by Lethe
Chapter Five: But We Will Find the Way
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Oh, I'm bad.
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It was all just an act.
Honda hadn't realized it until lately, but he knew that it was true.
"Come on, Jou, spit it out! Who?" said Honda.
"Fine, fine. I'm going out with Seto."
"Kaiba?!"
"Ouch…" Jonouchi winced and rubbed an ear. "You don't have to say it so loud… Even Shizuka wasn't as noisy as you guys…"
"Congratulations, Jonouchi!" Anzu had said. "And to think you used to hate each other…"
Yugi had smiled, genuinely glad for his friend. "Yeah, I'm glad for you. I hope that you will both stay happy."
"I didn't know you were… uh…" said Honda awkwardly.
He had felt as though the world were falling away from him. His best friend was…
"Gay?" supplied Jonouchi.
…going out with Seto Kaiba. How could he not have known, or even guessed?
"Right. But I'm okay with that. Whatever makes you happy, man."
He understood, vaguely, that he should have been happy, but he couldn't. Honda was numb, and Jonouchi was the cause. Why?
Why?
For the past several months that Jonouchi and Seto had been going out, Honda had kept on acting. He had made the same old jokes, laughed with his friends as always, and chased unsuccessfully after the same old girls. They never suspected – which was what he wanted. Honda couldn't tell anyone what he felt.
But he knew that he wouldn't be able to hold the secret much longer, now that he had figured it out. He had to try, though. If he knew… it would break their friendship.
Why did Honda have to feel this way? When had it changed? When had he changed? It wasn't right.
"Honda?" said Yugi concernedly. "Are you all right?"
"Wha- Oh, yeah. Sorry. What were you saying?"
"Would you like to sleep over at my house tomorrow night? I already asked Jonouchi, and he said that he could."
Honda's heart pounded more quickly. If he said no, it would seem like something was the matter. He couldn't lie to Yugi, and he had nothing planned for that night anyway. There was no way he could say no. It wasn't like any harm was going to come out of it, right?
Honda forced a smile. "On one condition: Popcorn."
Yugi grinned. "Consider it cooked! And if there are any movies you want to bring or anything, feel free…"
"Got it! See you tomorrow night, then."
Honda sighed as the bell rang and students flooded out of the classroom. He got up slowly and made his way out as well.
Honda passed Jonouchi's locker, and saw Jonouchi by it. Honda was about to yell hello, when he saw who Jonouchi was talking to. Seto Kaiba. The greeting died in his throat.
As Honda watched, unseen, Jonouchi wrapped his arms around Kaiba. When they parted – reluctantly – Kaiba took Jonouchi's hand, and the two walked out of the building.
Yes, Hiroto Honda knew what he was feeling very well.
Jealousy.
Resentment.
Pain.
And, worst of all –
Love.