As winter gently faded away, New Domino City was embraced by the balmy weather and flower-scented winds of the springtime. Spring brought out the best of the city: the sunny days giving it a newfound sense of energy; the warm air encouraging the civilians to take a step outside and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the city's parks and lakes. But the best part of the springtime was the annual New Domino City Masquerade Ball, exclusive to only the most elite: prime-time TV reporters, world champion duellists and high profile businessmen. To Yusei and the rest of the gang's surprise, they had all been cordially invited to the event 2 days in advance: excluding the little ones, Leo and Luna, much to their disliking. Five invites for five very important people: Yusei, Akiza, Jack, Crow and rather unexpectedly, Bruno. Yusei assumed that Mina and Trudge had ensured Bruno's invitation was secured: after all, they didn't want their favourite amnesiac to be missing out on all the fun.

With everybody eagerly anticipating the ball, preparations began straight away which meant finding partners for the night. Within minutes of invites being released Carly had rung up Jack asking him to be her date; he complied, figuring that Akiza would most likely be taken by Yusei. Crow was waiting to see whether or not Yusei would ask Akiza; if not, he would ask her for himself. Bruno was planning on going alone seeing as though he hardly knew anybody and as for Yusei, well... He was nervous about the whole idea for things were complex, unbeknownst to the others. For a long time now Yusei had come to terms with his homosexuality, keeping it a secret from the others in fear that they would shun him if they found out. But now that Akiza was becoming an ever growing presence in his life he found it more and more difficult to shrug off her advances and suggestive comments. He knew she was into him but he just didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. That and another truth: he had fallen in love with none other than the enigmatic Bruno. Although they had only known each other for less than a fortnight, he knew he was the one. Bruno had been the only person who shared his interests and passions: duelling, engineering, computers. He had managed to connect on a deeper level with Yusei compared to all the others for he seemed to truly understand who Yusei was. Bruno was kind, intelligent... no, extremely intelligent, and as much as it made Yusei blush when he thought about it, incredibly handsome. He was, quite simply, perfect in Yusei's eyes. If he was to have a partner for ball, he wanted it to be nobody but Bruno.

But life wasn't that easy; Yusei knew he couldn't simply ask Bruno outright. Hell, he doubted Bruno was gay, let alone shared the same feelings Yusei did. So, how do I avoid taking Akiza to the ball? Yusei pondered. And then the idea sprung into his head: simply don't go. Say it doesn't really sound enjoyable to you. Yes, it may hurt Akiza slightly but at least he wasn't rejecting her entirely. Besides, he knew Crow was more than happy to take her, a thought which made him feel less guilty about the whole situation.

It was the same night that the gang had received their invitations that Akiza had knocked on the boys' apartment door. Bruno and Yusei were nearby working on their computers, discussing the new engine program they were working on when they both heard the knocks on the door. Yusei, knowing exactly who it would be, felt his stomach immediately sink. Tentatively he stood up and began walking towards the door when he heard Bruno ask:

'Yusei, why do you look so nervous? You need to worry less.' He let out a light chuckle. Yusei could only smile at him, amazed once again at Bruno's perceptiveness. He can read me like a book, Yusei mused. Reaching the door, he shakily raised a hand and twisted the knob, showing Akiza standing at the doorway looking slightly nervous herself.

'Um, hey Yusei.' She said uneasily, trying to smile to appear comfortable.

'Hey, what's up Akiza?' Yusei asked in his most casual tone.

'Oh well, I just came over here to uh...' Yusei knew what was coming next: the bombshell. 'I came over here to ask if you'd like to go to the ball with me, as my date. Well, partner I mean, same thing right?' She laughed anxiously, a blush lightly painting her cheeks red.

'Akiza...' Yusei looked downward. Akiza's smile dropped instantly. 'Akiza, I wasn't planning on going. I don't really enjoy events like that and I wouldn't want to be the spoil sport who ruins everyone's fun on the night. I'm sorry. But I know someone who's more than happy to go with you?' Yusei forced a playful smile but he knew just from Akiza's expression that she was disappointed.

'Crow? Yeah, I know. Well, I understand I guess... Tell Crow I'll go with him. Night, Yusei...' She turned and walked away with her shoulders slumped. That was harder than I thought... Yusei was now wracked with guilt. As he descended the stairs back to his computer chair, he saw Bruno spin around to face him, his legs spread apart and one arm draping over the back of the chair. The man was effortlessly alluring. Snap out of it Yusei.

'So, you're not going to the masquerade huh? Shame, you were my only incentive to go!' Chuckled Bruno, smiling.

Yusei slightly blushed, taking Bruno's words to heart. Wait, he was only going to go because of me? Does that mean... no, it means nothing Yusei.

'Haha, you should go anyway Bruno. I'm sure you'll meet a lovely lady there who'll keep you entertained.' It killed Yusei to encourage Bruno to mingle with other women.

Bruno said quietly, 'Yeah, maybe Yusei.' And proceeded with his work once more.

Yusei told him he was going to bed, Bruno wishing him a good night. As Yusei lay in his bed, one single thought kept him awake:

Why do I have to want something I can't have?