So due to some peer pressure from certain friends of mine, I may or may not have joined my school's anime trash club. Which surprisingly, was not full of weeaboos. But the one friend that begged me to join didn't turn up in the end and I'm like

*demon voice* "Bitch, you left me for dead."

"This is getting ridiculous, Haruka..."

Haruka tried to tune her out by staring at the steam rising from his teacup. His mother had come to lecture him again. Great.

"You were supposed to make a good impression and you go off to god knows where. How could you humiliate your fiancée like that? What could be so important that you have to to this to her?"

Haruka just scoffed in response. She cares more about his fiancée and the future of the company then her actual child. That's really shallow and sad. It's almost laughable.

He suddenly stood up and headed towards the front door, "Haruka! I wasn't done talking to you!"

Haruka ignores her as he slipped on his sneakers. He just had to leave. Even in his own home, his parents had managed to make him feel unwelcome with their constant presence there.

Walking into the chilly, late November air, he manages to catch the train to the city. He sees the nearly bare trees have been decorated by colorful christmas lights, many stores advertising holiday sales, children ogling the window display at the toy store.

Even the coffee shop was really festive. Paper snowflakes and shiny ornaments hung from the ceiling, snowmen and candy cane stickers decorated the walls and there was even a tiny christmas tree in the corner.

Nagisa was there to greet him, as always. "Can I get you anything?"

"Green tea, please."

Nagisa nodded, "Alright."

Haruka pays for the drink and Nagisa comes back with his drink and a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream on the top, sprinkled with crushed candy cane. "I didn't order a hot chocolate...?"

"I know, but Mako-chan called me and told me he got sick. Peppermint hot chocolate is his favorite, but we only sell it during the holiday season. I figured it might cheer him up a bit, so can you bring it to him?"

Haruka nodded and thanked Nagisa. He immediately heads over to Makoto's apartment. Balancing the two drinks in his arm, he knocks on the door. A few moments pass before Makoto answers the door. He had a surgical mask over the lower half of his face, flushed cheeks, and deep bags under his eyes. The poor guy just looked miserable.

Then Haruka noticed what Makoto was wearing. The orca kigurumi that Nagisa gave him. "You're actually wearing that thing?"

Makoto sniffled, "What? It's warm and cozy. Does it look weird?"

"No, not at all. It's cute, actually."

The warmth seeping through his jacket reminded him of what he originally came here for. "Here." He said, handing the cup to Makoto.

"What is it?" Makoto asked.

"Peppermint hot chocolate. Nagisa told me to give it to you."

Makoto's face immediately lit up, "Thank you. Though, it's too bad I can't enjoy it to the fullest because of this cold."

"May I come in?"

"But...I don't want you to catch my cold, Haru."

"I have a strong immune system, I'll be fine." Haruka said as he let himself inside. He felt a chill go up his spine as soon as he entered, "Why is it so cold in here?"

"The heater broke down in the building." Makoto answered.

"Have you eaten anything yet?"

Makoto shook his head. "I couldn't keep anything down."

"Alright, why don't you go back to bed and then I'll make you something."

Makoto nodded, "Okay."

Haruka busies himself in the kitchen. Ingredients were a lot more limited than the last time he came here. It's been a while. But at least he was able to find rice, which was the only thing he needed. He boils a pot of rice with a lot of water until it turns thick and soupy. When he goes to bring a bowl of the rice porridge to Makoto, he finds him buried under several layers of blankets. Haruka thought it was cute.

"Hey, food's ready."

Makoto emerges from the pile of blankets, pulling himself up to a sitting position. "Thanks, Haru."

"Careful, it's hot." Haruka said, placing the bowl on Makoto's lap, "I know it's really bland, but it's easy on your stomach."

Makoto laughed, "It's okay, it's not like I can taste much of anything anyway."

He downs the porridge quickly and Haruka gets him to take his medicine, though, Makoto was being a bit difficult and it took a bit of coaxing.

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Bleh..."

Haruka rolled his eyes, "Stop being a baby; at least you'll be feeling better sooner. Now get some rest, okay?"

Makoto nodded and burrowed under the blankets again, "Hey, Haru."

