You stare at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Pale skin, charm point, glittering eyes, blue circles that give away the restless sleep. Pathetic, you think. You brush your hair with a comb. You flash yourself a grin. Fake, but isn't it always?
You shrug out of our pajamas and take a shower, the hot water soothing you. You wrap yourself in a fluffy towel with your initials embroidered on them. You slide open the door and enter your bedroom. There you step into the required uniform of Hyoutei Academy. You button the shirt and adjust the tie. There. Perfect.
Your cell phone buzzes. Your chest feels tight for no reason in particular. Except you know who's calling.
"Yuushi," you say, hoping your voice doesn't sound strained.
"Yeah. I was wondering if I left my book at your house."
You frown. It was a code you two used to use when you were younger. One would call the other for a "book" they'd left behind, a signal that their parents were fighting.
"Yuu, are...is everything okay?"
Silence on the other end.
"Oh, Keigo, you thought...No, everything's fine. It really is just a book."
You feel foolish. "Oh. Okay. I don't think so but I'll check."
"Thanks."
"Am I picking you up?"
You can hear Yuushi's smile. "If you like."
A pause. "Will Gakuto be joining us?"
"No. He's mad at me." Yuushi sighs heavily into the phone.
"We'll talk," you promise. He's your best friend. As much as you detest him dating someone who isn't you, you hate it even more when he's upset.
"See you, Keigo."
He hangs up and you're left holding the phone.
You spend the next ten minutes trying to find Yuushi's book. At least, that's what you're going to tell him. It's childish, but you want a reason for him to come over. Silly, but that's what he does to you.
Falling for your best friend. You've screwed yourself. But for some reason you can't stop smiling.