Day 5 – Bittersweet/Dreams

Sora can't help it sometimes. While in the middle of conversations, there on the grassy front lawn of their high school, with all their friends lying about after the bell has rung. Sora can't help stopping and staring.

He's never seen her so happy.

They are near the trunk of the tree where all present are shading themselves. He is leaning against the trunk while she sits beside him. She is talking animatedly while he laughs along with the others at her latest story. His hand rests on her knee—Sora can't help noticing.

They are very subtle about their relationship. Roxas has never been one for large gestures or big speeches. Kairi, though a spitfire herself, never pushes past anyone's boundaries, and she knows Roxas's boundaries. The two are quite subtle about the affection they show, how much, and in front of whom. The small gesture of his hand on her bare knee may not seem like much, but it shows…such possession.

At least, that is how Sora interprets it. Because this is how it is now. Kairi is Roxas's, not his. Not Sora's.

Admittedly, Sora was bitter about the whole thing. He wasn't even aware they were getting so close before it was a big deal seeing them show up together at prom. Prom! If you take a date there, it's a big deal. It means something. It's not an "experiment" as they jokingly called it when friends asked.

But then—but then—they started going out. They were dating! That joke turned into something real. It came out of nowhere. It caught Sora completely off guard. How?! Why all of the sudden?

He had ranted to Riku a few times until Riku had had his fill.

"Seriously, Sora? No idea? Think it through. Have you ever seen her so happy?"

Sora had originally scoffed at his friend's words…but then he thought. And then he remembered. And then he saw.

Roxas casually happening to be near Kairi's locker when she walks by to switch her books. Kairi rushing to meet Roxas after science so they can walk over to their history class. Sitting next to each other when they both offer to suffer in the back seat of Riku's car as the group heads off to town.

And the smiles. How did he not notice the smiles?

Roxas's smile is a small one. It shows contentment, amusement. Now the smiles he throws Kairi are bold and happy. And Kairi's? Well, Sora has never seen Kairi smile shyly before.

Except…well…maybe a little over a year ago when they had been talking more often and found themselves in the same places. And they were chatting about the upcoming prom. There had been a shy smile then.

Why didn't Sora ask her out then? Why not go to the dance together? He barely remembers making a comment about "seeing you there", assuming that was enough. He thought she caught his meaning—I'll see you there, let's dance together, let's hang out!

Roxas shifts to accommodate Kairi as she leans back against him, having finished her story, content to be next to him and listen to the rest of the group talk.

Sora notices their closer proximity.

Sora kicks himself every day since their announcement for not asking her out officially then. He thought he had time. He thought he had her attention like she had his. He thought it was only a matter of time. He thought a big moment was supposed to happen to bring them together!

Instead, no big moment happened. He didn't make one happen. Because of nothing happening, Kairi took it as his disinterest, so she lost interest herself. She went for someone who actually asked her out, told her to her face he really really really likes her and would love to take her out sometime and tell her how pretty she is and how great of company she is and…all the stuff Sora had wanted to do.

So yes, sometimes Sora stares, feeling bitter about all the things he could have had.

And yet, it is not all bad because it can't be. She is just so damn happy. They both are. And he cares for both of them. He is glad they are both doing so well. He wants them happy. He just wishes…

So as it stands, it is a bittersweet situation.

Turns out, I like writing jealous Sora. This chapter is a sequal of sorts from Day 2. A continuation of that high school AU. You know, I might just continue this one for real. It's fun to write. Hopefully after "Not a Carbon Copy" is done I'll get to this. I hope you all enjoy! Thank you SO MUCH for your reviews and love! I appreciate you all!