"Yes?"

"When I get better, I want to take a walk in the park, just the two of us." He let out a yawn and his eyelids fluttered sleepily, "And maybe we can go ice-skating together."

"Okay, I'll take you sometime, but right now, just go to sleep." Haruka said, gently running his fingers through Makoto's hair.

"Mmm, okay. Goodnight, Haru."

"Goodnight." Haruka replied, gently pressing a kiss on Makoto's forehead.

Makoto was too exhausted to notice it, but he suddenly felt warmth slowly flood through his body. He didn't feel cold anymore, even in the frigidity of his apartment and it was oddly comforting. He let out another yawn as he felt his eyelids grow heavy and eventually, he dozed right off to sleep.

Makoto wakes up hours later, noticing he feels a little bit better than before he went to sleep. He prepares to get out of bed, but a heavy weight on his lap prevented him from doing so. He hears soft snoring fill the room.

Makoto smiles fondly as he reached for Haruka's head, patting his head softly. He feels Haruka stir a bit at the touch before going back to being completely still. Then Makoto noticed that his hand felt unusually warm, like something was gripping it tightly. It didn't take long for Makoto to realize that 'something' was Haruka's hand.

He swore he could hear his heart pound against his chest. It's been doing that a lot lately. Mostly whenever Haruka was around. Makoto was confused at first. Doesn't this kind of thing usually happen when you're in love with someone? He can't possibly be in love, especially with Haruka, of all people. Even if he was, there's no way it would work out between them. Haruka has a fiancée, for one thing. Even now, Makoto still didn't harbor any resentment towards Manami, but now he couldn't help but feel a bit envious of her. But at the same time, he knew she could do a lot more for Haruka than he ever could.

As time went by, Makoto couldn't keep these feelings at bay, no matter how much he tried to convince himself that he'll get over it. In the end, he had to come to terms with them, knowing that they will never be requited.

Makoto wraps his fingers tightly around Haruka's hand, biting back tears threatening to fall, "I'm sorry, Haru."

Haruka had successfully nursed Makoto back to health over the next few days. Before they knew it, they found themselves going about their daily routine. For some reason, though, Haruka noticed that Makoto was acting a bit distant lately. Though whenever Haruka asked if he was okay, Makoto would just brush him off and say that he was fine. Haruka wonders if Makoto was aware that he was a terrible liar.

"Guuuuysss!" Nagisa cried, "I need your help!"

"What is it this time?"

Nagisa holds a catalog of semi-formal wear in front of Haruka's face, "Which of these do you think Rei-chan would like?"

"What is this for? If you don't mind me asking."

"For the Winter Ball, what else?"

"Isn't that in two weeks?"

"I need to be prepared, okay?" Nagisa said, "I want this night to be perfect!"

Haruka just shrugged in response, "Why are you making such a big deal out of it? It's just a stupid community event."

"You're no fun, Haru-chan." Nagisa pouts, "Sometimes I question why I'm friends with you."

Manami wasn't liking this.

Haruka wasn't spending as much time with her as he should. Now she knew why.

She narrowed her eyes as she watched Haruka smiling as Makoto was rambling on about god knows what. Haruka's smile was cute, she had to admit, but she felt anger boiling over knowing that it wasn't for her.

She honestly liked Makoto. She really did. She just didn't think he would be getting closer to Haruka more than she would've liked.

Manami didn't understand. What about Makoto made Haruka divert all of his attention to him? She was Haruka's fiancée, for crying out loud. She's the one Haruka should be dedicating all his time to.

Manami never would've thought that a blind man would be such a threat to her and Haruka...

Time to get him out of the way.

Now, how could she do just that...?

Makoto was alone at the coffee shop today. He was in a really good mood today for some reason. Maybe it was because he was getting really excited about Haruka taking him to ice skate this weekend. Even if he can't exactly consider this a date, just being with Haruka is enough for him.

He senses someone approaching the seat across from him. He winces slightly at the screeching sound of the chair scraping on the floor.

"Sorry, mind if I sit here?"

Makoto immediately recognizes the voice as Manami's, "Yeah, sure. Go ahead."

