praises to them. Despite the change in scenery, nothing changed when it came to the adoration the pair received. Everyone continued to take pictures and cheer excitedly as they screamed praise and the roaring sound of their clapping almost made her wince from sensitivity. But more importantly, they shouted their names. However, among the waves of Mathis and Manon, she caught Minako.

      Hello Kitty plushies rained from the stands which made Minako burst out into laughter and her eyes tear up. In her first interview with Mathis she mentioned how much she loved Hello Kitty and since then after all her performances were showers of Hello Kitty plushies. Hell, the first one she was given still sits on her bed to this day. But to think that people still remembered and cared enough to continue all of this for her, it made her chest tighten.

      Never did she think she'd miss all of this. The Hello Kitties that now sit on the ice and are swept by the younger volunteers, the screams that fill the rink, and the warmth of satisfaction that always filled her stomach after the end of a performance. Perhaps she's always missed it. Like going home to a place you thought wouldn't welcome you anymore, but finding out that you're wrong. 

      Minako bent down and picked the closest Hello Kitty plushie to her feet. A small one that with a pale pink bow and dressed in what appears to be a maid outfit. She laughed to herself as two young skaters made their way to where she and Mathis stood.

      "Thank you so much," Minako thanked them as they handed both her and Mathis a small bouquet of flowers. She recognized them as students from the rink's juvenile program. Not to mention, they were the first to perform in the showcase. "It's beautiful."

      Mathis with his accented Japanese thank them both and to no surprise, both girls blushed at his words and warm smile before sheepishly skating away. Minako caught them whispering to one another before looking over their shoulders to take a sneak glance at Mathis.

      And as they continued to bask in the applause, Minako's eyes flickered to the top left where her family and friends were.

      She didn't get a proper look before their performance, but now she was able to make out everyone's faces. She was wrong. It wasn't just some of the team here, it was all of them. Even Coach Ukai and Takeda sensei. They all stood to their feet and clapped and cheered for her with bright smiles on their faces and excitement practically radiating off of them. 

      You would think that she had just got them a ticket to Nationals with the way they were cheering.

      Tanaka and Nishinoya continued to wave their handmade posters while screaming her name. The rest of the second-years joined their antics by clutching their chests and swooning over her as if they were her admirers. She spots Hinata who continues to excitedly jump up and down from his seat as he wildly waved his arms at her in hopes of getting her attention. Next to him was Kageyama whose expression didn't waver too much, but clapped along with his classmates. Yamaguchi and Tsukishima were no different, however, the former did hold a stunned look on his face. Takeda and Ukai were respectful and clapped. The third years were more energetic as they shouted their praises for her, except her smug brother who simply nodded his head as if she had performed to his expectations. Kiyoko, with a wide smile on her face, clapped energetically for her. And lastly, Daichi clapped as he smiled at her brightly.

      They were proud of her. All of them.

      "Your friends?" Mathis asked as his eyes focused in the direction she was staring at. "You were looking at them before, right?"

      "My team," Minako answered, trying her best to bite back her smile. "They're my school's boys' volleyball club. I didn't know they were going to come."

      "What, they've never seen you skate before?"

      "They didn't know until today. I never told them."

      "I'm glad that this is the first time they're seeing you skate," Mathis mused quietly as he looked at her. Sweat glistened his forehead, but he doesn't look out of breath at all. "And that you have people here for you."

      "Thank you." She sounded like a broken record player.

      Minako became more aware of Mathis' presence as time went on. His free hand lingered on her hip and she could smell his cologne if she tried hard enough. Without wanting to seem awkward, she leaned into his side before gingerly placing her free hand on his side. She wasn't sure if her cheeks were heated because she exerted herself or because of the beaming lights above them.

      Then the thought slaps her almost as if cold water had been poured over her head.

      She loves this. All of this. Ice skating, the audience, the satisfaction, the drama. This is her life and it's always been her life. She can't leave this even if she tries and she can't prolong her return any more.

      She was made for this.

      The pair skates over to the edge where reporters waited for them. Minako and Mathis walk into Anya's open arms as their coach presses a kiss to each of their cheeks before whispering to them how amazing they did. Never did she think she'd miss the way Anya squeezes her elbow as she excitedly hugs her. And though Anya did it after every program they performed, it felt more special this time because Minako has finally completed the one program that stumped her.

