A/N: This is where everything starts to go out of plan.

But I think it's gonna be fine... Enjoy!

Chapter 10: Feel my agony and regret

Akaito rarely goes to see Mikuo before class starts, because he needs the time to copy homework, but that morning, he sacrificed his homework for Mikuo.

In fact, he was already sitting on Mikuo's seat by the time Mikuo arrived.

"Mikuo!" Akaito stood up and yelled when he saw his crush walking into the classroom.

"... Akaito? What are you doing here?" It took some time for Mikuo to react. It's a miracle to met Akaito before class starts ever since Akaito learned to NOT do homework at home.

"Why didn't you invite me? I wanna hear you sing too!" Akaito grabbed the one he loves by the shoulders.

"... You could have texted me about it." Mikuo winced at the physical contact. He was wondering what happened to Akaito since he didn't receive a reply from him.

"I was going to, but my phone ran out of battery. I couldn't find the charger so I asked Kaiko. She said she hid it as a punishment for playing games on my phone instead of joining in the family activities. She wouldn't return it to me! It's a disaster!" Akaito's grip on Mikuo tightened. "How am I supposed to text you like that! Besides, it's already ten when I read your message!"

Mikuo was mildly surprised at Akaito's long explanation. It's not like it's a big deal. "Okay... I'm sorry I didn't invite you."

"I really, really, really wanna hear you sing! How come Rinto and Luki get to hear your singing while I don't?" Akaito released Mikuo, sitting back on Mikuo's seat in defeat. "How come?"

"I'll invite you next time, okay? It's today after school." Mikuo patted Akaito's hand in comfort, but Akaito was too distracted to blush.

"I missed it... your first time in years... I missed it..." Akaito groaned in heartache and regret. "How could I have missed Mikuo's Great Comeback?"

Mikuo felt bad for Akaito. If he were Akaito, he'd be sad too. He tentatively reached out and rubbed Akaito's back. "How about a session where you're the only audience? Will that be okay? Or do you want a duet?"

Akaito's eyes went wide. "R-really?" he asked, looking at Mikuo hopefully.

Mikuo nodded, allowing a relieved smile to show on his face. "For now, you'll have to go back to class. It's almost time for classes to begin."

Akaito smiled, enthusiasm showing in his eyes. "Today, after school, before your practice. Promise?"

"Promise," Mikuo said, then glanced at Rinto's empty seat. Rinto must be running late again.

Akaito followed Mikuo's gaze, the upward curve of his lips straightening into a thin line. He knows he shouldn't, but he still feels jealous of Mikuo's friends. That single year between him and Mikuo is quite enough to get in the way of their relationship. Sighing, he stood up. "I'll be going now."

"Where do we meet?" Mikuo asked, taking his seat as Akaito moved away.

"I'll come get you." Akaito tried to fake interest, but his jealousy failed him.

Mikuo didn't have to ask Akaito what's wrong; he already knew. It had happened so many times that he lost count. Akaito was again feeling depressed for not being born a year later. Mikuo had long ago run out of words to comfort him, so he didn't say anything about the matter. Instead, he just said, "Okay."

Akaito knew that Mikuo knew. It made him sadder to know that Mikuo was worried about him. "Then... see you later."

"See you." Mikuo nodded. He watched Akaito walk out of sight, then opened his school bag to take out his pencil case.

He wished he could do something to make Akaito feel better.

Akaito walked in the direction of his classroom, a blush gradually creeping into his cheeks as he thought back on his attitude towards Mikuo just now.

He forgot to congratulate him. Now that's serious matter. Mikuo might just think that Akaito's really selfish to the point of not congratulating him. Which is... quite the truth, BUT! At least he remembered...

"What else did I do wrong..." Akaito muttered. He knew what else. The green-eyed monster. He let it out again. He should probably apologise to Mikuo for letting him worry. Then he can work on controlling his jealousy. He doubted it will work. He focuses on himself and Mikuo way too much.

Akaito managed to get into class before the bell rang. He sat on his seat, rubbing his temples. Too much stuff to do...

Meito, who was seated two rows away from Akaito, couldn't help but smile. The idiot was troubled by stuff which will lose its importance to him sooner or later.

Meito sighed, turning his focus back on the textbook.

Foolish people.

A/N: Next few chapters will be quite dark... Mikuo meets the greatest difficulties in his life yet...

Please be well, Mikuo! (well, well, as if it wasn't me who wrote the story that way ==)