They don't say anything for a few moments, before Manami starts up a conversation when the atmosphere became too awkward, "So you and Ruka-chan are really close, I've noticed."

"You think?" Makoto replied, "I haven't known him for very long, though."

"Tell me honestly, what is he to you?"

Makoto laughs nervously at the question, "Uhm...it's a little complicated."

"Okay, let me an easier question. What do you think of him?" Manami asked.

"I think he puts off this cool facade when you first meet him, but he opens up more once you get to know him and he turns out to be really sweet. Even though he doesn't like doing things with a lot of effort, he's actually good at a lot of things and is a very reliable person. I appreciate everything he's done for me."

"Oh...it's too bad Ruka-chan doesn't feel the same way."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Makoto asked.

"He told me not to tell you this, but I feel like you have a right to know." Manami said, "He...how should I put this? He doesn't exactly...like you."

"I'm sorry?"

"Ruka-chan told me that he only hangs out with you because you're blind and he feels sorry for you. He finds it annoying that you rely on him all the time. He even finds having a conversation with you such a chore. Too much effort, he said."

As Makoto let this sink in, he could feel his chest tightening, to the point it was almost suffocating. Everything he and Haruka had been through together...it was all just out of pity?

"You need to get better friends, Makoto-kun."

With that, Manami got up from her seat and left.

A few moments later, Makoto hears the familiar ring of the bell and then footsteps approaching his table. He suddenly feels a hand grab on to his, "Hey."

"Oh...hey, Haru."

Haruka notices that Makoto wasn't his usual self almost immediately, "Is something wrong?"

Makoto pauses for a bit, noting the bustling sounds in the coffee shop, "Come with me."

He walks out into the busy streets, Haruka struggling to catch up. Damn Makoto and his ridiculously long legs.

When they got to the park, Haruka grabs onto Makoto's arm, stopping him, "Hey! What's with you?"

"Stop it."

'Huh?'

"If I'm such a bother to you, why don't you just tell me?" Makoto asked.

"Makoto, what are you talking about?"

"You don't have to feel obligated to be around me if it's just to pity me."

"Makoto, I don't-"

Suddenly, Makoto slaps Haruka's hand away before he could finish signing that sentence. Haruka just stared at Makoto with wide eyes, confused, hurt. He didn't know which one he was feeling at the moment.

Makoto gasps at the sudden realization of what he just had done. "I'm sorry, Haru!"

Before Haruka could react, Makoto ran. Haruka wanted to go after him, but his legs felt like lead, anchoring him to the spot.

Makoto ran through the crowded street, constantly running into people. He only gave them half-hearted apologies and ignored their irritated remarks. He rushed into his apartment and slammed the door shut. With his back against the door, he slowly slid down to the floor, curling up into a fetal position.

'Of course, why did I think I could be with Haru? He has Manami. I'm not allowed to.'

Makoto laughs bitterly, running a hand through his hair, "I'm...so stupid."

Haruka stared up at the dark ceiling of his bedroom. He was still trying to process what just happened. What made Makoto think that he felt any pity for him? Did Makoto think he was really that shallow?

It didn't matter. What really bothered him was after Makoto had slapped his hand away, he swore he saw tears well up in his eyes as he ran away. Just thinking about it made Haruka's heartbreak even worse. He threw the sheets over his head and curled up into the smallest ball he could manage.

'I made Makoto cry. I bet he hates me now...'

Shitty chapter. I apologize. This is a filler chapter, if anything, so I just bullshitted everything.

If you have a sudden desire to sacrifice Manami to the skeleton war, good. That's what you're supposed to do. Though tbh, this is kind of a petty thing to have a falling out over, but then again, that one time Makoto did believe that Pangea was still a thing, so I'm pretty sure he'd believe anything. And this was all I can think of :/

On a random note, I've been listening to a lot of Lindsey Stirling lately and realized I should've made Makoto a violinist, because that sounds so much cooler. But nooooo, the first thing that I came up with was something really plain, like a literature major. I'm a fucking idiot...

Speaking of which, you guys should check out Electric Daisy Violin. It's the tightest shit you'll ever hear.