      "Hurry, hurry, it's time for questions," Anya ushered in her Russian accented English. She handed them each skate guards and waited as they slipped them over their skates. "You did beautifully! Stunning!"

      Minako thanks her as she slips on her Karasuno coat knowing full well that it went against her dress. But she could care less. She needed support from the team as she faces the crowd that are ready to either love or tears her apart.

      Anya waited behind the cameras and reporters as the two stood in front, ready to tackle any questions for them. Minako adjusts her jacket a bit tighter as she and Mathis smile for photos, trying her best not to wince at the bright flash of lights in their way.

      I can't do this, I shouldn't do this was all she could think about.

      But then she caught a glimpse of Shiori Kihara who watched from the back. With hands tucked in the pockets of her coat and a lazy smile on her face, Shiori gave her a slight nod. However, it wasn't the sight of Shiori that made her straighten up, it was Akina that made her tense.

      Seeing Akina wasn't a surprise since she was one of the skaters in the showcase. However, it still shocked Minako to see Akina so dolled up with her pale pink skater dress and tight bun. Although she looked as pristine and elegant as ever, the scowl on Akina's face said otherwise. And while most would be intimidated by the deadly glares sent by a beautiful girl, it only encouraged Minako. All Akina's glare reminded her was that she's still someone worthy enough to be considered competition, that what she said wasn't just for show, but she has the moves to back it all up.

      "Congratulations on a wonderful program!" one reporter exclaimed in English as she held her microphones in front of them. Minako winced at her cheery voice but tried her best to smile and nod knowing that she was just a young, budding reporter. "It's been a while since people have seen you two skate together. How is it?"

      "It's fantastic," Mathis answered smoothly as his lips curled into a smile. Minako could practically hear the young girls in the audience squeal at the sight. His smile only grew louder at the sound and his pale cheeks flushed red. "In all seriousness, it was very special. I've said it before, but Manon — I'm sorry, Minako — is one of the best."

      "And what about you, Manon?" the reporter asked as she redirected her microphone in Minako's direction. "You've taken a few months off and you missed the end of the last season. Tell us more about what this showcase means for you."

      Suddenly all eyes were on her waiting. Minako felt her stomach drop as everyone's eyes focused on her. The audience in front, the reporters, Coach Anya, her grandparents, Shiori, Akina, Mathis, everyone's eyes were on her. But this wasn't familiar, this wasn't what she was used to. Because this isn't what they wanted to know, this isn't what they wanted to ask her.

      She knows this.

      Minako swallowed the lump in her throat before forcing herself to smile. "It's odd. Truthfully, I wasn't sure when the next time I would skate. My injuries . . . my injuries took a lot out of me. Both mentally and physically."

      Good, that was an appropriate answer.

      The reporter didn't seem pleased with her answer. And God, who would be? After all, this was Minako skating with her partner again after him partnering up with Lisette Boucher, a known competitor of theirs, and she had practically dropped off the face of the planet.

      "Well, you performed wonderfully!" the reporter beamed, quickly moving along. "Mathis, what is it like performing in Miyagi? In Manon's hometown?"

      "Surreal," Mathis replied. He took a glance at her before continuing, "Almost everyone in France knows how amazing she is and I'm glad that we can show the people of Japan that as well. Minako is a skater that deserves every bit of recognition."

      "And you, Manon? We know you took time off due to an accident, right?"

      Minako hesitated before she nodded. "Yes, I have."

      "Has that time changed anything for you? From what we all know, you haven't been back in the skating scene due to your recovery." The prodding look in the reporter's eyes told her that they weren't going to settle for a short answer, and for a good reason. 

      For almost the majority of her career, Minako was branded as a controversial skater due to her attitude. They don't care. Not entirely at least. All they want to see is if she's the same person, for Japan to witness the hot mess she is in France.

      Too bad there are people in this arena she cares too much to mess this up for.

      "I think it's made me more aware of who I want to be as a person," Minako answered truthfully. She straightened her posture and smiled a bit more. "All I've known is skating and I've been blessed for the amazing career I've had. However, I can't deny that who I was as a person wasn't as satisfying as my skating persona. But being back in Miyagi gave me a chance to explore more of who I am as a person. Explore more of Minako.

