Jakey's POV

The sound of rushing water filled my ears. Wet coldness splashed my back and face as I backstroked. I took a few more strokes before treading water and changing directions.

Swimming was something I only did when I was stressed out and worried. The feeling of the water against my skin was very calming to me, for some reason. And right now, I needed to calm down. 

Ever since I had found out Bryan had Hanahaki, I'd been immensely stressed and depressed. I didn't want him to die. He still didn't know how I felt about him.

I had had a crush on him ever since he had invited me to dinner at his house. Everything about him, his smile, his personality, his eyes, everything about him just made me want to kiss him. He was so...irresistible. 

I never could tell him how I felt. Everytime I tried and his eyes met mine, my throat closed up, I couldn't breathe, and I'd just make something up so I wouldn't seem weird. I just...couldn't get the words out.

But now, I had to. I had to tell him how I felt about him. I wouldn't get another chance. He was in Stage Three. If I held it off any longer...I would lose him before I could tell him I loved him. And if that happened, I would go crazy.

I was halfway to his house before I remembered I was still in my swimming trunks.

After I detoured back to my house, changed, freshened up, and freaked out for an hour, I finally stood at Bryan's doorway. I took a deep breath, raised my gloved hand and knocked on the door. I heard a mumble coming from inside, which I took as Bryan's 'come in.'

He was collapsed on the couch, face first. He looked even worse than Kay had described. His hair, instead of sleek and smooth, was rough and messy. He was bone-thin and his clothing had blood stains all down the front. And his eyes...his beautiful, chestnut eyes were sad and decrypt.

I gently shifted him so he was more comfortable and I could sit down next to him. 

"Hey, Bryan." I said quietly.

He didn't respond.

"I have something I need to tell you, something I've been keeping secret for a while. A long time, actually."

I breathed, then continued. "You've been one of my closest friends since we met. You've always been so nice, compassionate, and just...a true friend. But, ever since that night where you invited me for dinner, it's been different. I've felt...differently about you than any other person in my life. It's not your looks, your powers, your money, or even your past. It's...like a song in the background. You can't really hear it, but you know it's there. And it's powerful."

I gulped. Moment of truth.

"Bryan, I like you more than as a friend."