Yun was sitting along the bank of the river just outside of town that he collected stones from. The reason he was out there, staring up at the starry night sky, was to cool his head. Yun and his friends were having a small get together at Atelier when they had started teasing him again.

He had only talked to Taku for a few minutes and then he was suddenly assailed by people teasing him about his 'crush'. Normally he would have been able to brush it off, but for some reason it seemed to bother him more than usual today which is why he had gotten so upset that he had stormed off.

He was just so sick and tired of everyone poking fun at him all because he had a female avatar. He was a man damnit! There was no way he would like Taku like that. It didn't matter how kind and considerate he was, or how dependable he was, or that he was kinda good looking, or that-

Yun slapped his cheeks in an attempt to stop his thought process as he felt his face heat up.

'No!' He thought to himself, 'Taku is my best friend, don't think about him like that!'

Despite saying that he found himself unable to stop the flood of emotions that rose unbidden the more he thought about his best friend.

'Why? Why am I feeling like this?' He questioned despite already knowing the answer. 'No! I don't, I can't like him! We're both guys! Even if I did like him he couldn't- he wouldn't-'

"-love me back." Yun finished with a whisper, a sudden realization dawning upon him and he felt something sliding down his cheeks. It was only after he touched it, his fingers coming away wet, that he realized he was crying. As he furiously rubbed the tears away he heard someone's footsteps behind him.

Said person made their way to Yun's left side before plopping themselves down, letting their feet dangle over the riverbank like Yun himself. Instead of saying anything they waited patiently for Yun to regain his composure. Once Yun managed to calm himself down he looked over to find-

"Taku?"

"Hey Yun."

"What are you doing here?" Yun questioned his friend.

"I'm here to apologize." Taku told him sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, "I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" Yun questioned him, confused.

"Because I knew it bothered you, but I never spoke up about it. If I had realized you hated it that much then I would've said something sooner."

"I don't hate it." Yun protested.

"That doesn't sound very convincing when you were crying a few seconds ago."

"That's not why I was crying!"

"Then why were you crying?" He pushed.

"Because I love you!" Yun shouted, the words slipping out of his mouth too fast for him to stop. He quickly slammed a hand against his mouth in the hopes that Taku didn't hear him, but judging by the look on his friend's face the damage was already done.

"You… love me?"

Yun nodded shyly before elaborating, "I didn't realize it until just now, but I think I've been in love with you for a while."

"Why would that make you cry though?"

"Because you won't ever love me back!"

"Who says I don't?"

"Hu- Wha-"

Yun found himself so surprised by Taku's sudden declaration that he was unable to form a coherent sentence. Taku smiled wryly as he nervously rubbed at the back of his neck.

"Guess I should explain. After that time you crossdressed I ended up becoming aware of you. I didn't want to say anything because I was worried that it would make things weird between us. Sorry Yun."

Yun felt hope blossom in his chest and he could feel his heart racing.

"You… You like me? Even though- Even though we're both guys?"

"Yeah, I like you Yun-, no, I love you Shun."

Hearing those words Yun was unable to control himself and leaned over to chastely press his lips against Taku's own, enjoying the connection for a few seconds before pulling away.

"I love you too Takumi."

With that Yun leant himself against Taku as Taku wrapped his arm around him, pulling him closer. They knew that they would eventually have to go back and face the others, but for now they were simply content in spending time with one another.