      "I've missed being with my parents and brother and sister and grandfather," Minako continued as her eyes darted briefly to the corner where her family stood. She caught Basile's infectious smile as he nodded his head towards her, urging her to continue. "And being at school is different, but fun. I've made incredible friends who I am so thankful to have met during that dark and unknown period of my life. Skating will always be a part of me, and I know that not performing or practicing during that time has affected me, but I think it gave me a chance to think more of what I want in terms of my career."

      Her eyes naturally flickered to the group of people that began to make their way through the crowd. All varying in different heights, they all made their way until they stopped to where her family stood. But they all wore the same exact black jacket that she was wearing.

      Her team.

      Her family.

      The reporter's eyes darted to the sports logo on the upper right side of her coat and noticed how her smile naturally grew. But also just as much as how Mathis grew tense.

      "Manon, it's been confirmed a few months ago that Mathis is now partnered up with Lisette Boucher in this season," the reporter brought up, carefully gauging for her reaction, "With that being said, are you going to return to France the season after and continue your partnership with Mathis?"

      All eyes were on her. The reporters, who even didn't know English, turned to face her because the words 'France' and 'Mathis' were enough to give them an idea of what had just been asked. Her grandparents watched with bated breaths from the stands and she's almost positive that her grandmother might pass from anticipation. Her brother and father waited patiently, but the grip Kyoga has on her father's arm told her what he wanted to hear from her. She watched as Kyoga explained the question to the team quietly and suddenly all heads were whipped and faced in her direction. Eyes widened and mouths gaped, their faces almost looked at her in disbelief. Mathis, whose hand remained on her lower back, carefully squeezed her hip forcing her to glance in his direction. His smile was small, but full of nerves, as he silently urged her to answer.

      Then there was Daichi. She tried her best not to gauge his reaction, she tried her best to block his face from her mind. While the rest of the team looked anxious and desperate for a particular answer, Daichi's face was calm. After noticing that she was looking at him, he smiled and gave her a small nod. Nothing about his smile seemed fake, it was awfully real.

      She already knows what the smile meant:

      Don't worry about us.

      You got this.

      It's okay.

      I believe in you.

      Minako lowered her face closer to the microphone. "First off, I'd like to thank Mathis and Coach Anya. I'm truly grateful for the opportunities that were given to me through this partnership and none of this would've happened if it weren't for Mathis. Skating with him is like a dream, it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me and my career. I don't believe there is anyone else like him.

      "He is someone I can't skate without," Minako continued before she averted her gaze away from the team. "And truthfully, there's no other possible partner for me. However, starting this season I will be competing in the women's singles division and ending my career in pair skating. Thank you."

      Minako quickly repeats her answer in Japanese before she bows to the reporters. Without a second thought, she walked off without Mathis' hand on her back. She ignored the questions that came her way or Mathis excusing himself from the reporters before beginning to chase after her.

      It was done.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS, Minako felt oddly calm. The knot in her stomach eased and no longer made the rest of her body feel so jittery. Overwhelming thoughts seemed to have ceased as well as the many what-ifs that filled every scenario or decision she wanted to make. But for the first time, in a long time, this was the first decision that Minako has made that she's not thinking twice about.

      Undoubtedly there will be consequences after what she has just done. Like her grandparents — mainly her grandmother — might throw a fit and cause a scene or she may even get cut out of the will. Her grandfather on the other hand will probably just give a speech trying to get her to change her mind only to give her the silent treatment for a month or so — courtesy of her petty grandmother — and ask her to fly out to visit. Her career in skating may plummet due to her lack of popularity in the skating world and who knows, maybe she'll totally suck as a skater. And lastly, the rest of the athletic world will talk about this before branding her as an idiot who gave everything up.

      But she knows that she's not alone. Her parents will stick by her and the decision she's made until she's all broken bones. Kyoga will continue to stay in the stands and cheer her name as he tries to embarrass her in front of everyone with his homemade posters and off-pitch singing. And the team will always be there for her, even if she can be a complete and utter bitch, she knows that they'll always support her.

      "Manon! Manon, wait!" Minako turned around and waits as Mathis made his way down the empty hallway in her direction. With a perplexed look in his eyes, he continued to stare at her in confusion.

