Chapter 8
Toya was enjoying his time on the team despite the stares his teammates gave him. His dad and sister would often ask if he was doing alright, he was starting to get annoyed. Yukito was aware of Toya's growing frustration caused by the questions but didn't know what to do. It wasn't his place to ask Toya what everyone else was worried about. He decided he'd wait for Toya to approach him even if it took forever.
Toya tried to relieve his tension by running. In the past it used to be his only escape, but ever since that incident it had become his nightmare. He had what he thought was his best friend by his side when he'd go running. They were the perfect team, much like he was with Yukito. He just hoped Yukito would never betray him--that would leave a deeper wound.
The Kinomoto family plus Yukito were sitting at the dinner table and Toya still hadn't returned. Sakura had excused herself from the table in order to let her father have a word with Yukito. As soon as her father heard her door close he decided to speak, "Tsukishiro-kun how well do you know Toya?" "I know him well enough to know that what must be bothering him must be huge. He's not the type to falter in a situation." "Do you know what's troubling him?" "I don't think it's my place to ask him or his family what has him so worried. I was planning to let him tell me."
Toya's father was glad to know his son found a better friend. "You should try looking for him in the park, I think he needs you right about now." Yukito didn't know what Kinomoto-san was talking about, but he decided to listen to the man.
It took Yukito a while to find the park. There were many in the neighborhood but he recalled Toya telling him about one in particular. When he found his way he saw Toya under a giant sakura tree. He walked a little closer and noticed Toya was crying. He felt as though someone stabbed him and twisted the blade, he wanted nothing more than to hold the other in his arms. Yukito whispered a "Toya-san" he wasn't sure his voice would reach the guy but Toya lifted his head.
"Oh, hey. What are you doing here?" Toya tried to wipe away his tears but it was no use. Yukito hugged him. He was surprised at his own action, but decided he didn't care. Toya returned the embrace, "I'm sorry you have to see me like this. It's just that I'm not sure I'm ready to start running again."
"How could you say that Toya. You're great and I don't think anyone or anything should stop you, not even yourself."
"You don't understand…" "Then help me understand." Toya looked at Yukito, the look he had held determination. He felt he could trust Yukito, so he did.
It took a while for Toya to start his story without tears falling down again. Yukito held his hand and he knew he should be ok.
