Emptiness is very hurtful.
Ritsuka walked through the gates.
"Ritsuka? You forgot your lunch."
He looked at the lunch pack.
"I don't want it."
"Please."
"No."
"Please take it, even if you end up just giving it to your classmates."
"I don't want it!"
He ran towards the school's entrance.
"Maybe I shouldn't have been too hard on him. It's not his fault I'm this way."
"Eh? Ritsuka-kun is talking to himself."
He looked to his left. "Yuiko?"
"You haven't been listening to class, have you? What's bothering Ritsuka-kun?" She frowned.
"Nothing." He looked back towards the board.
Before he knew it, he was walking out the building towards the gate. He stopped, knowing that Soubi was there, leaning on the wall and waiting for him. He shook his head. I don't want to see him. He stood there.
"Ritsuka-kun won't get home if he keeps glaring through the gates!" Yuiko laughed.
Ritsuka glanced at her absent-mindedly then turned back to the gate. He started walking. Once he stepped out, he looked to his right, where Soubi usually stood. The hole in his heart gaped when his mind realized the spot was empty. What was I expecting anyway, he thought, his ears disappearing between his hair.
He walked home slowly, sighing occasionally.
A peppermint candy cane popped in front of his eyes.
His ears flew up as he stopped and his eyes widened.
"Ritsuka's favorite."
His heart beat faster. He held it and turned to look, his tail unconsciously swishing behind him, making Soubi smile.
"Ritsuka shouldn't think too much, it might overwork his growing brain cells," Soubi said, smiling. "If it gave you the idea that nobody loves you, then it's obviously treacherous, because I love you, Ritsuka. You fell asleep before I can answer you and I forgot to answer you in the morning, forgive me." Soubi paused as Ritsuka held the candy. "I love you because you're not Seimi. I love Ritsuka. Now, eat your candy to fuel up your mind so you can stop being depressed over nothing."
Ritsuka flustered. "You think candy can make things alright? How can I trust what you're saying?"
Soubi calmly looked into Ritsuka's eyes. "Won't you believe me?"
Ritsuka felt his breath leave him as he looked back into Soubi's eyes.
I hate it when I look into his eyes like this… It's like… I drown…
"Let's go home… I want to go home…" Ritsuka said, feeling lightheaded.
Soubi took his bag and put a supporting arm around him as Ritsuka clung to him. He smiled.