      "Thank you for catching me," Minako said curtly as she crossed her arms across her chest. "I meant what I said out there, you're good and I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years."

      Mathis shook his head as a smile of disbelief took over his face. Except, when he realized that Minako wasn't smiling back, it dropped. He reached for her hand only to stop when she flinched under his touch and took a step back.

      "I don't get it," Mathis chuckled confusedly, sadness washing over his handsome face, "I — I thought we were fine. We did amazing out there. Everyone loved us."

      "They did, they'd be idiots to not know what good skating looks like," Minako agreed dryly as she zipped up her coat. She shrugged her shoulders, "But I said what I said, I'm going to try women's singles for a while."

      "Women's singles? You haven't competed in the singles division since you were a kid," Mathis emphasized, his jaw clenched as he tried to bite his tongue back. "Manon, I need you. We're good — "

      "Why Lisette Boucher?" Minako interjected, not wanting to hear his desperation any longer. "Last question. I hate her, she hates us. Do you know how humiliating it is to hear that you're partnered with her? After what she said about us behind our backs? She's a good skater, I know that, but she's nothing special. And maybe I'm conceited for saying that, but God, it's an insult to have her be after me."

      Mathis scoffed, "You act like I had a choice in who was my partner. You and I both know that's not how it works. I don't get to choose who I work with, much like you. Mère chose Lisette, okay? And trust me, I know how much it sucks, but that's why I only agreed to a season with her."

      He took a step forward and hesitantly took her hand, almost waiting for her to stop him. But for some reason, she lets him. His fingers intertwine with hers as he slowly looks up at her.

      "I also meant what I said," Mathis whispered softly. "I love you. You alone have my heart and soul. And even if you cannot be my lover again, I would love to be your partner. You . . . you make me a better skater. Je ne suis pas bien sans toi."

      I am not good without you.

      Minako cleared her throat as she glanced at their intertwined fingers. "You know, all of this would've been nice the first week after I left," she said dryly. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the bitterness that began to weigh her down. "Everything's changed, Mathis. And you know it."

      "I can still catch you, we can still do tosses," Mathis insisted, almost like that was enough to prove something. "We managed to get a program down in a week and we have great chemistry. You and I are perfect together."

      "I don't trust you anymore," Minako finally let out. She watched as the expression on Mathis' hopeful face dropped and turn grave. "You caught me this time, but what about the next? Pair skating is about trusting your partner. To trust that they'll catch you, to help you. And I can't trust you. Not with my heart or my body.

      "We did well this one time, but what about the next?" Minako continued as she finally tore her hand away from his. "Pair skating is about trust. Trust that your partner has your best intentions in mind. And I know you say you'll never do it again, that you love me, but that's not enough for me. I trust that you can catch me, that you can lead me to the top of competitions. But I don't trust you enough to throw it all in the air for you. You broke my trust once and that's enough. I tried our partnership and it was enough for me."

      Mathis opened his mouth, ready to plea one more time. But the serious expression on Minako's face was enough to make him close it. He nodded his head as he took a step back to create distance between them.

      "Alright," he murmured.

      "You were a good partner," Minako told him sincerely as her lips gave him a small, sad smile. "But right now I think maybe it's time for me to take center stage on my own. Show the world what I can do without you taking the lead."

      The French skater nodded his head before kicking his skate guards against the ground. He extended his hand out to her, almost reluctantly, before trying to smile at her. For a moment, it reminded her of the first time they had met.

      "Good luck this season," Mathis said politely. He gave her a smirk. "See you at the top."

      Minako took his hand and shook it. "Oh, don't worry about me, I'll be there. I'd wish you the same, but you know, Lisette Boucher . . ."

      "Yeah, I know. But with me as her partner something's bound to happen, right?"

      "Oh, you wish."

DAICHI SHOULD'VE BOUGHT FLOWERS. Looking around in the parking lot as several other skaters walked out with large bouquets and stuffed animals made him realize that none of them had really bought any flowers for Minako. Granted, none of them — with the exception of Nishinoya and Tanaka — really knew that the showcase was happening. Their small town said nothing about the showcase nor was it promoted as much as it was in Sendai. Still, Minako deserved something to come out to. Hell, she was one of the best pair skaters in the world and all she got were a few poorly made posters and a bouquet of red roses that her father had gotten her.

