Ryou stands in the middle of the football field, holding the note left in his locker. "Meet me on the field at 4:00pm." It is already 4:15 according to Ryou's watch, but he has no obligation to anyone else.
Fifteen minutes pass and nothing. Ryou shrugs. I should probably go do homework. I don't think that this person is coming. Just as Ryou turned, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. It was Honda, a bit scruffier than usual.
"I'm sorry for being late; the club held me up." Honda catches his breath.
"What's the matter, Honda-kun? You look tired," says the ring-bearer.
Hiroto smiles and places his hand on his heart. "No, I'm fine. As long as I preserve the beauty of our beloved school, I am fine."
Ryou finds the pompadoured-wonder's aspirations to be - different. Different yet oddly refreshing. What sort of person gets joy from cleaning a school? A student no less.
"So what brings us out here today? We're not playing sports are we? I'm afraid that I have to study for tomorrow's test."
"No, it's not that." Honda turns his head, sucks in as much air he can before his chest accepts no more, and he releases. The Cleanup King extends his right hand and holds Ryou's left. The scar healed, but Honda can't help feeling the crater that sat there, a ground zero for that yami no game. Ryou lowers his head and curls his fingers to meet Honda's.
"I value our friendship. I know I'm rude to you at times, but to be honest I just didn't know how to handle these feelings." Honda says with a cracking voice.
Ryou raises his head to look at the Club President. "Honda-kun…"
Hiroto straightens himself up. "I didn't even know I could feel this way." He shuts his eyes. "For a guy." Color comes rushing to Ryou's face.
The boy takes his scarred hand back. "I'm sorry, Honda. But you should go home. I am flattered. There are parts of my life that are just…too much." Ryou turns his back Honda and walks away.
"Wait." Ryou stops. "I may not fully understand this life of yours, but I am want to carry the weight with you. Because the weight of regret is far heavier than any burden."
"Honda, you're a fool." The ring-bearer walks away.
Men don't cry so Honda stands there. Flaming arrows could not bring down this ogre child, but every point hurts and sears the soul.