Author's Notes: Yes, I know it was rushed. I'm really sorry. I had to rush this for a reason. I hope you enjoy!
"Ban."
"What's up, Kiz?"
"If I die early, will you fall in love with someone else?"
"I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not."
"Well, if I do, I mean die early. It's alright to find another one to love."
"Stop talking about that, Kizume. You're the only one I'll ever love."
"But-"
"But nothing that's final."
Ban thought. Why did he love Kazuki? Why did he love Kizume? Did he love Kazuki because he looked like his deceased girl? Why did all this stuff only come to his mind now?
And so it came to him. He loved Kizume. But he did not love Kazuki. He hadn't thought about it before. All he thought about was that Kazuki looked like Kizume. Every time he saw the string master, the first thing that pops into his head was Kizume. He should have analyzed the situation before confessing his love to the brunette. Now, once he told Kazuki that he lied (or something like that), the guy would be hurt and may never forgive the Jagan Master for making him a fool. Even though it will hurt, it was the right thing to do. Whether he liked it or not, he had to tell Kazuki the truth.
After musing over it, he finally told Kazuki. (He told Kazuki, after planning carefully)
"Ban, you mean it was all just one big lie?"
"Hai, Kazuki. It was all a lie."
Ban looked away. He didn't want to see Kazuki's hurt eyes.
Kazuki sighed and forced a smile. "We're still friends, right?"
"Yeah, just friends."
Kazuki was already crying, but Ban didn't notice. Tears started to run down the string master's face. Even when crying, Kazuki managed to smile.
"Well, see you later."
He walked away.
"Bye, itomaki."
Kazuki stopped and murmured, "You know what? I was actually beginning to love you more."
"Hey, Kazuki tonight is the last night Ginji and I am spending at your place."
"Might as well use it then."
Kazuki walked away and didn't look back. Ban did as Kazuki said, and he and Ginji stayed in the brunette's apartment.
As always, Ginji slept on the couch, while Ban and Kazuki slept on the bed. It took both of them to fall asleep in the middle of the night. At 4 o'clock in the morning, Kazuki woke up. He wasn't sure why, but he felt something was going to happen. The Jagan Master was sound asleep. Kazuki couldn't help but touch Ban's face. He had been developing a stronger feeling for the other brunette, ever since Ban confessed his love for him (which he did because you know why). "Kizume," Ban murmured in his sleep. Kazuki pulled his hand away. "Kizume, you're the only one I'll ever love." It was like Ban was talking to someone.
In Ban's dream…
Ban was in a peaceful meadow. The scenery made him feel comfortable. Suddenly, he saw Kizume under a sakura tree. He ran to her and hugged her tightly. "Kizume," he said. "Oh, Ban, I missed you so much," she replied. "I know you found another who looks just like me." She smiled brightly at him. "You told him you love him, but you broke his heart. Are you sure you don't love him?"
"Kizume, you're the only one I'll ever love."
"But are you positively sure?"
"…No."
"Why?"
"It's just so complicated. I feel something for him because he looks like you. Even though he's not you, I still feel something for him. I just can't understand my feelings."
"I know. Poor Kazuki, he loves you so. Be true to yourself, Ban."
"How?"
"Remember your times with Kazuki."
Ban closed his eyes and tried to remember. Every time he was with Kazuki, all he thought about was Kizume. Ban sighed.
"I feel nothing for itomaki. There's just…nothing."
"Are you just denying the fact that you like him? Even just a little bit?"
"Of course I like him. No, I'm not denying it."
"Ban, look deep down inside your heart, and you will find the answer to it. Only you can decide. Think. Kazuki is Kazuki. Kizume is Kizume. What do you feel for them?"
Ban did as she said. After a while, he finally said, while his eyes were closed.
"I love Kizume. Kizume is who I loved. She is beautiful. Just like Kazuki. Kazuki looks like Kizume. I'm not sure, if I love Kazuki but what I know is I really like him and add a pinch of love. Kazuki is really warm. His eyes are gentle and loving. His lips are soft and addictive. His hands are caring. He is just like Kizume. And I like both of them."
"You can only have one."
"I choose Kazuki. Not because Kizume is gone. Not because he looks like Kizume. But because there is one thing about Kazuki I love so much. He is…"
"He is what?"
Ban opened his eyes. "It's a secret."
"Well, now you know, Ban. What will you do next?"
"I'll tell him the very truth and be with him forever. Thank you, Kizume."
Kazuki heard everything Ban said. He was overjoyed that he kissed Ban's lips. He realized what he was doing and quickly pulled away. Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind. If Ban wanted Kazuki to be his again, he will have to do it the hard way by dealing with Kazuki's soon to come fiancé.