      He suddenly became hyperaware of what he was wearing. Minako's seen him in these clothes almost every day after school, but it was as if knowing who she really is changes everything he thought he knew. For example, never would Daichi think twice about whether or not he smelled because he knew after practices and practice games it wasn't too bad. And Minako's been around long enough to know that. But it was different, he knows it is.

      The captain tried not to pick at the loose threads of his jackets or fix his appearance as the sudden urge to fix his appearance grew stronger and stronger.

      Minako's always been beautiful, but seeing her skating was something entirely different. In a way, it solidified what he always knew, that Minako Saito is of another level of class and beauty that is often too difficult to obtain.

      "Lady and gentlemen and Yua, Miss Minako Saito!" Tanaka hollered loudly as he and the rest of the second years began to obnoxiously clap and hoot. "That's right! The silver medalist for the French something something, but she won!"

      Daichi lifted his head and watched as Minako makes her way through the parking lot in their direction. Even as she was walking towards them she was always stopped every once in a while by a younger skater asking for a photo or even an autograph. He cracks a smile as Minako's cheeks flush with heat as she nods her head in agreement before posing with a younger skater. It was odd to see her so bashful knowing that this is the same girl who easily radiates confidence.

      Minako threw her head back and laughed as she got a closer look at the posters. With one arm holding as many Hello Kitty plushies as she can and the other carrying her duffel bag — and a plastic bag with even more Hello Kitty dolls — she stood out from all the other skaters.

      "Thank you for giving me the ugliest posters ever," she teased as Kyoga pulled her to his side and gave her a squeeze. But the sheen in her eyes spoke more words than she could ever. "You guys were so loud though, you almost threw me off balance."

      "Then we would've finally had good blackmail material," joked Kinoshita as the others laughed.

      "I'm just mad that you never told us," Ennoshita lightly scolded. Others hummed in agreement. However, the lightness in their eyes and the smiles on their faces said otherwise because being able to experience what they had just seen was more than enough for them.

      Minako shifts uncomfortably as she gave them a hesitant smile, almost as if she was still contemplating how she feels about them knowing. "Didn't think I'd be skating any time soon," she said truthfully.

      Kyoga laughed before he squeezed her shoulders once again. "You killed it! Your partner was meh, but we all expected that. But you did great!"

      "Let's leave your sister alone," Basile lightly scolded as Minako walked out of her brother's arms and into her father. The former Olympian pressed a kiss on top of Minako's head before Yua leaned down to do the same. "You did perfectly, couldn't have gone better."

      "Almost went under rotation for one of my jumps, I just managed to pull through," Minako shrugged nonchalantly before kissing Yua's cherub cheek. She handed one of the Hello Kitty's to her younger sister, one dressed in a catsuit, and watched as Yua snuggled it against her chest. "But good enough for a comeback."

      "Good? More like show-stopping," Suga chimed in excitedly. "When you're famous again, please let people know that me, your loving senior, took care of you during your high school years. Oh! And make sure you mention me by name too!"

      Minako rolled her eyes but couldn't bite back her smile. "Thank you all for coming, it really means a lot to me that you guys came during my last showcase as a pair skater. I promise that the next time something comes up, you guys will be the first to see it. Hopefully, my career in women's singles will be just as memorable for you guys?"

      "Minako-san, are you going to start competing for Japan?" Kageyama casually brought up. 

      All eyes were on Kageyama. The first-year setter shrugged his shoulders as he awkwardly glanced between them, not sure of what to make out of the attention. Kyoga averted his gaze to his shoes while Basile turned his attention onto Yua who was oblivious and far more invested in her new Hello Kitty doll. But the grip he had on the doll spoke more words than anything he could've possibly said. Even they didn't know what to make of Minako's declaration after the showcase.

      He always knew there was a chance that she'd leave, it was often a thought that came to mind. But knowing that Minako is a skater destined for greatness, it only makes sense for her to go back to France. It was where she started, it was where her career flourished, and undoubtedly there will be better opportunities for her there, much less in Miyagi. Despite the fact that he's been mentally preparing himself for this, despite the fact that he's more than aware, it doesn't make knowing any less easy.

