Rumors are going around the team that Tenma plans to admit his feeling to Tsurugi. Shindou hears the rumor and he gets upset. He spends the rest of his night thinking about it. Not sure if Tsurugi will stay with him when he could have Tenma instead. He doesn't know if Tsurugi will choose to stay with him or go with Tenma. The next day he is going to school and he hears Tenma's voice. He hides by the corner and listens. Tenma pours his heart out to Tsurugi about how he has felt about him, especially lately. He admits how jealous he gets that captain gets to see him more lately and that he doesn't understand why they are so close all of a sudden. He is flustered and tearing up bc he is embarrassed but he can't hide how he feels anymore. Shindou is in tears behind the wall, tryin not to be obvious. He can feel his heart dropping into his stomach as he listens. He peeks around the corner to see Tsurugi pull Tenma into a hug. He watches the two, terrified of why this means, as Tenma leans into him and buries his face. Then the goth speaks, "I'm sorry Tenma… That you have to feel that way towards me.."
Tenma and Shindou pause, nothing thinking the same thing. 'What..?'
Tsurugi continues, still holding the small brunette. "I bet it hurts you.. To like me so much.. And see me with Shindou.. But.. Tenma.." He pulls back some and cups his cheeks, looking into his eyes now. "I do love you.. I have loved you… But.. Like I love Yuuichi.. Maybe if you had told me before.. I would have returned the feelings you have but.. Now.. Now my heart belongs to someone else.. Someone I couldn't live without now that I have them.. I will always love you.. But not the way I love him.."
Shindou has sunk to his knees, covering his mouth in an attempt to keep from being heard as he watches this. 'He chose me.. He loves ME.. Over Ten-' his thoughts stop and he looks at the crushed boy. His eyes full of tears. Tsurugi wipes one away and puts his hand over the boys heart before walking away to go meet up with Shindou in their regular spot.
Tenma just stands there for a moment and Shindou wants to run to him and comfort him. But he watches him walk away instead. Shindou stands and wipes his own tears away.. 'I will have to see to him later..'
He runs to where Tsurugi always meets with him and sees him. The boy he loves, smiling at him fully. Shindou jumps into his arms and kisses him joyously. 'But right now.. I have someone I need to be with..'
Tsurugi is taken a bit by surprise by how excited Shindou is but he kisses back and holds him. 'He must have missed me..'