It's been three days since Kogure moved to his new flat. His first day was spent just lying down on the mattress, it's not as huge and as soft as before but somehow he felt comfortable, he needed rest and sleep.

On the third day, he finally decided to keep himself busy. Arranging his stuff neatly. The closet, some kitchen wares, and utensils. He was thinking if he was going to put something on the blank wall but for now, he knew it wasn't necessary. His attention was now on the small box he halfheartedly brought together with him. He took a deep breath before opening that once had become too precious to him, a box containing lots of memories. He sat on top of the bed. He still felt that squeeze in his chest but he can't escape the fact that since he brought this box with him, he was still tied with the past. The very first thing he saw was the wristband Hisashi gave him back in their high school days, back when they were just starting to be friends playing on the same team, Shohoku.

Everyone knew their closeness. Although most of them were confused how come this Hisashi, a real badass himself befriended Kogure who was entirely his opposite. Hisashi belongs to a rich and prominent family in Kanagawa, Kogure, on the contrary, was calm and simple, raised by his grandmother alone, but he does very well at school. He gave Kogure the wristband the day before the bloody game against Sannoh.

Both of them decided to study at the same University a few minutes outside Kanagawa. Hisashi found out about his gender turmoil right after they had to leave Shohoku. His will to prove that he deserves to be the "Ace Player" against Rukawa was replaced by an obsession to gain his attention. He hoped that Kaede Rukawa wouldn't stop chasing him. He was terrified to admit he was helplessly attracted, he was craving too much. This unrequited feeling was unbeknownst to everyone except Kogure.

Kogure knew it not because Hisashi told him about this, but more precisely because it was obvious. He always got stories about Kaede, this and that, little slightest attention he gained from Rukawa, no matter how short and cold the conversation was and even an invite to play one-on-one with him. But what Hisashi dreaded the most was the fact that whatever it is, it will be forever unrequited.

Hisashi cried about it. Only Kogure was the only person present at the moment. Offering his shoulder to Hisashi to lean on, to cry, and to ask for comfort. That's when the two of them decided to share a mini flat near the University. It's Hisahi's idea of course and he even paid the rent since it's impossible at that time for Kogure to share. In return, Kogure did all the cleaning, cooking and maintenance. Kogure has always been so reliable. He can say whatever thoughts under the sun, any complaint against the world, frustrations, and even dating males. It seems like Kogure has become his talking journal. Their growing friendship made Kogure feel that he needed no one except Hisashi. He unconsciously hopes that it won't end. That they could remain like this. Like family. But Hisashi failed him. His circle isn't revolved in the presence of Kogure alone. He still had other friends, unfamiliar hobbies, and vices. It's something that Kogure's selfishness grew within him, not even knowing that he's capable to feel this kind of affection.

There were days that Hisashi went out for a drink. Kogure doesn't pay much attention to nightlife, he just stays sleeping in their flat, waiting. Hisashi sometimes brought home males with him. He cannot sort out if it's jealousy, he can't admit to himself if he has any growing feelings for his only friend. Definitely none, But what was this hollow, emptiness, and ache he felt whenever he woke up witnessing this scenario.

Kogure remained silent. Tolerating Hisashi with his vices. One time Hisashi told him that he was going out of town for three days. He only informed Kogure via text message. Unbeknownst to Hisashi, Kogure was terribly down due to his failing marks that might take his scholarship out. This is the very first time Kogure felt he needed someone but Hisashi wasn't there for him. After three days Hisashi went home and bought him a surprise he's always hoped he had a Parker fountain pen. He was honestly thankful but deep inside his gratefulness was streaked by a dark thin line of " I needed you, not this" But can he really be mad with Hisashi? No. Never.

Another series of failed hopes happened. Hisashi asked him out for stress relief and soon he agreed. But it was totally ruined after Rukawa invited Hisashi for a practice match. Everything is ready, not until Hisashi decides to cancel since this is Rukawa. Hisashi's valuable little fox since then. To maintain the situation ideal, Hisashi asked Kogure to join them but he just declined the invitation and decided to review for the upcoming exam.

Weeks passed by and he noticed a sudden change in Hisashi's behavior, less time, more time on the outside, nightlife, another friend, new club. Kogure felt Hisashi was too far from his reach and his only friend found a new circle, he was excluded.

Those unspoken rants and complaints went on, piled. He almost wanted to shut Hisashi down but he never had the guts to do so since Hisashi is the only one. How can he manage to stay away from someone who became merely part of his lonesome soul for the longest time? He felt that their friendship was untrue, false, one-sided.

The devastating news came when Kogure received that his application for his dream job was denied. And at the same time, Hisashi told him that he will be out for a week with his new boyfriend. Kogure cried because he felt totally alone. He was consumed by so much silent anger for Hisashi, for being neglected and taken for granted. After a couple of days of crying his eyes began to swell, he turned his phone off, changed his number, blocked Hisashi from messaging apps.

He left their home. No explanation, no goodbyes, no signs.

It was a box filled with items and memories; photos and souvenirs. Staring at them brought him sappy thoughts then suddenly it was getting blurry. His cheeks were wet as tears streamed down from his eyes. It hurts like hell. But he knew holding on will even hurt more and staying will prolong this agony. It's unbearable to see him happy with someone else while he was bottling in all his emotions. It was selfish but he knows it was courageous for him to let go. He prayed that may be at this moment of time Hisashi might be begging him for a comeback, to talk to him even just to yell at him, but he won't.