      But Daichi isn't allowed to be selfish. No. In the eyes of everyone around him, he's supposed to be the honorable one, the selfless one who will always put others before himself. And that includes Minako. Because whatever he feels for her will not be as important as her career.

      However, knowing that she's happy makes him feel a whole lot better than the questionable feelings he's unable to decipher.

      Minako adjusted the weight of her bag on her shoulder as she cleared her throat. The expression on her face was unreadable and Daichi feels like his heart is about to drop to his stomach any second now as he waits for the other foot to drop.

      "I don't know which country I'm going to represent yet," Minako answered truthfully. "But all I know is I wanna stay here and train here if possible. France has been my home for a while now, but I wanna try something new. So unfortunately for you knuckleheads, I'm still going to be your manager."

      Relief fills his body as an indescribable high settles him down. It wasn't just him, it seems as though everyone else looked relieved to hear her answer. And though they all wanted what was best for her, no one could deny their selfish desire to have her stick around. After all, she's one of them.

      Even if she had chosen to go back to France, he knew he'd support her nonetheless.

       As everyone began to congratulate and speak to Minako, Daichi remained in the back wanting to give everyone else a chance to speak. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but he wasn't sure where to start. Of course, his absence doesn't go unnoticed by Suga who followed his best friend to the back near the parked bus.

      "You know with her staying it gives you a chance to actually speak to her," Suga teased as he nudged Daichi by the side. The cheerful setter wasn't even phased by the glare directed at him and continued, "And it means Mr. France is no longer in the picture. Now, all we gotta worry about is Ryuta!"

      "I don't know what you're talking about," Daichi lied, trying his best to look indifferent. But it was difficult to lie to Suga, especially since he was able to read him like a book. "I was just thinking that losing one of our managers would make it harder for Kiyoko, that's all."

      Suga gave him a look of disbelief, "You act like Shimizu doesn't already do everything. Wait, you do realize it's literally a title we gave Minako-chan just so she can watch over Kyoga, right?"

      Daichi shook his head and sighed, "What do you want me to say?"

      "The truth," Suga stated simply. "Let's start with this, how do you feel about her?"

      "I don't know."

      "Wrong answer. How do you feel about Minako?"

      "What do you mean?"

      Suga groaned in annoyance before he took a step closer and put both hands on Daichi's shoulders. With a firm look, he shook his head before he narrowed his eyes at him, "I mean, is she still just Kyoga's little sister to you, or is she a girl? And don't say anything like 'She is a girl' because you know what I mean."

      Daichi's cheeks flushed with heat as he looked down. He stepped back and coughed into his fist, trying his best not to catch the others' attention. Suga sighed at his captain's weak heart before awkwardly patting his back. He waved off the few who looked over at them, but while Daichi was busy coughing his lungs out, Suga definitely didn't miss the concerned glance that Minako gave him.

      "I don't know," Daichi breathed out as he straightened his posture. "I don't know meaning . . . something changed and I don't know what to do."

      "So, you like her?"

      "I . . . Yeah, I think so." 

A/N;

Hi! It's been a while, hasn't it? So much has changed in my life and here is the daily update (slash excuse) for why I have been gone for so long.

So my study abroad trip to Japan has ultimately been canceled because of COVID. This happened in early December right after I updated so it took me a while to digest it all. As many of you know I did a lot to prepare for this trip such as applying for scholarships, doctor's appointments for health papers, looking for apartments, and even getting a job. Currently, my study abroad program is going to be for a different country for the fall, and though it's not what I originally planned, I'm trying to be optimistic.

And lastly, the biggest reason for why I've been absent. On New Year's Day, I lost someone very special to me. He was my mentor, my second father, and someone I ultimately trusted in my life. His passing was a shock to me and to this day I don't think I've fully accepted it yet. This isn't a cry for help or pity, I just wanted to let you guys know because you guys are such a big part of my life. I'm still slowly trying to write but it's hard when everything is such a blank space for me right now.

This chapter is based on the song 'Meeting is Easy, Parting is Hard' by Basick, which is such a good song. I hope you guys check it out.

Happy New Year to you all.

(Also, happy late birthday to Daichi, I promise I didn't forget.)

Much Love Guys.

( written: january 12, 2022 )
( published: january 12, 2022 )