"Cheer up Eijun-kun, this is supposed to be a celebration for the seniors." Haruichi put a hand on the pitchers back, attempting to cheer him up. Eijun pouted but nodded, understanding he should at least try and be happy for them.
Smiling, the pink haired first year watched Eijun go and congratulate Chris and the other seniors. He was relieved when Miyuki and Kuramochi started teasing his friend, as the pitcher seemed to regain some of his normal cheeriness.
Leaning against the wall, he sipped at his drink, watching everyone interact. He wasn't a big social person, and was content to just sit back and watch everything happen.
The whole school was here for this celebration, congratulating all the seniors who had graduated and allowing the underclassmen some extra time to say their goodbyes. It was a little crowded, but the overall mood was positive, even if there were a few tears being shed.
Noticing his brother was currently occupied with friends and admirers, he slipped toward the door. There'd be time for him to say his goodbyes later. For now, he simply wanted some fresh air and a little quiet.
Stretching his arms above his head, careful not to spill his drink, Haruichi smiled as he looked up at the stars. It was warm out, and the sky was clear, a perfect night for stargazing. Walking forward a little, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the peace, letting his shoulders relax and the smell of freshly cut grass fill his nose.
Hearing a small rustle behind him, he sighed. He hadn't even been gone that long and someone had found him. Opening his mouth to greet whoever had come, he turned.
/
Ryousuke chuckled to himself when he saw Haruichi slip out the door. His little brother never was one for big crowds. Excusing himself from the group, he made his way to the refreshments table, refilling his glass of water and snagging a cookie.
Staring at the crowd before him, he smiled when he spotted Miyuki stealing a quick kiss from Furuya, who frowned and pulled the catcher back for more. Eijun was beaming up at Chris, who had on his own soft smile. The duo had their hands intertwined as they talked.
Jun was flustered as Tetsu kept attempting to have him try some food or another, only to lick off any crumbs that may have been left behind. The rest of the regulars were out of sight, either chatting with friends or spending a few more moments with loved ones.
The older Kominato glanced around again, wondering where his own loved one was. He didn't have to wonder long as two arms snaked around his waist. Kuramochi rested his head on the shorter teens' shoulder. "I'm going to miss you Ryou-san."
"You sound like I'm going to be gone for a long time."
"A year is a very long time."
"You're just going to have to find a way to make it go fast then." Kuramochi grinned and gave the third year a peck on the cheek, causing Ryousuke to sigh and roll his eyes. "Must I do everything?" Turning around, he grasped the second years' tie and crashed their lips together, nipping at his bottom lip a little harder than necessary.
Digging his fingers into the brown hair, he tugged sharply, getting a gasp from the younger teen. "R-Ryou-san."
"Such a masochist Youichi-chan." The short stop flushed red both at the comment and the fact he realized they were still at the party and had become a show for those nearby. As much as Kuramochi loved the sadistic pink haired male, he wasn't comfortable with so much PDA. Especially around those he'd have to deal with for another year.
Ryousuke grinned and let the teen go, enjoying the flustered look as he attempted to compose himself once more. Pulling the teen down once more for a shorter, softer kiss, the older teen smiled. "Take care of Haru-chan for me while I'm gone."
He didn't wait for an answer, instead moving back toward some classmates he hadn't said goodbye to yet.
/
Kuramochi put his hand on Ryousukes' shoulder. The two were the only ones left, everyone else having gone back. Eventually, even Kuramochi turned and left, leaving only Ryousuke standing there.
Slowly bending down, the older Kominato placed the flower on the fresh grave, tears finally sliding down his cheeks. "I should have gone after you."
After the graduation party all those years ago, Haruichi had disappeared. Nobody had realized until the next morning. The police had been called, but all that was left was the cup he'd been drinking from, the juice staining the grass.
A month ago, the police had officially declared the youngest Kominato dead. The only reason that the funeral had been put off so long was because Ryousuke refused to accept it. He believed his baby brother was out there, alive.
He'd finally broken down when he saw how much his assurance that the youngest was alive was hurting his parents. The last hope he'd had died as he let go of the flower, his head hanging and sobs coming.
He regretted many things about that night, about the years before and after, but the main thing he couldn't forgive himself for was giving up on his brother. Even if he was alive, even if he needed help, even if he was praying for him, to Ryousuke, Haruichi was dead.
So I made this into it's own story. Probably won't be very long, but I hope you like it! Let me know what you thought!