Disclaimer: I don't own Korra or any of its characters. Angst ahead.
Every night before he goes to sleep, Bolin thinks about the kiss.
He remembers how wide Mako's eyes got as Korra's lips crashed onto his, and he remembers the exact moment when Mako began to kiss her back. He remembers how shocked they looked when they saw him, standing there, with flowers in his hands – but he forgets everything that happens afterwards.
Bolin ran away, he knew that much, but the time between the kiss and when Mako carried him out of the restaurant is some sort of painful blur.
He tries not to think about it, but he does anyway.
For once in his life, Bolin thought he had something special. Something that Mako couldn't take away from him. For once in his life, Bolin thought he had something one of a kind. But he was wrong – he always was.
Korra was never his to begin with, and maybe it was Bolin's fault for thinking that she was.
He doesn't blame Mako. His brother can't help his feelings, nor can he control Korra's actions. Sure, he was angry for a while, but – like with everything else – Bolin forgives him. He forgives Korra, too, because it's better for them to be friends than nothing at all.
Bolin tries not to think about her anymore, but it doesn't work – it never does. Every thought somehow leads him back to her, every cupcake, every flower.
His shoulder doesn't hurt anymore – ironically, thanks to Korra – but his chest has never felt heavier.
end