The sky was gray by the time school ended, casting a dull hue over everything. Clouds swelled, pregnant with rain, and the scent of a storm lingered in the air. The final bell rang, but you didn't move.
Because today... was the day.
You had made up your mind.
And you needed to say the words — even if they broke someone's heart.
You found him by the gates, the quiet one.
He was standing under the cherry blossom tree, eyes closed, breathing in the wind like he already knew you were coming.
You stood before him, heart hammering.
"I wanted to see you first," you said.
His eyes opened slowly. "I figured."
You reached into your bag and pulled out the little notebook — the one he'd once held in the music room.
"I've written everything I never had the courage to say," you said, handing it to him. "But there's one thing I'll say out loud."
He didn't speak, only nodded once.
"I love you," you said.
He inhaled sharply, pain flickering through his eyes.
"But not the way you love me."
There it was. The silence that came after a soul was pierced.
"I treasure you," you went on, tears clinging to your lashes. "You were my peace. You always made me feel safe. You knew when to speak and when to be quiet. But when I think about a future — about waking up beside someone, about the person I want to run to when everything falls apart... it's not you."
His lips parted. Then he gave you the softest, most heartbreaking smile you'd ever seen.
"I know," he whispered. "I knew when you called him that night instead of me."
"I'm sorry," you said again, even though you knew sorry would never be enough.
He stepped forward and wrapped you in a hug. It was warm. Familiar.
"I loved you with everything I had," he said against your hair. "And I'm glad I did."
When he pulled away, there were tears in his eyes, but also peace.
"I'll be okay," he said. "Eventually."
Then he turned and walked away — and though your heart cracked, you let him go.
The sky opened as the first drop of rain fell.
You stood there for a moment, letting it soak into your skin.
And then you ran.
Across the school yard. Through the winding back roads. Down the steps that led to the park where it had all begun.
And there he was.
Your best friend.
Sitting on the swing, drenched in rain, head bowed, like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to hope.
He looked up as you approached, his eyes searching yours, breath caught in his chest.
You stopped just before him.
"I chose," you said.
He stood slowly.
"And?"
"I choose the one who made me laugh when I wanted to cry. Who made me angry, jealous, confused—but never bored. I choose the one who held my hand when I was scared and dared me to dream bigger when I felt small."
You reached for his hand.
"I choose you."
There was no hesitation.
He pulled you into his arms, and the rain washed over you both like a blessing. Like an ending... and a beginning.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear that," he murmured.
"I should have said it sooner," you replied.
He pulled back just enough to look at you, eyes glinting through the storm.
"You're mine now," he said, his usual smirk returning. "No take-backs."
You laughed through your tears. "Then you better treat me like royalty."
"Already do," he said, leaning down to kiss your forehead. "Always have."
And under the rain, with the scent of wet earth and memories all around, you finally felt whole.
Epilogue
Months later, the trio wasn't the same — but it wasn't broken either.
You still texted your quiet friend, met up for coffee, shared playlists like before. He smiled more now. He was healing.
Your best friend, now your boyfriend, still teased you mercilessly. Still argued over little things. Still made your heart race with just one look.
Asuka? She grinned at you one day and said, "I knew you'd grow up one day."
You rolled your eyes.
But deep down, you knew she was right.
Because love wasn't about who needed you more — it was about who made you feel seen, cherished, and true to yourself.
And in the end... you were pampered by all.
But you only ever gave your heart to one.